An Edgewood Middle School instructor participates in a sawbones lab at Zimmer Biomet during a teaching event to bolster the school’s curriculum for science, technology, engineering and math. Photos provided.

News Release

WARSAW — On Wednesday, Aug. 9, more than 30 local Edgewood Middle School teachers had their own “back-to-school moment” when they hopped on a bus to go to Zimmer Biomet. Zimmer Biomet team members expanded the educators’ knowledge through a rotational program aimed to further expand their STEM-certified curriculum.

STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math, all fields that share an emphasis on innovation, problem solving and critical thinking.

“This was all about building connections and expanding horizons,” said key organizer John Rak, Zimmer Biomet’s quality and regulatory vice president. “Edgewood is committed to bringing real-world experiences into their classrooms. Their collaboration with ZB was a fantastic opportunity to bridge the gap between education and industry.”

“This was a chance to experience the real world in our own backyard,” said JoElla Dell Hauselman, 23-year Edgewood Middle School principal. “Then take that learning to our students so they can be successful in the future.”

During the day, Edgewood teachers:

• Participated in a sawbones lab using Zimmer Biomet’s state-of-the-art ROSA to understand the positive results of a robotic-assisted surgery
• Explored the use of virtual reality for both education and in the operating room
• Gathered for a panel discussion on the importance of the product design control process, as well as what educators can do to prepare students for the future workforce

Hauselman further shared their passion for connecting dots in their curriculum.

“It’s not just about math and science, it is about integrating these together to provide real-world experiences,” she said. “That means, our students will learn skills to further their development no matter the path or passion they have.”

“We expanded our depth of knowledge so we can build a curriculum to support our students’ next stage of life,” said Abbi Richcreek, Edgewood Engineering/Technology and Project Lead the Way instructor. “We value this collaboration and look forward to working together in the future.”

“I cannot wait to see the STEM program evolve at Edgewood and hear how it has impacted the kids in our community,” said Rak. “We are lucky to have teachers like this, who are committed to STEM and to our children.”

More than 30 Warsaw Edgewood Middle School teachers participated in a learning program at Zimmer Biomet on Aug. 9. Here, a teacher experiences virtual reality.

Edgewood Middle School teachers hopped on a bus to go to Zimmer Biomet.

Teachers gathered for a panel discussion on the importance of the product design control process and what educators can do to prepare students for the future workforce.

A teacher experiences using state-of-the-art equipment at Zimmer Biomet during a sawbones lab.