Oldenburg Academy Teacher Hensley Is September's STEMstar

Steven Hensley’s expertise in computer science has helped him earn the award from Genesis: Pathways to Success

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(Ripley County, Ind.) - In recognition of significant contribution to STEM education, Genesis: Pathways to Success (GPS) is pleased to announce that Steven Hensley is September’s STEMstar.

Hensley is an educator at Oldenburg Academy. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry and a certificate in Laboratory Sciences, and he is an Amazon Future Engineer Pathway Educator.  Hensley’s expertise in computer science, however, is what places him in the spotlight this month.  

“Steven is a great educator who enjoys creating a unique environment in his classroom,” commented Jonathon Maple, Assistant Principal, Oldenburg Academy.  “Steven relates well to the students and goes above and beyond finding resources.”

The growth of computer science in Ripley County is attributed to an Education Workforce Innovation Network (EWIN) grant received by the Ripley County Community Foundation in 2016 and facilitated by GPS.  This grant engaged an enthusiastic group of educators, including Hensley, who received Computer Science training through Nextech. 

“We are astounded by the impact the EWIN grant has had on teachers and students in our area,” said GPS Director, Cheryll Obendorf.  “The growth of CS programs in our schools is phenomenal, and teachers like Mr. Hensley are largely responsible for that growth.”

The growth is demonstrated in the numbers. During the 2017-2018 school year, Oldenburg Academy offered one section of advanced placement (AP) computer science principles with an enrollment of 10 students. This year, 39 students are enrolled in three sections of AP computer science principles and one section of AP computer science A.   Additionally, Oldenburg Academy is hosting an extracurricular Hack Club for any student interested in computer science.  

Not only is Hensley GPS’s September STEMstar, but Nextech also chose to feature him for his work in STEM education. 

“The look on a student’s face of surprise and delight when they discover something they had no idea they liked or even existed is what motivates me to be better every day,” said Hensley in his interview with Nextech.

Nextech’s mission is to spotlight technical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills of K-12 students while inspiring and enabling youth from all backgrounds to pursue careers in technology.

GPS is certainly proud of his work and congratulates Hensley for being this month’s STEMstar.

GPS began the STEMstar program in January 2017 to recognize students and educators who are making strides in STEM. To nominate a STEMstar, please fill out the STEMstar form at http://bit.ly/STEMstar.