“Rural doesn’t mean limited. It means finding creative ways to help every student grow.”
– Richard Surrency, Superintendent, Putnam County School District
In rural northeast Florida, where small towns dot the landscape and natural beauty abounds, an educational transformation is taking root. The Putnam County School District has discovered that STEM learning flourishes best when it grows organically through every aspect of a student’s day – from morning physics in physical education to afternoon engineering in art class.
About Putnam County
Nestled among the natural wonders of northeast Florida, Putnam County’s thirteen schools serve a diverse community bound together by small-town values and big dreams. The district encompasses 8 elementary schools, 4 secondary schools, and 1 pre-K ESE learning center, each playing a vital role in their comprehensive approach to STEM education.
The visionaries behind this transformation include:
- Richard Surrency, Superintendent, Putnam County School District
- Ashley McCool, Director of Community Relations
- Kathleen Schofield, Executive Director, STEM2Hub
Innovative Practice: Weaving STEM Into Every Subject
Putnam County’s approach revolutionizes how we think about STEM education in rural settings. Their innovative systemic delivery model breaks down traditional subject barriers, integrating STEM concepts across every facet of education. This includes career technical programs, academic core courses, sports, character development, soft skills, arts, and music.
The innovation lies in how the district reimagined everyday school activities as STEM learning opportunities. In physical education, students analyze the physics of movement and athletic performance. Art classes become laboratories for engineering and design thinking as students explore materials, structure, and form. Music programs incorporate sound wave technology and digital composition, while theater productions integrate lighting design and sound engineering.
This approach extends beyond traditional classrooms through several key innovations:
- A STEM lending library that provides resources to teachers across all subjects
- A STEM School Council that aligns curriculum across different school stages
- Professional development that helps teachers identify STEM connections in their subjects
- Partnerships with organizations like STEM2Hub, Code.org, LEGO Education and WozED that bring cutting-edge resources to rural classrooms.
The district’s approach demonstrates that STEM education isn’t about adding new classes—it’s about revealing the STEM principles already present in everyday learning experiences.
Impact Story
The transformation in Putnam County extends far beyond test scores and classroom achievements. Over eight years, this initiative has reshaped the educational landscape of northeast Florida, creating ripples of change throughout the community.
At the student level, the impact is profound. Students who once saw themselves as “just athletes” or “just artists” now recognize themselves as engineers, problem-solvers, and innovators. A student athlete might analyze game footage using physics principles, while a band member might explore the mathematics of musical composition.
The program has particularly transformed opportunities for students in this rural community. By making STEM accessible through familiar activities and subjects, students who might have felt disconnected from traditional STEM subjects are discovering new passions and career paths. The district has seen increased engagement in advanced courses and STEM-related extracurricular activities.
In the broader community, the impact has been transformative:
- Local industries report a growing pipeline of skilled graduates ready for technical careers
- Teachers across the district have become STEM advocates, finding new ways to incorporate technology and engineering principles into their subjects
- Families are more engaged in STEM learning, participating in community events and supporting their children’s STEM interests
- The local economy has benefited from a more skilled workforce and increased interest from technology-focused businesses
Perhaps most significantly, the program has changed the narrative about what’s possible in rural education. Other districts now look to Putnam County as a model for how to build comprehensive STEM education with limited resources. The success has attracted new partnerships and resources, creating a positive feedback loop that continues to benefit the community.
Through both in-school and afterschool programs, the initiative has created lasting change in how students, teachers, and the community view STEM education. It’s no longer seen as a separate subject for a select few, but as an integral part of learning that connects school to real-world success.
Implementation Journey
Putnam County’s path to STEM excellence followed a carefully cultivated strategy:
- Building the Foundation The journey began with assembling a dedicated team of educators passionate about STEM integration. Professional development became a cornerstone, ensuring teachers felt confident incorporating STEM concepts into their subjects.
- Starting Small, Thinking Big The mobile makerspace became their symbol of possibility, traveling between schools to give every student hands-on STEM experiences. As teachers saw student engagement soar, the program naturally grew roots in each school.
- Growing Deep and Wide Through strategic partnerships and grant writing, the program expanded steadily. Today, every school has dedicated STEM spaces and resources, but more importantly, every teacher has become a STEM teacher in their own way.
“The transformative work we’ve accomplished together in the Putnam County Schools exemplifies the profound impact that strategic, system-wide approaches can have in rural districts. This model not only empowers students with the tools to succeed in STEM but also serves as a beacon for similar communities nationwide, demonstrating how innovation and collaboration can bridge gaps and unlock potential.”
– Kathleen Schofield, Executive Director, STEM2Hub
Looking Ahead
Putnam County continues to nurture their STEM ecosystem, expanding career pathway opportunities and deepening community partnerships. They’re sharing their experiences with other rural districts, helping spread the message that location and resources don’t determine educational excellence.
