Teacher Development Grant 2026-2027 Project Summary

Dr. Amanda McBride

Lincoln County High School • Fayetteville, TN

Lincoln County High School (LCHS) teacher, Dr. Amanda McBride, has been awarded a grant from the McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation to launch an interdisciplinary professional learning initiative that brings together teachers from Computer Science, Engineering, STEM, and Business/Management. Working collaboratively, educators will design and implement a “Technology Innovation Pipeline” that guides students through the process of idea generation, engineering design, prototyping, data analysis, ethical decision-making, and business planning. Teachers will pilot inquiry-based, project-based lessons, reflect on student learning, and refine instructional practices to create meaningful learning experiences that connect multiple disciplines.

Designed specifically for the unique needs of a rural school community, the project will serve approximately 1,200 students in this Tennessee community. It expands access to emerging technology education while building teacher capacity in cross-disciplinary instruction. Students will participate in authentic, hands-on projects that strengthen computational thinking, problem-solving, and career-ready skills, while teachers develop sustainable instructional resources that can be shared with other educators. By documenting lesson plans, assessment tools, and reflective practices, the team will create a replicable model for innovative teaching that supports student success and expands technology-rich learning opportunities in rural schools.

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