Building Sustainable K-12 STEM Programs: Best Practices for Success

About the Presenters

Nathan Manley, Assistant Superintendent of Neosho School District, is dedicated to promoting real-world learning, with a strong emphasis on STEM and Project-Based Learning (PBL). He has worked alongside educators to support schools in achieving Model PLC at Work and High Reliability Schools (HRS) status, while also helping districts gain national recognition for PBL. Nathan focuses on creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that help students build skills for the future. He has had the opportunity to share insights at conferences, discussing how practical, real-world learning can make a difference in student outcomes.

Jeff Remington is a “retired” secondary STEM teacher with 35 years of experience and a “retired” graduate STEM education adjunct instructor. He has worked globally as a STEM trainer and consultant, transforming educational systems in both resource-challenged countries such as Haiti and resource-rich ones such as the United Arab Emirates. Jeff strives to move classroom STEM experiences from siloed and contrived to authentic, innovative, and transdisciplinary with the vital embedded thread of workforce development. As a National STEM Teacher Ambassador, he has helped inform and transform STEM policy at various levels. He’s been recognized with awards such as the Paul DeHart Hurd Award and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Internationally, he was a 2020 Top 50 Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, with more than 12,000 nominated teachers around the world. Currently, Jeff serves as a STEM Outreach Liaison, connecting teachers to cutting-edge research at Penn State.

Johanna Roche is the current 5-8 Curriculum Director at Seven Generations Charter School in Emmaus, PA. There, she combines her background as both an elementary and high school science teacher to enhance middle school education. Johanna earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Gettysburg College and a Master of Education in environmental education from Slippery Rock University, reflecting her deep commitment to integrating environmental literacy in traditional classroom settings. Recently, she completed her PK-12 Principal Certification at Slippery Rock University, highlighting her dedication to drive meaningful curriculum development and impactful learning experiences schoolwide. Seven Generations has been recognized as a High-Quality Charter School and has been awarded the PACSP Grant.

Matt Frankenbery, based in Pittsburg, Kansas, has over two decades of leadership experience in education and curriculum development. As CEO of Pitsco Education, Matt is a culture champion, focused on building high-performing teams, driving organizational growth, and leading strategic initiatives that support schools and districts worldwide in building sustainable science, Career Technical Education (CTE), and STEM ecosystems. Prior to this, Matt served as Vice President and Director of Education at Pitsco, overseeing product development teams and envisioning key product portfolios including computer science, robotics, and core science curricula. His earlier roles include Director of Educational Affairs and Senior Curriculum Specialist, where he specialized in innovative curriculum design, strategic partnerships, and educational policy. Matt began his career as a middle school teacher where his deep commitment to hands-on education, community building, and leadership has made a lasting impact for the students and communities he served.