Amana Academy Hosts 30+ Educators at Pre-Conference Visit, Showcases Certified STEM Program
Arshalia S walks visitors through documentation panels and explains how STEM is incorporated into learning expeditions
It wasn’t 8th Grader Arshalia S.’s first time serving as a student docent for a VIP visit or tour at Amana Academy in downtown Alpharetta, but this group of visitors was different. It was made up of leading educators from across the nation and around the world, and Arshalia could not be faulted for being a little intimidated. “We practiced a lot before our guests arrived, but I was still a little nervous because I knew that they were coming from all over, and some were even board members from EL Education.”
8th grader Amir demonstrates the mobile app he developed in his High School Intro to Software Technology Class
Amana Academy, a leader in education innovation, recently welcomed 30+ educators for a pre-conference site visit ahead of the EL Education National Conference held in Atlanta. The visit provided a firsthand look at Amana Academy’s certified STEM program, which integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with a focus on real-world problem-solving and social impact.
The highlight of the day was a tour led by Amana Academy’s student docents, who impressed attendees with their confidence, knowledge, and ability to articulate the school’s unique educational approach. From demonstrating engineering projects to explaining how coding is used to address community challenges, the students embodied the principles of applied learning and leadership that define the Amana experience. 8th Grader, Amir F., said that he loved getting to show the guests the mobile app that he has been working on in his High School Intro to Software Technology class – “I designed an app to help people who are experiencing homelessness find shelter and resources specific to their individual needs. I’m still working on it, but it was great to get feedback from our guests on ways I could improve it. I’m definitely going to incorporate their suggestions.”
EL Education’s Chief Academic Officer, Ron Berger, a featured speaker at the conference, commended Amana Academy for its innovative approach to STEM education. “I was struck by the power of using coding as a tool to tackle social justice issues,” Berger said. “Seeing students at Amana Academy not just learning technical skills but applying them to make a difference in their communities is a testament to what education can achieve.”
EL Education Chief Academic Officer, Ron Berger, speaks to guests.
Amana Academy’s program exemplifies the core values of EL Education, a Harvard-based model for teaching and learning which emphasizes hands-on learning, character development, and meaningful engagement with the world beyond the classroom. The site visit underscored these principles, showcasing projects where students used STEM knowledge to create sustainable solutions for real-world problems.
The visit set an inspiring tone for the EL Education National Conference, where one thousand educators gathered to exchange ideas and celebrate innovative teaching practices. Amana Academy’s impact on visiting educators was clear, with many expressing their enthusiasm for integrating similar approaches in their own schools.
For more information about Amana Academy and its programs, visit www.amanaacademy.org.
