Melfa, VA – Educators from Accomack County Public Schools and Northampton County Public Schools took a significant step toward transforming STEM education this week as they gathered at Eastern Shore Community College for an intensive design thinking training session. The training, led by Dr. John Baaki, an Old Dominion University faculty member and affiliate of the Center for Educational Innovation & Opportunity, is part of the ongoing preparations for the launch of the Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore, set to open in fall 2025.
The Aerospace Academy, one of Virginia’s College Partnership Lab Schools, aims to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction to real-world applications in aerospace engineering, aviation, and other high-tech fields. The design thinking training is equipping teachers with innovative problem-solving strategies, collaborative teaching methods, and instructional approaches that will not only shape the Aerospace Academy but also enhance learning experiences in schools across the region.
Dr. Rachel White, director of the Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore, emphasized the significance of this professional development in shaping the future of education on the Eastern Shore. “The Aerospace Academy is not just about preparing students for careers in aerospace—it’s about preparing them for the future,” White said. “By integrating design thinking into our teaching, we are creating classrooms where students can develop creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These are essential abilities that will serve them in any career path they choose.”
Throughout the training, teachers participated in interactive workshops, team-based problem-solving exercises, and discussions on integrating design thinking principles into their curriculum. Design thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation, encourages educators to reimagine traditional teaching methods by fostering adaptability, creativity, and student-driven learning.
White highlighted the broader impact of the training, noting that its benefits extend beyond the Aerospace Academy itself. “While this training is helping us prepare for the launch of the Aerospace Academy, it is also giving educators across the region valuable tools that they can bring into their own classrooms right now,” White said. “These strategies will help foster student engagement and create dynamic learning experiences that go beyond memorization and standardized instruction.”
While the training is directly linked to the Aerospace Academy, its impact extends across Accomack and Northampton County Public Schools. The ability to apply design thinking principles will enhance both student engagement and instructional effectiveness, ensuring that learning experiences remain relevant and meaningful.
White expressed gratitude for the commitment of educators and the collaboration between institutions. “We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated teachers, school leaders, and higher education partners who recognize the importance of innovation in education,” she said. “By working together, we are building a program that will provide students with unparalleled opportunities to explore, create, and develop the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.”
The Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore is a collaborative effort between Old Dominion University, Accomack County Public Schools, Northampton County Public Schools, and Eastern Shore Community College. As preparations continue for its launch, the commitment to innovation in K-12 education remains strong, with educators across the region embracing new approaches that will better prepare students for success in college and the workforce.
As Virginia continues to lead in educational innovation, programs like the Aerospace Academy are ensuring that students on the Eastern Shore have access to high-quality, future-focused learning experiences. The dedication of educators, school divisions, and higher education partners is driving a new era of collaboration and opportunity, one that will shape the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders.
