Leadership in Integrative STEM Education

In the face of complex local and global problems, there is a critical need to prepare PK-12 students to be innovative, resilient problem-solvers and well-equipped STEM-literate citizens. With focus upon integrated content, college and career readiness, authentic problems, and action-oriented pedagogies, integrative STEM education provides a promising approach to address this challenge.Integrative STEM programming with its fusion of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology content and practices may manifest in a variety of ways: Teachers co-plan an engineering design experience within a social studies class. A community business partner offers a job-shadowing experience. Students engage in an after-school program at a makerspace.Educators collaboratively re-envision and interweave STEM across the curriculum.And more... Current and future educational leaders striving to improve STEM programming will find this book to be a useful resource. Its introduction offers an orientation to the fundamental goals, principles, and practices of integrative STEM education. While later chapters delve into the facets of STEM programming and the competencies of STEM leadership which form the foundation of a coherent program. These evidence-based strategies, examples, and resources may provide inspiration to leaders as they initiate and enhance an equitable integrative STEM culture within their school.

Integrative STEM education is critical for our students and our economy. We must ensure our students develop transportable, in-demand skills enabling them to thrive in schools and in their careers. Drs. Geesa, Rose, and Stith have made a compelling case and done an extraordinary job in laying out our charge and responsibilities as innovative educational leaders.

Rachel Louise Geesa, EdD, is an assistant professor in the department of educational leadership at Ball State University. With formal training and professional experience in art education, gifted education, and educational leadership, she guides pre-service and in-service educational leaders to provide inclusive and integrative learning experiences to PK-12 learners.Mary Annette Rose, EdD, is an associate professor of educational studies at Ball State University. She is a practitioner of integrative teaching and learning approaches, especially those that focus upon the application of science, mathematics, and social studies to enhance energy, environmental, and technological literacy.Krista Marie Stith, PhD, is the director of the center for gifted studies and talent development at Ball State University. She holds a degree in curriculum and instruction from the integrative STEM education department of Virginia Tech and provides support to pre-service and in-service educators on integrative pedagogy.