Mercer County teachers present Jason conference takeaways; district named an 'empowering STEM district'

Members of Mercer County Public Schools who attended the Jason National Conference shared key takeaways with the board July 13 and the district announced it had been named an 'empowering STEM district.' The presentations highlighted early‑grade problem solving, career pathway certifications for data‑center work and district supports to expand STEM instruction.

Stacy Trivette, a second‑grade teacher, told the board the conference emphasized teaching students to spot problems and persist in solving them. "You have to learn that perseverance and problem solving," Trivette said, describing classroom strategies she said can be taught beginning in second grade so students arrive at high school with problem‑solving skills.

Peggy Moore (Pikeview) and other presenters described conference sessions on topics such as 'liminal literacy' and regenerative soil as useful counterpoints to the rush toward new technologies. Another presenter urged the district to consider data‑center certification programs (data center dynamics) that could prepare students for well‑paying local jobs.

Superintendent Tomlin said the district submitted a packet of evidence and now is one of a small number of districts nationwide to earn the empowering STEM recognition; he asked the board to join a photo with the banner and said a national banner and another level of recognition are forthcoming.

Board members praised the teachers' work bringing conference ideas back to classrooms and discussed follow‑up steps including classroom supports, strategic plan review and using communications materials to highlight district STEM work.

The district said it will share the Jason conference program and the letter recognizing the district with trustees and will post related materials in future meeting packets.