Leveraging STEM for Student Empowerment and Ownership

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melissa Sica and Instructional Technology Coach Shannon Oliver at Northeastern School District in York County share how their district cultivates an inclusive, student-centered STEM ecosystem from the ground up. The guests examine how accessible entry points like LEGO Education kits build teacher confidence, while the Chief Science Officer (CSO) program empowers students to lead authentic STEM action plans on regional and global stages. They conclude with actionable strategies for aligning administrative and coaching support to break down barriers in STEM competitions and scale equitable pathways for student ownership.

Guest Info:

Dr. Melissa Sica serves as Assistant Superintendent, bringing 28 years of continuous dedication, leadership, and vision to the district. Her career reflects a rich, hands-on journey through public education, having served as a high school math teacher, high school assistant principal, intermediate school principal, and now central office administrator. Driven by a belief that school should be both transformational and deeply engaging, Dr. Sica is passionate about creating dynamic learning environments for students while offering robust, empowering support to teachers. She actively champions pedagogical innovation, encouraging educators and students alike to take creative risks in the classroom.

A second-grade teacher turned Instructional Technology Specialist, Shannon Oliver is dedicated to transforming K–12 classrooms into hubs of innovation and engagement. By leveraging emerging technologies to create hands-on learning experiences, Shannon empowers both teachers and students to move from passive consumers of technology to confident creators and problem-solvers.