Peach County teacher honored as National STEM Ambassador

Julie Folse receives $1,000 to support student innovation in computer science and robotics

PEACH COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Inside Peach County High School, computer science teacher Julie Folse is encouraging students to think beyond the classroom.

After years of working with the Museum of Aviation on summer programs and professional development, she’s now been honored as a National STEM Academy Ambassador, receiving a $1,000 award to enhance her classroom.

“It was an honor for them to ask me to be one of their ambassadors,” Folse said.

Folse says she plans to use the award to make sure her students have what they need to succeed.

“If my students need something, I’m the first one to say, okay, what do you need so I can get it for my classroom,” she said.

Folse hopes her lessons will stick with students beyond her classroom.

“I just want them to make those connections and innovate, and learn the possibilities out there,” Folse said.

Student David Utes says his favorite part of Mrs. Folse’s class is working with robots and coding.

“I love robots. I love coding the robots  coding the robots to do stuff,” Utes said.

Folse says she provides a variety of lessons and tools, including 3D printers, drones, and robotics kits so students can explore, innovate and make connections across different subjects.