LAFAYETTE, Tenn. (May 20, 2025) – Michael Vigeant, a teacher from Macon County Junior High School in Lafayette, Tenn., is among ten middle school teachers from ten states who have been selected to participate in the prestigious National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development program providing advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) training, national network building and project support for middle school science teachers nationwide.
Created in partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University (WKU), the National STEM Scholar Program selects ten teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on the description of a “big idea” Challenge Project the applicant would implement in their classroom if funds were available. Selected projects are chosen for maximum impact in middle school classrooms where research shows lifelong STEM career decisions are being made. STEM Scholars convene on WKU’s campus for a week of advanced STEM training and finalize their projects with input from their STEM Scholar class colleagues.
It is easy for our school districts to tell you how important STEM is. What is difficult is to find high-quality programs that can help us teachers effect real change in the classroom. I don't want to make myself a better teacher – I want the tools to make my students better learners and leaders,” said Michael Vigeant.