FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Green Jean Foundation Celebrates WIlkinson Elementary for Achieving the National Certificate for STEM Excellence (NCSE)
Proud Partner in Wilkinson Elementary’s Two-Year Journey to STEM Distinction
Sarasota, FL — February 6, 2025 — Green Jean Foundation is honored to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Wilkinson Elementary which has earned the prestigious National Certificate for STEM Excellence (NCSE) after two years of dedicated work and transformative growth. This milestone reflects not only the school’s unwavering commitment to STEM education but also the powerful collaboration between educators, students, and community partners like us.
At Green Jean Foundation, we believe that strong partnerships are the cornerstone of educational excellence. Supporting Wilkinson Elementary on this journey has been both inspiring and rewarding. Together, we’ve witnessed firsthand how intentional STEM practices can ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and prepare students to thrive in an ever-evolving, technology-driven world.
Achieving NCSE certification is no small feat. It required Wilkinson Elementary to embark on a comprehensive process guided by STEM leadership coaches from the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE). This included crafting and executing a robust STEM Action Plan, enhancing classroom practices through 15 identified STEM Teacher Actions, and elevating a culture of innovation and inquiry across the campus. While the certification process required a minimum of five educators to earn the National Certificate for STEM Teaching (NCST), Wilkinson Elementary went above and beyond, with ten dedicated teachers achieving this certification—doubling the requirement and significantly strengthening the school’s instructional capacity.
“What sets Wilkinson apart is not just their ability to meet the rigorous standards of NCSE but their passion for embedding STEM into the very fabric of their teaching and learning,” said Rachael WItherspoon, Education Director at Green Jean Foundation’s. “Their success is a testament to the power of perseverance, professional growth, and a shared vision for student excellence.”
The NCSE certification recognizes schools that excel in three key areas: 1. STEM Foundations: Mastering the core elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. 2. Integrated Learning: Fostering meaningful connections across disciplines to create real-world relevance. 3. 21st-Century Skills: Equipping students with problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and adaptability to succeed in today’s global landscape.
As proud supporters of Wilkinson Elementary, we look forward to continuing our partnership and watching the next generation of STEM leaders emerge from these classrooms. Congratulations to the entire Wilkinson community — students, educators, families, leaders, and especially Principal Susan Nations — whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in this achievement. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment have set a new standard for STEM excellence, and we couldn’t be prouder to stand with you.
At the Green Jean Foundation, we believe education is essential for building a stronger future, starting with youth and extending to all levels of society. Engaging young minds early helps prepare future generations to tackle critical challenges such as feeding a growing population and protecting our natural resources.
Media Contact: info@greenjeanfounation.org
