CES teacher wins $7,500 for supplies
Claxton Elementary School’s Stormie Adkins, a fourth-grade math and science teacher, recently won $7,500 for new classroom technology.
The reward came from Oak Ridge Associated Universities, a nonprofit in Oak Ridge that works with 160 Ph.D.-granting institutions.
Adkins won the money as part of the Extreme Classroom Makeover Awards, an ORAU news release stated.
In her third year of teaching, Adkins offered a variety of ideas for how she would like to use this kind of grant money, such as STEM kits and a portable learning board.
But the first thing she listed was a desire to better connect with her students on the most-basic level.
“I have many students from other countries who do not speak English,” Adkins wrote in her application.
“We currently have to use my phone for communication,” she said.
“However, if I had iPads, my students would have the ability to communicate anytime and anywhere.”
ORAU reviewed dozens of applications from educators around East Tennessee who were vying for money to improve the technology in their classrooms.
The grand prize of this annual competition is $25,000; runner-up receives $5,000; viewers’ choice is awarded $2,500.
Adkins won the runner-up and viewers’ choice prizes.
“I want our students to fall in love with learning and all the possibilities that education will open up for them,” she said
“I want them to know they have the skills and tools that are preparing them to be the best they can be and succeed in the future,” Adkins wrote in her application.
Jim Sears, ORAU senior vice president and director of government services, made a surprise appearance to present the oversized checks and thank Adkins for her commitment to math and science education.
“We love Ms. Adkins’ ideas and her desire to connect with her students,” Sears said.
“At ORAU, we are deeply committed to empowering educators who are passionately advancing STEM education,” he said.
“By awarding $7,500 to Ms. Adkins, we are not just funding essential classroom equipment, we are investing in the future of Claxton Elementary’s bright young minds and supporting the school’s ambitious journey toward achieving a coveted STEAM designation. It’s our privilege to play a part in shaping an environment where curiosity meets opportunity.”
The STEAM designation in Tennessee is a special recognition for leadership in science, technology, engineering, arts and math education.
