🚀 How to Champion STEM in Your School—Even If Science Isn’t Your Thing!

Let’s be real—STEM can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t have a science or engineering background.

Maybe you were the teacher who loved ELA, history, or the arts, and now you find yourself in a leadership role where STEM is a priority. Maybe you’re an instructional coach, a principal, or even a teacher leader, and you know STEM is important—but you’re thinking:

“How can I lead STEM when I don’t feel confident in it myself?”
“What if teachers ask me questions I don’t know the answers to?”
“Do I really have to know coding, robotics, or physics to make STEM successful?”
“Is STEM really just about implementing an after-school program?”

Let me put your mind at ease right now: You do NOT have to be a science expert to be an amazing STEM leader.

Today, we’re going to talk about how you can confidently lead STEM in your school, support your teachers, and create a thriving STEM culture—without needing a degree in engineering or a robotics certification.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have:
✔ Clear strategies to lead STEM initiatives with confidence
✔ Ways to support teachers without needing to be the “expert”
✔ Practical steps to integrate STEM across content areas (including ELA & math!)

Alright, let’s dive in! 🚀

---

First things first—let’s talk about what it really means to be a STEM leader.

A lot of people think STEM leadership is about knowing everything there is to know about science, technology, engineering, and math. But the truth? STEM leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating an environment where teachers and students feel confident to explore, innovate, problem-solve, and experiment.

Think of yourself as a STEM coach. Great coaches don’t have to be the best players—they empower others to succeed. Your role isn’t to be the expert. It’s to:

• Encourage risk-taking in the classroom so teachers and students feel comfortable trying new things.
• Support creativity and hands-on learning by making space for exploration.
• Connect teachers to resources so they feel equipped, not overwhelmed.
• Build collective capacity so STEM happens across all subjects—not just in isolation.

And here’s a big one—finding time to allow your teachers to plan for innovation. Because when teachers have time to plan, experiment, and reflect, that’s when the real magic happens.

---

I saw this firsthand at the Southern California STEAM Symposium when my first-grade team presented their integrated STEM unit, Growing Great Minds. This was a fully cross-curricular STEM experience blending ELA, math, art, and hands-on learning.

They crushed it.

After their session, teachers and leaders from all over the conference were crowding around them, asking for resources. And then, an administrator from Northern California walked up and said, “Our county just told all the elementary schools that we’re implementing STEM… and then peaced out and said, ‘Good luck!’”

Can you imagine? No guidance, no support—just a “Go figure it out.”

And this happens all the time.

STEM becomes a school or district priority, but there’s no clear plan for how to make it work. Or, they go out and buy a ton of STEM materials—3D printers, robotics kits, LEGOs—without a plan for implementation.

Sound familiar?

And suddenly, teachers are overwhelmed. They don’t know where to start. They don’t have the training. And you, as the leader, are left trying to figure out how to bring it all together.

This is where you step in. Not as the expert, but as the one who helps create systems and support so that teachers can bring STEM to life in their classrooms.

One of my favorite strategies is asking “What if?” and “How might we?” questions during staff discussions. It sparks curiosity, helps you find your first followers, and lets you build a team of teachers who will help lead STEM at your school.

---

And let’s clear up another STEM myth while we’re at it. STEM doesn’t have to be extra work. It’s not just another thing to add to teachers’ already overflowing plates.

STEM is not a separate subject—it’s a way of thinking.

So how do you integrate STEM without overwhelming your teachers?

1️⃣ Use STEM competencies—critical thinking, collaboration, innovation, and communication—as your baseline for instruction.
2️⃣ Encourage real-world problem-solving. STEM should connect to things students care about—climate change, space exploration, AI, technology.
3️⃣ Embed STEM into what teachers already teach.

• If a 4th-grade class is learning fractions, have them design a recipe modification project.
• If a 2nd-grade class is learning about habitats, challenge them to design an animal shelter that protects against different weather conditions.
  4️⃣ Use simple materials. No fancy robotics kits? No problem. Paper, tape, and recyclables work just fine!

And for teachers who aren’t confident in STEM, help them see how STEM already exists in their subject area:

• ELA teachers can focus on scientific claims and evidence.
• Math teachers can integrate data, measurement, and problem-solving.
• Social studies teachers can explore technology and engineering in historical events.

So, here’s a challenge—ask your teachers, “What’s one lesson you already teach that could have a hands-on, inquiry-based component?”

---

Now, let’s talk about STEM professional development. Because let’s be honest…

Teachers do NOT need more sit-and-get PD.

If we want STEM to work, we need hands-on, collaborative, and FUN professional development.

When I was leading NGSS implementation in a K-12 district, I had teachers build a mountain. They measured the base, calculated the height, and used a protractor to find the angle.

Then, they simulated weathering and erosion by making it rain on their mountains.

They recorded observations. They tested ideas. They wrote Claim-Evidence-Reasoning statements.

And when I asked, “What standards did we just hit?”—they were blown away.

That one activity covered math, science, ELA, and inquiry-based learning. And they had FUN doing it!

Teachers need to experience STEM as learners first. And that starts with good professional development.

---

And here’s the best part—you don’t have to figure this out alone.

There are SO many free and low-cost STEM resources available:

✅ Mystery Science – Engaging, easy-to-implement STEM lessons
✅ NASA & PBS Kids STEM Resources – Real-world applications of STEM concepts
✅ TWIG Science – A hands-on curriculum for integrated learning
✅ Local STEM Partnerships – Universities, businesses, and libraries offer free programs
✅ DonorsChoose – A great way to get STEM materials funded!

And if you’re looking for personalized support… I can help!

🚀 I provide STEM professional development through The Learning Project—and I’m also planning an exciting event called Full STEAM Ahead, where teachers will leave with fully developed STEM units and follow-up coaching.

Click the link in the show notes if you’re interested!

---

So, let’s wrap this up.

You don’t need to be a science expert to be a great STEM leader. You just need curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to explore alongside your teachers.

📩 DM me on Instagram @TheLearningProjectJenn and tell me—what’s your biggest challenge in leading STEM?

🚀 Need a roadmap? Download my FREE STEM Leadership Playbook Starter Guide.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with powerful STEM leadership strategies!

Let’s build a thriving STEM culture—together. 🚀✨