Launching the 2026–27 Teacher Leader Cohort
What happens when educators come together with curiosity, expertise, and a shared commitment to elementary science and STEM? The beginning of something worth growing.
Our WNC Elementary STEM Teacher Leader Cohort launch brought educators together to explore priorities for the year ahead: Strengthen elementary (K-4) STEM teaching and learning in WNC through a community of thought partners working to deepen their own practice and bring colleagues into this work.. We examined the current landscape of elementary science education, connected North Carolina’s science standards with classroom practice, and considered how students build understanding through asking questions, investigating, and using evidence.
A hands-on wave challenge invited participants to create the strongest wave and support their claims with evidence. It also offered a metaphor for teacher leadership: our actions create ripples. Through reflection on what we control, what we influence, and what we care about but cannot control, we considered how small, intentional leadership moves can support colleagues and expand opportunities for students.
That connection between classroom practice and teacher leadership will guide our work throughout 2026–27. Through shared reading, classroom action, reflection, and collaboration, cohort members will deepen their own practice while inviting colleagues into the learning.
We are grateful for the thoughtful engagement and experience participants brought to our launch. We look forward to continuing these conversations online and gathering with our Community of Practice during the in-person professional learning day on April 28, 2027, at Lake Logan Conference Center.
Together, we are growing a community that champions elementary science and the curiosity, thinking, and discovery it makes possible.
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