TIES Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM Selects STEM Chair Jason Porter as DoD STEM Ambassador

TIES Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM is proud to serve as a host organization for two educators through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) STEM Ambassador Program for 2025-2026. Managed and facilitated by TGR Foundation since 2021, the program is a year-long initiative that provides funding, professional development training and support to exemplary educators to advance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to help prepare students to enter the future STEM workforce.

 

Each STEM Ambassador is selected through a rigorous application process by an organization in the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) or by a DoD agency. DSEC is a collaboration between academia, industry, non-profit organizations and government entities aimed at preparing the next generation STEM workforce.

 

TIES will collaborate with educators Ashley Carter and Jason Porter, who are among just 30 educators nationwide chosen for the program. They will work closely with TIES throughout the program year in support of curriculum and materials development in support of DoD priority critical technology areas, which include biotechnology, quantum science, advanced materials and robotics among others.

 

The program represents a critical investment in America’s future workforce, focusing on developing STEM education capabilities essential to maintain the U.S. national security advantage.

 

“This partnership with the DoD STEM Ambassador Program aligns perfectly with TIES’ mission to advance excellence in STEM education,” said Jan Morrison, TIES founder and CEO. “By hosting Ashley and Jason, we’re not only supporting two outstanding educators, but also contributing to the development of innovative STEM learning experiences that will prepare students for careers in vital fields.”

 

The educators will collaborate with TIES throughout the program year to:

Ashley Carter is the high school assistant principal at Missouri Connections Academy, a full-time, tuition-free online public school serving K–12 students statewide. With 13 years in education, including 10 as a high school math teacher, Ashley recently completed her third year in school leadership, where she led several initiatives working to embed meaningful, student-driven STEM experiences and real-world applications into the school’s culture. Now in its sixth year, Missouri Connections Academy offers a high-quality online program with strong support and a sense of belonging. The school blends academics with college and career-focused options, providing students with opportunities for career exploration and industry networking to build confidence, make connections and find direction for their future. Missouri Connections Academy is part of the national Connections Academy network of full-time online public schools supported by Pearson.

"Being selected as a STEM Ambassador is an incredible opportunity for me to expand STEM access and opportunities for our Missouri Connections Academy students, inspiring them to explore, create, and solve problems through STEM,” Carter said. “I’m excited to connect my school with organizations and industries that can strengthen and grow our STEM partnerships to further empower our students and open up endless possibilities for their futures."

Jason Porter is the STEM Department Chair at Church Farm School, a private, all-boys, boarding and day high school in Exton, Pennsylvania. Jason has 18 years of experience in education, including teaching biology and environmental science at the university and high school levels, serving as an assistant principal, and facilitating professional development for educators as part of an education non-profit. In this current role, Jason will lead math, science, engineering, and technology teachers to develop pathways for students that will allow them to gain real-world STEM experiences and prepare for careers in STEM disciplines.

“Serving as a DoD STEM Ambassador is an amazing opportunity to connect students at Church Farm School with many exciting and career-sparking opportunities available through DoD STEM and its partners,” Porter said. “I look forward to learning with and from the current cohort of DoD STEM Ambassadors to make sure my students have every opportunity to explore the exciting possibilities of pursuing a STEM career during and beyond their high school years."

The DoD STEM Ambassador program provides each selected educator with support, reflecting the Department of Defense’s commitment to evidence-based approaches that inspire and develop the nation’s science and technology workforce.

Through its partnership with the program, TIES is helping to address critical STEM challenges while ensuring students have access to meaningful learning experiences.

About TIES Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM What started as a vision of a 35-year veteran teacher and principal, has now developed into a global organization uniting partners to drive gains for learners, families, communities and the economy at large. Blending evidence-based best practices, cutting-edge technology, and customized solutions, we work with school districts, entire states, government entities, corporations and others who share our belief in the transformative power of STEM.

About the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) The Defense STEM Education Consortium is a collaborative partnership between academia, industry, non-profit organizations, and government that aims to develop a diverse and agile workforce with the technical excellence to defend our nation.

About TGR Foundation TGR Foundation empowers students to pursue their passions through education. Since 2021, TGR Foundation has managed and facilitated the DoD STEM Ambassador Program, providing training and support to advance STEM education nationwide.

For more information about TIES and its STEM education initiatives, visit tiesteach.org. Learn more about the DoD STEM Ambassador Program here.