NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASHBURN, VA (July 7, 2023)—Mercer County Schools (West Virginia) has been honored with the prestigious AASA/JASON STEM Certification for outstanding accomplishments in STEM education. This certification signifies a district’s commitment to providing students with innovative and engaging learning experiences, equipping them with the skills needed for success in the 21st century.
The AASA/JASON STEM Certification is a testament to the exceptional efforts and dedication displayed by Mercer County Schools’ educators, administrators, students, and community members. Mercer County Schools has gone above and beyond to create an environment that inspires and empowers the next generation of STEM leaders.
“I am pleased that Mercer County Schools has been recognized as a STEM district by AASA and JASON Learning. Mercer County has always been committed to fostering innovation and offering our students the best possible education. By investing in science, technology, engineering and math instruction, with the guidance and resources from JASON Learning, we are ensuring our students are well prepared to compete in the ever-evolving job market.”
Edward Toman, Superintendent of Mercer County Schools
The JASON team provided this feedback regarding Mercer County School’s application:
- Mercer County Schools in West Virginia has established pockets of excellence centered around high-quality, memorable, and engaging “event-style” STEM learning experiences.
- Their commitment to continuous growth in STEM education for all students throughout the district is commendable.
- The Mercer County Technical Education Center has played a pivotal role in identifying career pathways and creating comprehensive educational plans and support systems for students, facilitating a seamless transition to further education and training.
“It’s clear that Mercer County is up for the challenge of continued growth in STEM learning for every student throughout their district.”
Dr. Eleanor Smalley, President and CEO of JASON Learning
Mercer County Schools has consistently prioritized STEM education as a cornerstone of its academic philosophy. By incorporating hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications into the curriculum, the district successfully fosters a culture of scientific inquiry and technological literacy.
“Our educators and administrators returned from the 2023 JASON National Conference ready to explore new possibilities in STEM and passionate about continuing the work that made us a STEM district. I support them in implementing these innovative ideas in our schools. I am confident that this recognition will only bolster our district’s reputation as a leader in STEM education and create even more opportunities for our students.”
Edward Toman, Superintendent of Mercer County Schools
The district remains deeply committed to nurturing STEM excellence and will continue to collaborate with industry partners and educators to ensure its students’ success in the rapidly evolving STEM landscape.
For more information about the AASA/JASON STEM Certification, please visit https://jason.org/stem-certification-2/.
Contact Matt Sieloff, Vice President of Implementation and Development at JASON Learning, at msieloff@jason.org if you are interested in pursuing STEM Certification.
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About JASON Learning
JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through real-world STEM curricula, project-based learning experiences for Pre-K-12 students, and high-quality professional development for teachers. JASON’s mission is to “inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.” To learn more about JASON, visit https://jason.org/.
JASON Media Contact: Jenna Davis, jdavis@jason.org.
About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.
