Oakwood Schools in Ohio is making waves with its growing STEM culture, earning the Emerging-level National STEM Certification from AASA and JASON Learning. This certification recognizes school districts that are purposefully developing STEM learning ecosystems that empower both students and educators to explore, connect, and grow.
The Emerging designation is the first of three tiers in the AASA/JASON National STEM Certification Framework. It celebrates districts that are laying the groundwork for strong STEM culture and instruction, with clear goals and promising practices already taking shape.
The review team found compelling evidence of Oakwood’s strategic effort to build a culture where STEM learning thrives—from early classroom practices to community-wide engagement. A standout example is the district’s STEM Speaker Series, which brings caregivers and professionals into classrooms to share real-world experiences. This initiative not only teaches students about STEM careers—it makes them feel accessible and exciting, particularly for middle and high school learners beginning to explore their own futures.
“A key part of this success came through the creation of STEM Champion roles at each of our schools this year,” said Superintendent Dr. Neil Gupta. “These positions, made possible through the support of our Board of Education, have helped drive building-level leadership and alignment in STEM programming.”
Under the leadership of Dr. Kimbe Lange, Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction, the STEM Champions include:
- Courtney Schacherer – Smith Elementary
- Jodi Allen – Lange School
- Scott Gowdy – Harman School
- Rachel Keyes – Oakwood Junior High
- Katie Poppa – Oakwood High School
While Oakwood has built a strong foundation, the district is eager to expand its efforts to reach students starting in Kindergarten and continuing through graduation. The review team also commended Oakwood’s attention to academic rigor and employability skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are critical elements for success in both college and careers.
“I’m incredibly grateful to our staff for dedicating themselves to this work and to our Board of Education for supporting bold ideas and creating the space for innovation to grow. Together, we are laying the foundation for something lasting, something that will benefit generations of Oakwood students.”
—Dr. Neil Gupta, Superintendent of Oakwood Schools
This certification marks an exciting milestone in Oakwood’s STEM journey. With continued focus and collaboration, the district is well on its way to creating a vertically aligned, K–12 STEM ecosystem that connects students to real-world learning and future-ready opportunities.
Congratulations to Oakwood Schools on this well-earned recognition.
Learn more about the AASA/JASON STEM Certification process at https://jason.org/stem-certification-2/.
