(Murfreesboro, TN)- Cason Lane Academy, a Murfreesboro City School, was named a Tennessee Designated STEM School by the Tennessee Department of Education in partnership with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network.   Cason Lane Academy was one of only six elementary schools in the state to receive this designation in 2021. The Tennessee STEM School Designation denotes that a school meets the highest standards of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) instruction and is a model for schools across the state.  

“I am extremely excited for Cason Lane Academy. Dr. Bullard’s commitment to this process, even through this challenging year, shows the depth of this school’s dedication to STEM,” says Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Schools. “The teachers at Cason Lane have worked tirelessly to bring STEM to their students.” 

STEM education is a unique approach to teaching and learning that fosters creativity and innovative thinking in all students. STEM is focused on building critical and creative thinking and analysis skills by addressing how students view and experience the world around them.  

“We are thrilled to receive this designation. Our team has done an amazing job during this process and seeing their hard work pay off has been incredible,” says Dr. Caitlin Bullard, Principal. “We are proud to be leading the way to ensure our students are prepared for the future.” 

The Cason Lane Academy STEM Team is led by Principal Dr. Caitlin Bullard, Assistant Principal, Sonya Cox, and leaders Rachel Matthews, Robyn Trowbridge, Julie Seymour, Ashley Bija, Jessica Wing, Kristy Timberlake, Bree Payson, Maegan Miller, Tessa Person, Amy Walker, and Tabitha Rodriguez.

This is the fifth STEM designation received by Murfreesboro City Schools, including Overall Creek in 2018, Discovery School in 2019, Bradley Academy and Erma Siegel in 2020. Strong STEM teaching and learning opportunities rest on inquiry, technology, and project-based learning activities and lessons that are tied to the real world. It is a diverse, interdisciplinary curriculum where activities in one class complement those in other classes.

Cason Lane Academy integrates STEM curriculum with project-based learning across all subject areas and programs both inside and outside the classroom. To receive this momentous designation, Cason Lane Academy successfully completed the designation rubric including five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and post-secondary partnerships. As a part of the process, schools were required to submit a plan of action for implementing and sustaining STEM education for the next five years.  

The Tennessee State Board of Education also recognized Cason Lane Academy in 2019 as a National Blue Ribbon School. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.