Ver Steeg and her students explore one of the drones
they will be using next semester.
NEW MISD DRONE CLASS
BEGINS SPRING 2019
T
he use of drones—also known as unmanned
aircraft systems (UAS)—is on the rise, and
Mansfield ISD is starting a new class to help
students prepare for the booming industry.
“We have drone clubs at some elementary
schools. Also, at our STEM Academy,
they’re very involved in the drone program
and will soon have competitions. Those
types of activities promote the pipeline
for students to engage in the Edu-Drone
class in the future,” Alfred continued.
Edu-Drone will be offered in January
2019 with a focus on obtaining skills
to become a commercial drone pilot
for a variety of career pathways.
Beverly Ver Steeg will be the instructor for
Edu-Drone. She currently teaches engineering
and aerospace classes at BBIA and is excited to
expand the aviation offerings at the school.
“It’s just such an exciting adventure for us,”
said Christie Alfred, MISD’s chief innovation
officer. “It allows students from all different
interest areas to come in…and it’s potentially
a huge opportunity for employment for
them as they graduate high school.”
“I actually fly drones at home and kind of play
with them. It’s a hobby,” said Ver Steeg. “When
we knew we were getting a class, I was like,
‘Yeah!’ and sort of pushed to teach the course.”
The classes will take place at Ben Barber
Innovation Academy (BBIA) for MISD
high school juniors and seniors.
The 11th- and 12th-graders in Edu-Drone
must have passed Algebra I, be at least 16
years old and hold a valid driver’s license.
There is still space in the class. Interested
students can visit their counselor for more
information on how to get enrolled.
After successfully completing the course,
students will be able to take the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107
exam to become a certified drone pilot.
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M A NSFIELD ISD.O RG