OUR MISSION

The NexGen STEM Academy seeks to build the next generation of leaders that are inspired to assess and solve community and global problems collaboratively through curiosity, creativity, and innovation.

Contact Information

James N. McCrobie, M.S.

Instructor of Social and
Geographical Sciences/ STEM
NexGen STEM Academy Facilitator
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James N. McCrobie, M.S.

Education:
M.S., Human Resource Development/ Educational Leadership, Towson University
B.S., Social Science/ Secondary Education, Frostburg State University
A.A., Secondary Education/ Computer Technology, Garrett College

Professional Certifications:
MSDE: Administrator I, 7-12 Social Studies, 7-12 Geography, 7-12 History,
7-12 Political Science, 4-9 Middle School Social Studies.
CompTIA & Cisco: A+ Certified Computer Repair/Network Technician

Awards and Achievements:
2024 Velma Clark Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award (2024)- Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation (MAEF)
2019-2020 Middle School Finalist- Wicomico Teacher of the Year (2020)
2019-2020 Salisbury Middle Teacher of the Year; Semifinalist for Wicomico Teacher of the Year (2020)
2018-2019 Salisbury Middle Teacher of the Year; Semifinalist for Wicomico Teacher of the Year (2019)
2018 Maryland Outstanding Educator Using Technology (2018)- Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET)
2010 Maryland Teacher of Promise (Spring 2010)
Social Science Department Graduation Honors Recipient, Frostburg State University (Spring 2010)
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Fall 2007)
Dr. David J. Fell Social Studies Award Recipient (2009-2010)
Garrett County Career and Technology Education Outstanding Achievement Award (2006)

Biography:
Margaret Mead once said “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”  As a Social Studies/STEM Teacher, I take great pride in knowing that I am teaching the world’s greatest problem solvers; our students, and truly do believe that they have the potential to change the world! Social Studies/STEM is the key to preparing our students to think critically in order to be productive citizens in our society. Social Studies provides the opportunity for action, and through being active in the classroom, my students are able to discover for themselves what the issues are in our world, and develop solutions to these issues. I utilize project-based learning where appropriate, and design lessons that require inquiry, problem solving, decision making, connection to other content areas, discovery, and cooperative learning with a high degree of interactive hands-on involvement. Allowing the opportunity for students to learn through these methods provides them with the opportunity to make mistakes, determine how to correct mistakes on their own, and experience failure and success based on their effort and overall determination.
Before being appointed as the Social Studies/STEM Teacher in the NexGen STEM Academy at Salisbury Middle School, I served as a Social Studies/STEM Teacher at Bennett Middle School in Fruitland. I have facilitated STEM opportunities, provided professional development for technology, served as a National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Advisor, and currently serve as a FIRST Lego Robotics League Coach, Instructional Leadership Team Co-Chair, and as the NexGen Team Facilitator. I was honored to be selected as the 2018 Maryland Outstanding Educator using Technology, the 2019 and 2020 Salisbury Middle Teacher of the Year and Semifinalist for Wicomico County Teacher of the Year, as well as the 2020 Middle School Finalist for Wicomico County Teacher of the Year. I hold a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership with an Administrator I endorsement from Towson University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science/Secondary Education from Frostburg State University, and an Associate of Arts degree in Secondary Education/Computer Technology from Garrett College. The kids are the reason why I am an educator!