Over the past four years, our professional learning has shifted from individual subject learners to a STEM focus. Model Schools, 2016, is when we experienced a shift towards STEM education, incorporating project-based learning across the curriculum. During this shift, our professional learning became continuous throughout the school year and the summers seeking opportunities for deepening our knowledge of STEM education.

Part of our growth is attributed to Professional Learning Communities (PLC). Our PLC's are scheduled once per month for both grade levels and each content specific teacher and special education teachers. During our PLC's, teachers are given time to share their unique experiences in STEM growth and education.

Summer learning opportunities vary for each teacher depending on his or her needs. We attended the Model Schools Conference, 2016, in Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida, for two consecutive years. At Model Schools, teachers learned about Makerspaces, Legos, and were able to choose breakout sessions specifically designed for their content areas. To support our STEM vision over the past four years, many teachers and Dr. McCurdy wrote and received grants from the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, the Snook Foundation, the Tanger Outlet, the Extra Yard from the University of South Alabama, and Baldwin Electric Membership.

Our teachers also attended The Ron Clark Academy where they learned transformative teaching techniques in their content areas as well as teaching students soft skills while improving school climate and culture.

Teachers traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, for educator training at The Ron Clark Academy in the spring of 2019. The Academy demonstrated how we could effectively transform a traditional classroom into a fun, rigorous space for learning by incorporating technology, dance, and singing. Of course we also earned slide certification!

Kagan is a research-based learning method to increase student engagement, improve academic achievement, support student relations, and reduce discipline problems. At the beginning of the 2019 school year, teachers participated in Kagan Cooperative Learning training and received personalized Kagan coaching. Additionally, we hosted a Kagan workshop for ELL teachers from our school and around the county during one of our professional development days.