For more than three decades he has stood at the front of classrooms, the sidelines of football fields, and behind the quiet decisions that shape education. He discovered his passion for education in college and began teaching and coaching at the age of 22, “I felt I could have a positive impact on students’ lives.”

Dr. Watson forged an inspiring path through his education career that included years of teaching and coaching to working as an assistant principal, principal and onto administration. He recognized a need for STEAM programs in Henry County schools and embarked on creating the first program of its kind at Stockbridge High School called the STEAM Academy -Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Funds were granted to create recording studios at the school and provided an opportunity for students to express their creativity while learning the technological aspects of running a recording studio, tv broadcast, etc. The program would only grow from there.

Dr Watson continued his path and earned his Doctorate from Liberty University in Educational Leadership, he and his wife are both ministers now. “I’m incredibly proud of this” he said.  While he did retire from the school district, a colleague from Eagles Landing Christian Academy asked him to sub one Bible class. However, being back in the classroom made clear his work was not finished. “The Lord led me there, after praying on it, I began teaching three Bible classes.” He also began collaborating with ELCA on starting their own STEAM Program.

A STEAM Academy at ELCA would provide students with a comprehensive academic program that integrates challenging content with artistic expression, mathematical knowledge and religious development. This program will follow students from kindergarten through high school.

“Today’s students grow up in a world shaped by rapid technological change, complex challenges, and constant innovation. Preparing them equips them to thrive in unpredictable careers, work in teams, make responsible decisions, and develop innovative solutions. It requires adaptability, collaboration, ethical discernment, and creative thinking.”

“STEAM education develops these competencies through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. It connects ideas to real-world applications. At ELCA, learning is intentionally grounded in biblical truth. Students are encouraged to ask deeper questions: How does God’s design shape the natural world? How should technology be used responsibly? How can innovation serve human flourishing rather than self-interest? These questions move learning beyond technical skill and into spiritual formation.”

ELCA is already incorporating STEAM into its annual live Christmas Program that the students put together on their own. The production goes beyond singing, acting and music, they also create the sets, props, and learn how to work the stage lighting and sound. The show is also recorded and produced into a film that the students also do on their own. They are learning how an entire theatrical program is made and how many different jobs contribute to the final picture. STEAM Academy will enhance this for students and provide an incredible learning experience while seeing how important cooperation and collaboration is. Dr. Watson explained “It will provide students the opportunity to reflect on what had to happen for this to be successful?”

“Education at Eagles Landing Christian Academy involves more than learning subject matter because it focuses on developing students’ hearts and minds and their life purpose. The STEAM Academy at ELCA follows a purposeful educational plan that prepares students for their future success. The Academy develops students to think critically while they learn to work together and solve problems, which will help them succeed in an evolving world through their combination of wisdom, creative thinking, and religious faith.” The STEAM Academy will fully launch in Fall 2027.

By Kristina Murphy