Tom Jenkins STEM

08/19/2026

MCESC (Made with Jobs For the Future) Pathways Implementation Toolkit in the comments below!

08/01/2026

We couldn't be more excited to be a part of one of only 5 projects selected nationally to expand career-connected learning!! Full story from Dayton Daily News in comments⬇️

"Career readiness shouldn't be reserved for a select few—it should be an opportunity available to every student. We've built a strong foundation through our Business Advisory Council network, and Ohio @ Work allows us to take that work even further by connecting employers and educators in ways that make learning more relevant, more engaging and more closely aligned with the future of Ohio's workforce." - Superintendent Dr. Shannon M. Cox

Along with our "Ohio @ Work" partners (📸:photographed below!), we will be able to serve approximately 77,000 students in middle and high school within our local districts. We could not do this work without our dedicated partners at Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Defined.

Let's get to work!

06/25/2026

As a member of the Advisory Council, I think people often assume that Invention Education is a complicated process requiring significant funding and extensive outside support. In reality, Invention Education can take many forms and is accessible to everyone. I encourage everyone to check out inventioneducation.org for the amazing resources available to help you get started. Your students will thank you!

As part of our recent InventEd Advisory Council discussion, we began exploring a big guiding question:

“What’s keeping invention education from the impact it could have?”
What quickly emerged is that we don’t all define “impact” in the same way.The conversation surfaced different perspectives about what “impact” means — from student outcomes like confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills to broader societal outcomes like workforce readiness, innovation, and economic opportunity.

When you think about the impact of invention education, what matters most to you? What outcomes should we be working toward — for young people, communities, and society?

06/15/2026

As a member of the Advisory Council, I believe every young person deserves access to a high-quality invention education experience. Invention education empowers students to apply academic knowledge to authentic problems while developing the durable skills—such as creativity, collaboration, communication, and perseverance—that are essential for success in school, careers, and life.

I chose to serve on the Advisory Council because, throughout my career as an educator, I have witnessed the transformative impact invention education can have on students. When young people are given the opportunity to identify problems, develop solutions, and create meaningful innovations, they gain confidence in their ability to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

I bring the perspective of a classroom educator, STEM leader, and invention education advocate who has seen firsthand how innovation-centered learning can engage students, expand opportunities, and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.

One of the questions we discussed during the first InventEd Advisory Council meeting was simple, but important:

Why did you join this work, and what strengths do you bring to invention education?

Council members reflected on motivations ranging from supporting young people’s creativity and problem-solving to strengthening pathways for innovation, workforce development, and community impact.

Now we’d love to hear from you:
What brought you to invention education? What perspectives, skills, or experiences do you feel you contribute to this community?

02/16/2026

I’m so proud to be a part of this amazing mission! Earning a 4-Star rating for the fourth year in a row is a massive win, but the real reward is the impact we’re having on our students.

This achievement is a direct result of the tireless work from our partners and staff: our industry and community partners, school districts, and our dedicated Career Navigators. Thank you for your commitment to creating meaningful pathways between education and industry.

Congratulations to the entire MCESC community! 🌟

We have some exciting breaking news to celebrate at MCESC this morning!

We are thrilled to share that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel have recognized the MCESC Business Advisory Council as a 4-Star Business Advisory Council for 2026 — marking our fourth consecutive year earning the highest possible rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Even more exciting: MCESC was one of only four Business Advisory Councils in the entire state of Ohio to receive additional Excellence Designations for our work in:
✔ Coordinating high-quality career development experiences
✔ Building strong, sustainable partnerships
✔ Developing professional skills for the future workforce

This recognition is a direct reflection of the dedication, innovation, and collaboration of our incredible BAC industry partners, districts, higher ed partners, community partners, and Subcommittee members. Your leadership and commitment to creating meaningful pathways between education and industry are making a lasting impact for students across our region.

We are proud. We are grateful. And we are energized to continue this important work together. Congratulations to all who were recognized today!!

- Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

09/25/2025

🚀 How can middle school students earn a U.S. patent? By tackling real-world problems with authentic STEM learning.

In this episode of How We Teach This, we talk with Tom Jenkins, National Board Certified Teacher and 2025 National Teachers Hall of Fame inductee, to explore inquiry, invention, and impact in rural STEM education.

You’ll hear how his middle school students earned a U.S. patent by solving a real-world problem, why his district built its own STEM curriculum instead of relying on pre-packaged programs, and how professional development can truly empower teachers to innovate.

🎧 Listen now: https://linktr.ee/hwtt

09/25/2025

09/21/2025

I’m incredibly thankful to have such a wonderfully supportive Ohio alumni group. Not only was there a state celebration for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 awardees, but we also honored the amazing 2024 and 2025 finalists. I also want to highlight that 3 of the last 5 state science winners are Dayton Regional STEM Center alumni! 😎

08/26/2025

🎓 Reflecting on the journey that led me into education, I’m filled with gratitude for Wright State University and the incredible professors who helped shape my path. Their mentorship and dedication prepared me for a fulfilling teaching career—one that continues to evolve in exciting ways.
To those who guided, challenged, and inspired me: thank you for believing in the power of education and for investing in future educators like me.


WSU Article: https://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2025/08/26/from-classroom-to-hall-of-fame/