Science

Author Darlyne de Haan offers interactive methods to help K–12 teachers understand multilingual learners’ unique needs and why culturally responsive teaching is crucial to STEM classrooms. Her claim-evidence-reasoning approach encourages educators to engage students in STEM discussions with confidence, no matter their level of English proficiency.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a long-standing challenge in U.S. schools to the forefront: more than two-thirds of students cannot read at grade level. Alarmingly, if students are not proficient in reading by the end of third grade, they are more likely to drop out. This realization has sparked a growing interest in the science of reading, a decades-long body of interdisciplinary research that examines the multifaceted nature of reading development. By embedding the science of reading into instructional practices, teachers can ensure students recognize words and understand their meaning—thus supporting reading fluency.

Brett Erdmann is assistant director of science at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. In his role, he continues to teach AP biology while also supporting teacher development and helping to lead science department initiatives.

Dr. Kristin Mansell is an assistant professor at Texas Tech University in the College of Education. She has worked with science teachers around the country on unwrapping standards, assessment practices, grading, and collaborative teaming.

Steven M. Wood, PhD, is director of science at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where he provides support and leadership for science learning and the professional development of the science faculty.

Rusty Taylor has been a professional educator since 1997, serving as a science teacher, middle school assistant principal, and principal at both the middle and high school levels.

Daniel M. Argentar is a literacy coach and communication arts teacher at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He works with instructors from all divisions to increase disciplinary literacy for students.

Brian Wise is an English Department chair at Deerfield High School in the suburbs of Chicago. Previously, he spent 16 years as a teacher and literacy coach at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

Katherine Gillies is the lead architect of districtwide literacy improvement at Niles North High School in Illinois. Her work includes building a comprehensive system of intervention and support for struggling readers and developing a research-based curriculum to ensure continued literacy growth for all students. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education in Nashville, Tennessee.

Maureen M. Rubenstein is a literacy coach and special education instructor in Lincolnshire, Illinois. She works with other literacy coaches to coordinate and implement book clubs, PD sessions, and coaching sessions.