Schools
#MNPSVoices: Lisa Staten, STEAM Entrepreneurship Teacher At Glencliff Elementary School
She leads the Incubation Lab, where students are armed with materials and technology to create and innovate.
January 22, 2021
#MNPSVoices: Lisa Staten, STEAM Entrepreneurship Teacher at Glencliff Elementary School
At Glencliff Entrepreneurship STEAM Magnet Elementary School in South Nashville, students are not only working on core subjects but pitching business ideas and growing their concepts into reality.
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Glencliff is one of five recipients of the Magnet School Assistance Program (MSAP), a federal grant that supports in-depth, collaborative and hands-on curriculums. The schools have different themes that address global problems and show young minds that they can be part of creating a better world. The entrepreneurial lens at Glencliff is used in every class, each teacher is trained in techniques to bring in aspects of the four C’s — collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication including project based learning (PBL).
Lisa Staten is the entrepreneurial classroom teacher, leading a learning space also known as the Incubation Lab, where students are armed with hands on materials and activities, craft supplies and technology to create and innovate. The Incubation Lab focuses on using entrepreneurial curriculum from Unchartered Learning (Fresh Inc.) and Venture Lab. Staten has worked at Glencliff for three years but has been teaching for 23 years. She has a natural knack for working with younger students, even when she was growing up in Waverly, Tenn.
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Staten spent part of her time at Glencliff working with gifted and talented students, an experience she thinks will help her identify strengths in her Innovation Lab students. In the lab, students practice the engineering design process where they are allowed to interpret assignments creatively and tailored to their strengths.
“Even virtually, it is amazing to see what our students are capable of,” said Staten. “I’m always wowed when I see what students produce when they are given the chance to shine.”
Projects in the Innovation Lab have included a Shark Tank-style competition where students develop an idea of a product they want to design and create, study that specific trade and learn how to manage budgets, costs and sale prices. They do the same type of work with their real slushie business, the Eagles Nest Slushie Sensation — even designing a logo and branding for the company. The school is currently working on developing a student-led garden center that will continue to focus and enhance entrepreneurial skills.
“The kids love how hands-on the projects are,” Staten said. “And while they are having fun, they are also developing life-long problem-solving skills.”
For parents considering Glencliff Entrepreneurship STEAM Magnet Elementary for next year, Staten believes it is a great option for all students. The entrepreneurial theme helps students to become more equipped to become innovators, leaders and trendsetters for the future. All students participate in a program called Engineering is Elementary. While school is virtual, Glencliff holds L.I.G.H.T. Nights, virtual engagement events for families. L.I.G.H.T. stands for learning ignites global happy thinkers. After the pandemic, students will resume experiencing in-person academic field trips.
“I’ve seen multilayered positives change at Glencliff over the past three years in terms of student and family optimism about the programs, the teacher buy-in to the entrepreneurial curriculum and the way our school building has transformed to be colorful and engaging,” MSAP site coordinator Dr. Meagan Smart said.
Smart sees schools like hers as a real foundation for students and their futures, teaching more real-world skills like public speaking and financial education.
Glencliff Elementary Optional Application
The MNPS school options application period is from Jan. 25 to Feb. 12. You can apply to attend Glencliff or explore our other 159 school options at mnps.org/explore.
If you are interested in learning more about Glencliff, join the staff for a virtual open house on Feb. 11 from 4 to 5 p.m. Email or call the school, (615) 333.5105, for additional details.
Connect with Glencliff Elementary
This press release was produced by the Metro Nashville Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.