Maxine Smith STEAM Academy

Shared Vision

The purpose of Maxine Smith STEAM Academy is to use effective and innovative instructional strategies that support Tennessee State Standards and are focused on educating, enriching and empowering the whole child to learn through laboratory activities, case studies, and positive student/teacher interaction. TEIs at Maxine Smith STEAM Academy will engage in science, technology, and mathematics instruction which is construed through engineering disciplines and embedded in the creative arts. Additionally, at the heart of the mission of Maxine Smith STEAM Academy is a focus on “greenSTEAM” topics where students use their creativity to engage in environment-based, problem-based learning to become environmentally literate. The STEAM coursework supports these goals as TEIs will benefit from technology mediated instruction and be required to take rigorous classes in coding/ programming, robotics, engineering, design and/or graphic arts. TEIs may also be required to complete summer reading expectations, and be given the opportunity to participate in STEM summer enrichment activities. Eligible Maxine Smith STEAM Academy TEIs will be able to receive high school credit in math, science, and foreign language.

Common Mission

Maxine Smith STEAM Academy will develop students’ creativity, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are all necessary for success in today’s world. With an emphasis on post- secondary readiness, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum will prepare TEIs for college, career, and beyond while producing environmentally literate students.