At the Chickasaw Nation's Science, Technology and Math Academy (STM Academy), Clayton Edwards is more than teacher.
Working beyond the traditional 8 to 5 workday in an environment that resembles more of a science lab than a classroom, his duties include teaching computer programming, hands-on experiments with students and devising curriculum for science classes. As a mentor in the FIRST Family of Programs, Edwards directs team members regarding solutions to various robotics design and technical problems.
Edwards has excelled as a mentor and a leader to the Chickasaw students ages 6-18 who study at the academy.
As a result, he was recently selected by FIRST Family of Programs and the United States Air Force to attend an all-expense-paid leadership program.
Edwards was one of 24 educators selected from a pool of 250 applicants for the recent two-day leadership program at Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral, Fla. At Patrick Air Force Base, Edwards received training that encouraged his natural leadership skills.
"The Air Force Leadership program was unlike anything I have experienced before," explained Edwards. "We were pushed to think of multiple solutions to problems, all within a group setting and using real rockets as the backdrop."
Meant to inspire educators within the FIRST organization that has direct contact with students, this event paid off for Edwards.
"I am excited to try some of the group projects we did in Florida with my students this year," said Edwards. "I was able to talk to other mentors from across the country about the organization of their teams, curriculum and leadership."
Founded by Dean Kamen in 1989, the FIRST Family of Programs helps inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging children in hands-on, mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills. Modeled much like a varsity sporting event, these annual programs culminate in an international robotics competition and celebration, where teams win recognition, gain self-confidence and learn valuable people skills.
In the 2011-2012 year, the FIRST programs had close to 300,000 youth participants and more than 100,000 mentors, coaches and volunteers from 60 plus countries. Since its beginning, the FIRST Family of Programs continues to grow.
Having a history that includes a tradition of educational excellence, in 2008 the Chickasaw Nation recognized FIRST shared their vision for Chickasaw students. That year, the Chickasaw Nation started its first robotics team in the program. That team advanced to national competition in Atlanta, Georgia, where it was selected for the National Rookie All Star Award for making significant contributions to the local community..
"We became involved with the FIRST program because it is a great way to expand on our efforts to promote an interest in science and technology," said Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. "Mentors and role models in these arenas inspire our young people with powerful evidence of the tremendous opportunities available in these fields."
The Chickasaw Nation Aviation and Space Academy (CNASA), which was founded in 2003, is designed to inspire students to take an interest in aviation, space, engineering and related fields. For the Chickasaw Nation Division of Education, it was a seamless transition to incorporate the two programs together under one roof.
Finished in 2010, a 7,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility named the Science, Technology and Math Academy was completed. This building provides the FIRST Family of Programs, which includes eight teams, CNASA and other educational programs of the Chickasaw Nation with a devoted location to conduct meetings, research information for projects, build robots, and simulate tournament play.
"During the school year we focus on the robotics programs," explained Edwards. "In April the robotics season is over and the staff works on the CNASA and summer science classes. However, our robotic students don't disappear as many are involved with CNASA, either as a cadet or by volunteering to their help. We incorporate the robots built by the FIRST students into CNASA and the curriculum of the summer classes to prepare for the next season."
Edwards, 26, is a life-long resident of Ada, Okla. He graduated from Ada High School in 2004. Math and science is a passion. He pursued a bachelor degree in the mathematics field from East Central University, graduating in 2010. Before working for the Chickasaw Nation's STM Academy, Edwards was a substitute teacher at Allen High School. His future plans include continuing his education.
For more information, contact Oscar Gore of the Science, Technology and Math Academy at (580) 272-1223.
