How Jamal Hafza is Transforming STEM Education with Ozobot in Henry County Schools
In the ever-evolving world of STEM education, passionate educators are leading the way to shape the future of learning. One such educator is Dr. Rabieh J. Hafza, better known as Jamal, the Director of STEM & Innovative Practice at Henry County Schools in Georgia. Jamal’s dedication to robotics, automation, and coding integration has made a lasting impact on students and educators alike, earning him a spot as one of the nation’s Top 10 STEM Directors in Education by Education Technology Insights.
Under his leadership, Henry County Schools has seamlessly integrated Ozobot products across different grade levels, fostering hands-on learning experiences that inspire students to think critically, problem-solve creatively, and collaborate effectively. From rolling out the Ozobot Robotic Arm (ORA) in middle school engineering labs to incorporating Evo in elementary STEM programs, Jamal is at the forefront of advancing STEM education. We had the privilege of speaking with him about his journey, achievements, and vision for the future.
Q&A with Jamal Hafza
How have students responded to using Ozobot’s Evo in your district’s STEM programs?
Students truly enjoy the integration of Ozobot Evo during instruction in the STEM Labs to deepen their understanding of various content areas. The lessons provided in Ozobot Classroom are easy to follow for both teachers and students. Our STEM Lab teacher Heather Pouliot shared, “My students love using the Ozobot Evos! They keep students engaged from the beginning, and at the end of the task, most students want to keep going. The students are quick to understand the foundational parts of a lesson and then are ready to enhance and expand on what they are doing to produce more strategic outcomes. Using them to work on group tasks has also improved student collaboration and communication skills.”
What improvements have you seen in student engagement and learning outcomes since integrating Ozobot products?
Integrating Ozobot products into our STEM labs has significantly enhanced student engagement and learning outcomes across multiple content areas. By incorporating coding and programming into subjects like literacy, math, science, and engineering, students are mastering technical skills while becoming active problem-solvers. This dynamic approach fosters curiosity and sustained interest, essential for long-term learning success.
A key observation from teachers is that increased engagement drives deeper learning, as students are more motivated to experiment, iterate, and collaborate. This synthesis of engagement and outcomes creates a sustainable learning environment where students build confidence and resilience in tackling challenges. Moreover, this hands-on, design-thinking approach nurtures creativity and critical thinking—skills essential for future innovation. By focusing on both engagement and outcomes, we are cultivating a classroom culture where exploration, innovation, and meaningful learning are prioritized.
What advice would you give to other school district administrators and educators who are considering incorporating Ozobot into their STEM curricula?
Incorporating Ozobot into a STEM curriculum can significantly enhance student engagement and learning. Based on our district’s experience, we recommend starting with comprehensive teacher training and utilizing Ozobot’s online resources as a foundation for customized lessons. Ozobot Evo robots effectively integrate coding with literacy, math, and science in elementary STEM labs, while the ORA in middle school engineering classes promotes coding, mechanical design, and automation. Encourage educators to create and share their own lessons to foster innovation and collaboration. Regularly assess and celebrate successes to build momentum and ensure meaningful learning experiences for students.
How do you see robotics and AI shaping the future of STEM education?
Robotics and AI are poised to transform the future of STEM education by shifting the focus from passive learning to active problem-solving and innovation. Anchoring STEM education in robotics lays a strong foundation for hands-on learning, allowing students to build critical coding, engineering, and automation skills. Integrating AI alongside robotics further enhances this by introducing students to machine learning, data analysis, and intelligent systems—skills that are increasingly essential in today’s technology-driven world.
In our district, using tools like Evo robots in elementary classrooms and ORA robotic arms in middle school classrooms have proven that these technologies can seamlessly enhance instruction across subjects, from literacy and math to engineering and automation. As students engage with both robotics and AI, they develop the ability to think creatively, solve complex problems, and collaborate effectively—skills that will prepare them for future careers in emerging fields. Schools should prioritize teacher training, resource customization, and lesson sharing to fully realize the potential of these technologies and create a dynamic, future-ready STEM curriculum.
What’s next for your district’s STEM initiatives, and how do you see Ozobot continuing to play a role?
Manufacturing and automation are rapidly growing industries, and preparing students for these fields is a key focus of our district’s evolving STEM initiatives. Expanding the use of Ozobot ORA robotic arms in middle school engineering classes will provide students with hands-on experience in coding, engineering design, and automation—skills critical for success in these sectors.
Additionally, we plan to scale the integration of Ozobot Evo robots beyond elementary STEM labs to support cross-curricular learning. By incorporating coding and robotics into subjects such as literacy, math, and science, students will develop transferable problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.
As we expand these initiatives, we aim to create a seamless STEM pipeline from elementary through middle school, equipping students with a strong foundation for future studies and careers in advanced technology and innovation. Teacher training and lesson customization will remain key priorities to ensure effective and engaging implementation.
Jamal Hafza’s leadership in STEM education is a testament to the power of innovation and hands-on learning in preparing students for the future. By integrating Ozobot products into Henry County Schools’ curriculum, he is creating opportunities for students to explore, experiment, and excel in STEM fields. As robotics and AI continue to evolve, educators like Jamal are leading the charge in ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly advancing world.
We at Ozobot are proud to support educators like Jamal in their mission to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators. Stay tuned for more Outstanding Educator Spotlights, where we highlight the incredible work of teachers and administrators who are making a difference in STEM education!
