Creating dynamic, hands-on STEM classrooms that prepare students for postsecondary success is not a one-person job—it’s a collective effort.
Teachers are at the forefront of this work, but they need consistent, thoughtful support from school and district leaders to succeed. That support can take many forms, from fostering collaboration and innovation to investing in relevant technology, tools and training.
In a recent NSTA-hosted webinar, I facilitated a conversation with inspiring STEM educators from across the country. Their insights offer valuable guidance for administrators working to create and sustain enriching STEM learning environments.
These conversations made one thing clear: when administrators partner with teachers to create inspiring moments for students, the results can be transformative.
Here are five key takeaways.
1. Be a thought partner
Educators are looking for collaboration—they want administrators and peers to brainstorm with them and share their expertise, especially when it comes to implementing new instructional strategies and lessons.
Petra van’t Slot, a high school science teacher in New Jersey, emphasized the importance of having time and space for leadership and peer collaboration.
“Sometimes even just giving time to work with a colleague to develop a new experiment can be the best kind of gift,” she said.
This support doesn’t require a big budget. It’s about listening, asking questions, offering feedback and creating time for collaboration. A thoughtful conversation or shared planning session can make a real difference in moving ideas forward.
2. Trust teachers to lead
Support is essential—but so is autonomy. Teachers thrive when they’re trusted to take creative approaches and explore new ways to reach students.
Cecelia Gillam, Louisiana teacher leader advisor in edtech, shared how impactful it is when administrators give teachers space to innovate and create “aha” moments in the classroom.
“No one knows their students better than the teacher who is in the classroom,” Gillam emphasized. For her, this means incorporating project-based learning and hands-on technology to differentiate instruction and help all students make meaningful scientific connections.
For van’t Slot, it means prioritizing inquiry-based instruction and collaborative problem-solving. In both cases, administrative trust fosters teacher confidence and opens doors to classrooms grounded in curiosity, critical thinking and authentic learning.
3. Prioritize professional development
Teachers need regular opportunities to grow and stay on top of research-based practices, whether that’s through workshops, webinars, or peer-to-peer learning.
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“I feel very supported when I have the opportunity to participate in professional development opportunities, such as interactive webinars or even local PD conferences, focused on STEM learning,” said van’t Slot.
“Ongoing support is really important to ensure implementation goes well,” added Gillam.
Providing PD that is collaborative and ongoing helps teachers build skills, troubleshoot challenges and stay energized as they bring new ideas into the classroom.
4. Encourage cross-curricular collaboration
When teachers collaborate across disciplines, students benefit from more cohesive and connected learning.
Linda Antinone, an Einstein fellow and T3 educator, shared how interdisciplinary planning helped students see how math and science concepts align. When her team was given dedicated time to meet across departments, they found new ways to align instruction and help students make connections—like using data collected in science class to build algebraic models in math.
“For example, students can use a motion detector and walk at a constant speed to get a linear graph. They can then write an algebraic equation for that and then, all of a sudden, really start to understand what the slope means as a rate of change and what the y-intercept means as a starting position. It’s often hard for students to make these connections if they’re just reading about science principles in a textbook.”
Administrators can support this type of collaboration by encouraging shared equipment use, like sensors and science technology with multiple applications, and building in time for cross-disciplinary planning. It not only strengthens instruction, it also mirrors the real world, where challenges are solved through integrated thinking and teamwork.
5. Invest in hands-on, real-world learning
One of the most effective ways to engage students in STEM is to make it hands-on and relevant to their lives. When administrators support these efforts with resources, technology, training and encouragement, it goes a long way in driving higher student achievement and success in STEM.
“When my students do hands-on, real-world, and relevant things where they make connections and do the sensemaking, I find their scores are much higher because they are able to internalize it,” said Gillam. “And then when it comes time for a standardized test, they know how to effectively engage in argumentation.”
In van’t Slot’s classroom, students design their own experiments utilizing data-collection technology, giving them ownership and confidence. This way, when her students approach questions, they have all the tools, skills, and knowledge to find the answer.
Actually doing science, she says, gives students a “huge confidence boost.” It builds motivation and a sense of purpose as students begin to see themselves in future STEM careers.
Leadership that makes a difference
Creating a thriving STEM program doesn’t come from a single initiative—it comes from a mindset of support, trust and shared purpose. When administrators put these best practices into action, they help build a culture that empowers teachers and engages students.
Strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about making space for creativity, curiosity and meaningful growth. And when that happens, the impact on both teacher empowerment and student success is profound.
