Teachers complete professional development as first-of-its-kind quantum technology and career awareness curriculum moves into classrooms
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (September 23, 2026) As EPB launches its quantum computer, the TN QuantumWorks K–12 quantum technology and career awareness curriculum is now being implemented in Hamilton County classrooms. Announced earlier this year, the curriculum includes programs for four age groups: grades K–2, grades 3–5, middle school, and high school. TN QuantumWorks is designed to help build the local workforce needed to support the community’s growing quantum technology initiatives.
Participating teachers completed professional development and received hands-on activity kits to support classroom implementation. Sample activities include elementary students exploring basic quantum concepts through light, patterns and other age-appropriate hands-on activities; middle school students using coins, paired cards and even cereal to model quantum technology, superposition and entanglement; and high school students simulating quantum security, comparing quantum hardware and exploring quantum-related careers.
Selected by Hamilton County Schools in coordination with TN QuantumWorks partners, the 13 pilot schools represent elementary, middle and high school grade levels across the district.
The pilot is intentionally starting with a focused group of educators so project leaders can gather feedback before future expansion. Pilot goals include assessing lesson appropriateness by age group, student engagement, alignment with Tennessee state standards and fit with Hamilton County Schools' adopted curriculum and scope and sequence.
“This curriculum is about both understanding quantum technology and seeing what it could make possible,” said Dr. Dane Boyington, CTO of Thinking Media, creators of the TN QuantumWorks. “We want students to learn the science in age-appropriate ways, but we also want them to see themselves in the careers and opportunities that may grow from it.”
Participating teachers and specialists include Onica Monroe, Mary Avans, Sierra Magee, Taylor Eller, Courtney Smoker, Hayden White, Rachel DeFriese, Jenn Riley, Kim Elbkidze, Forest Shober, Manika Dant and Timothy Alexander, with support from Anthony Goad, Angie Mullins and Kelsey Oliver as content leads.
Several pilot teachers, including Kim Elbkidze, Forest Shober and Rachel DeFriese, also completed QCaMP, a quantum professional development program for K-12 educators developed by Sandia National Laboratories and brought to Chattanooga by the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative.
“TN QuantumWorks gives Hamilton County Schools teachers and students a chance to help shape how quantum education can work in real classrooms,” said Dr. Justin Robertson, Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. “This pilot is about making emerging technology accessible and helping students connect what they are learning today with the careers and opportunities of the future.”
TN QuantumWorks is funded through support from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with CQC serving as the state awardee and initiative lead. The curriculum was conceived and developed by Sheila and Dr. Dane Boyington of Thinking Media, and the pilot is being implemented in coordination with Hamilton County Schools, UTC and EPB.
“We do not have time to wait for the future to arrive before preparing students for it,” said Commissioner Deniece Thomas of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “In a few short months, TN QuantumWorks has moved from announcement to classroom readiness, with curriculum developed, teachers selected and trained, and students now preparing to explore quantum technology and related career pathways.”
The pilot also includes plans to identify a small number of students in the spring for accelerated opportunities connected to time on the quantum computer at EPB.
“TN QuantumWorks demonstrates how quickly Tennessee can move when curriculum expertise, classroom leadership, state support and quantum infrastructure come together,” said Charlie Brock, CEO of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative. “CQC is proud to support the integration of those pieces so this pilot connects to a larger education and workforce pathway.”
Participating Pilot Schools
Grades K-2: East Side Elementary, Lookout Mountain Elementary, Middle Valley Elementary
Grades 3-5: Daisy Elementary, Calvin Donaldson Elementary, Wolftever Creek Elementary
Middle Schools: Soddy Daisy Middle School, Hunter Middle School, Red Bank Middle School
High Schools: University High, Ooltewah High School, Tyner Academy, Signal Mountain High
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About Thinking Media
Thinking Media is an award-winning education technology company headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Founded by Dr. Dane and Sheila Boyington, the company has spent nearly three decades developing innovative STEM, career readiness and workforce education solutions used by millions of students across the United States. Its portfolio includes Learning Blade® and Ready for Industry® (now both part of Pearson), KeyTrain® for WorkKeys® (now part of ACT), and now TN QuantumWorks, helping connect classroom learning with high-demand careers and emerging technologies.
About the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative
The Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative is a nonprofit organization aligning education, industry and research around the region's emerging quantum sector. By advancing partnerships and building talent pathways, CQC supports workforce readiness and long-term economic growth in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County region. Learn more at www.ChattanoogaQuantum.com.
About Hamilton County Schools
Hamilton County Schools serves 45,000 students PK-12 in more than 78 schools and programs throughout the Chattanooga and Hamilton County, Tennessee area. We deploy instructional strategies and seek out partnerships that allow us to design opportunities for each and every child to access experiential, career-connected learning. A diverse school district by both student population and geography, we are dedicated to creating an educational environment that produces graduates who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and supports to thrive and experience a future without limits.
Media Contact
Danna Bailey | 423-802-9549 | Danna@ChattanoogaQuantum.com
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