Kenneth Mims
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Kenneth Mims is an American educator and advocate for neurodiverse students, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).[1]
Education
[edit]Mims earned his bachelor's degree in physics from Hampton University. He then received a master's degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Science from Georgia State University. Mims furthered his education by completing additional graduate coursework in Nonprofit Leadership from Arizona State University.[2][3]
Career
[edit]In 2011, Mims began his teaching career as a STEM teacher at a community-centered Charter School in the city of Philadelphia. While teaching at Snellville Middle School in Gwinnett County Public Schools he first learned about the autism spectrum and became deeply interested in understanding this condition.[4] Mims observed autism characteristics similar to his and college peers in physics. As he learn more about autism, Mims focused on developing instruction that would equip students on the spectrum to transition to college and future careers.[5][4]
In 2017, Mims founded the Science Prep Academy (SPA) in Phoenix, Arizona,[4][6] a school specifically designed to support neurodiverse students, particularly those on the autism spectrum.[7] The microschool opened in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 4, 2017, for 6th to 12th grades.[6] Maintaining small-class sizes, SPA's educational model uses constructivism methods, including a multimedia approach, to assist students with their social and emotional needs and academic achievement.[5][8] Focusing on STEM education, Mims's curriculum approach integrates technology and project-based learning and utilizes individualized instruction, hands-on learning, and real-world applications of scientific concepts.[6][4] In 2022, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and Janine Yass, founder of the Yass Prize, presented a STOP Award, the Ducey Prize of $1 million, to SPA. [9][8]
In May 2019, Mims was selected as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. During his fellowship, Mims worked as a legislative fellow in a congressional office on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.[10][11]
In January 2021, after returning from his fellowship, Mims helped Science Prep Academy transition into the Neurodiversity Education Research Center (NERC).[12][13] NERC is an independent nonprofit research center dedicated to improving access to quality education and workforce development for Neurodivergent humans.[14] Science Prep Academy is NERC's flagship STEM private school that has validated it's innovative research-based education model to support Neurodivergent students with Autism transitioning into college and career.[15][16]
References
[edit]- ^ "EINSTEIN Kenneth Mims | U.S. DOE Office of Science (SC)". science.osti.gov. 2020-01-07. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ "Kenneth Mims". NERC. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ "Kenneth Mims". Science Prep Academy. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ a b c d Frank, BrieAnna J. (2022-01-23). "'Like the Land of Oz': South Phoenix Science Prep Academy first of its kind for autistic kids". www.azcentral.com. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ a b Stories, Local (2020-01-14). "Meet Kenneth Mims of Science Prep Academy in South Mountain". VoyagePhoenix - Phoenix. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ a b c "Science Prep Academy in south Phoenix is first STEM school for autistic students". FOX 5 Atlanta. 2017-05-03. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ Stories, Local (2020-01-14). "Meet Kenneth Mims of Science Prep Academy in South Mountain". VoyagePhoenix - Phoenix. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ a b "Inside a STEM-focused microschool for autistic students in south Phoenix". Yahoo News. 2024-05-19. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ "Science Prep Academy Wins $1 Million "Ducey Prize"". The Center for Education Reform. 2022-10-04. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ "Some of the nation's most accomplished STEM teachers selected as Albert Einstein Educator Fellows". Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ Staff, WRCB (2019-05-16). "Local teacher named Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow". Local3News.com. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ "Arizona Community Foundation awards grant to Neurodiversity Education Research Center - Paradise Valley Independent". The Daily Independent at YourValley.net. 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
- ^ "South Phoenix Science Prep Academy first of its kind for autistic kids". www.azcentral.com. 2022-01-23. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
- ^ "South Phoenix Science Prep Academy first of its kind for autistic kids". www.azcentral.com. 2022-01-23. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
- ^ "Arizona Community Foundation awards grant to Neurodiversity Education Research Center - Paradise Valley Independent". The Daily Independent at YourValley.net. 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
- ^ Costello, Ian (2022-10-27). "How technology creates more inclusive workspaces". STN. Retrieved 2024-09-04.