Breaking Down Instructional Silos: Building Literacy, Math, and Future-Ready Skills in Elementary School

Presented by Suzanne Martin, Third-Grade Teacher, Darnaby Elementary School (OK); Jesus Silva, Third-Grade Bilingual Teacher, Monroe Elementary School (CA); Zachary Morolda, Director of Innovative & Community Programs, Equity & Careers Technology, Monroe Township School District (NJ); and Sylvia Huff, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Research, Project Lead The Way Sponsored by Project Lead The Way Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. Today’s elementary classrooms are becoming a critical starting point for planting the seeds of future-ready learning. Too often, however, with all of the curricular requirements, there’s limited time for teachers to add one more thing. This edLeader Panel isn’t about adding more. It’s about unlocking more. It explores how breaking down instructional silos and expanding interdisciplinary approaches can help elementary educators strengthen core academic outcomes while building the transferable skills students need for the future. Using an interdisciplinary lens, we’ll look at how STEM-focused literacy and math can harness students’ attention by providing the “why,” and can become powerful entry points for problem solving, collaboration, communication, and early career awareness without overwhelming already stretched-thin teachers. Attendees will see how integrated instruction helps students make meaningful connections across subjects, boosts engagement and confidence, and deepens understanding in ELA, math, and science. By the end of this session, attendees will be able to: This edLeader Panel will be of interest to elementary school leaders and district leaders. Suzanne Martin is a third-grade teacher at Darnaby Elementary School in the Union Public Schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is a PLTW Master Teacher, helping to train other educators, promoting hands-on, project-based learning. She emphasizes early participation in STEM for students, as they can build strong foundations of transportable skills that can serve them into middle and high school. Jesus Silva is an experienced educator with 29 years in education in Santa Ana, California. Over the course of his career, he has served as an elementary classroom teacher, bilingual teacher, and Future Ready Coach, supporting teachers in integrating technology and innovative practices in the classroom. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, where he studied marine biology with minors in organic chemistry and Latin American literature. He later completed a master’s degree in educational technology from Concordia University. Jesus is passionate about bilingual education, STEM learning, and hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity in students. Throughout his career, he has worked to expand opportunities for students by supporting innovative programs and integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning. Zachary Morolda serves as Director of Innovative & Community Programm