Systemic Science Support
Science gives us tools to understand the world around us and advance it. That's why we partner with school teams and school systems to strengthen real-world, NGSS-aligned science practices that help all learners excel.
Build the future of science!
When students engage in authentic, hands-on science experiences, they learn to ask questions, test their ideas, and communicate evidence—skills that prepare them to solve real-world problems and envision new futures.
Every student deserves to experience the wonder and rigor of science learning that mirrors how scientists actually work. That is not yet the norm. That’s why Leading Educators partners with school systems to make high-quality, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-aligned instruction doable, sustainable, and inspiring across classrooms and communities.
As the world faces challenges in energy, infrastructure, and public health, we need generations of problem solvers who can design solutions that work for everyone.
Science is Where Learning Comes to Life.
Science improvement doesn’t live in one place. It requires a shared vision for what students should experience in science classrooms, adults with the expertise and confidence to bring that vision to life, and system-level structures that translate insight into consistent action.
We work shoulder-to-shoulder with district, school, and teacher leaders to align science instruction with broader system goals so science becomes a place where learning across subjects comes together, rather than another competing initiative.
Change Isn't Easy.
Many districts have adopted high-quality, standards-aligned science instructional materials, yet leaders still see inconsistent implementation across schools and classrooms.
There is often limited shared clarity about what strong, three-dimensional science instruction looks like in practice, and leaders and coaches lack science-specific tools and confidence to support teachers effectively. At the same time, science is frequently treated as secondary—something to return to once math and literacy are “handled.”
When instruction remains surface-level or fragmented, it usually reflects broader system challenges with professional learning, deep pedagogical understanding, and leadership routines.
How We Help: Sustainable, System-Ready Solutions
Get vetted, best-in-class science support that scales.
Our Science HQIM Launch & Implementation services provides a clear, coherent pathway from district vision to classroom practice—supporting strong initial implementation while building lasting capacity. Building on lessons learned from our Next Generation Science Educators Network, we offer consultative instructional strategy support, professional learning, and embedded coaching aligned with NGSS.
We’ll help you hone your vision of effective science instruction in practice and develop the skills necessary to help others achieve it. Leading Educators is proud to be an OpenSciEd Certified Professional Learning Provider.
What Makes Our Support Stick
Practice makes possible. Our science support centers hands-on and student-led science standards so educators can build content knowledge and instructional practices through application.
- Our content connects the four components of STEM education with real-world problem-solving, student-led, and project-based learning.
- We’ll focus on specific issues in science content and pedagogy derived from research and exemplary practice.
- Participants will actively observe, analyze, and apply feedback to teaching practices to support continuous improvement and foster ongoing collaboration among science, math, and technology teachers.
How It Works
No matter where you’re starting, we can help your district or state become a dynamic learning system where all students and adults are set up to achieve greatly in science and STEM, together.
We draw from our expertise as career educators, our proximity to leading researchers, and our practical experience as coaches and designers to help educators practice what they teach and plan for the future.
Learning Walks & Evidence-Based Reflection
Create shared visibility into classroom practice to translate evidence into clear next steps for coaching and professional learning.
Strategic Advising
Clarify priorities for science instruction, align science with existing initiatives and system goals, and establish the conditions that enable HQIM success—such as schedules, coaching structures, and shared expectations.
Build a strong plan and bring it to life with our help.
Leader Learning and Vision Building
Build shared understanding of what high-quality, NGSS-aligned science instruction looks like, how to recognize it in classrooms, and how to support teachers through observation, feedback, and aligned messaging.
Sharpen your lens for excellence, strengthen your direction.
Professional Learning & Coaching
Help teachers engage in hands-on, curriculum-rooted learning experiences that model phenomenon-driven instruction, build science content understanding alongside instructional skill, so they feel prepared to lead rich investigations. Follow up with tailored coaching experiences that build on individual strengths and growth areas.
Cultivate strong practice with knowledge-rich, practical professional learning.
Watch a Free Learning Snapshot
Want a taste of what you can expect from the learning? “Unpacking 3-D Phenomena-Based Science” explores three dimensions of phenomena-based instruction, helping you know what to look for and how to work toward these elements in practice.
Start the journey to life-changing results.
Let us know how we can help.
Explore science content
What needs and emergent opportunities are on the horizon for science? We offer perspective on these topics on our blog and in other multimedia.
Meet the team
Solona Hollis
Amanda Drenth
Daniele Coplin
Candice Holmes
About Solona Hollis
Solona Hollis is a scientist, educator, and innovation leader. As the Senior Director of Science Strategy, she leads Leading Educators' newly formed science team, developing comprehensive strategies for science and STEM-focused services while establishing the organization's presence in science education and professional learning.
During her time at Leading Educators, Solona has launched the Next Generation Science Educators Network and collaborated with the Innovation team to develop asynchronous science professional learning modules.
Before joining Leading Educators, Solona worked with state leaders to develop NGSS-aligned coaching models and professional learning initiatives. She also led model developments for career and technical education teachers, supported school transformation efforts, and taught all levels of chemistry and physics in both online and traditional settings. Her accomplishments include being co-inventor of a commercially sold adhesive used in engineered lumber.
She is passionate about science because it has shaped how she sees the world and how she leads. Science calls her to be curious, to look beneath the surface, and to bring others along in making sense of complex ideas. For her, it's not just about answers—it's about creating opportunities for children to be curious about the world around them, empowering them to discover, question, and innovate together.
Solona holds a B.S. in Chemistry and a Secondary Science Teaching certification.
During her time at Leading Educators, Solona has launched the Next Generation Science Educators Network and collaborated with the Innovation team to develop asynchronous science professional learning modules.
Before joining Leading Educators, Solona worked with state leaders to develop NGSS-aligned coaching models and professional learning initiatives. She also led model developments for career and technical education teachers, supported school transformation efforts, and taught all levels of chemistry and physics in both online and traditional settings. Her accomplishments include being co-inventor of a commercially sold adhesive used in engineered lumber.
She is passionate about science because it has shaped how she sees the world and how she leads. Science calls her to be curious, to look beneath the surface, and to bring others along in making sense of complex ideas. For her, it's not just about answers—it's about creating opportunities for children to be curious about the world around them, empowering them to discover, question, and innovate together.
Solona holds a B.S. in Chemistry and a Secondary Science Teaching certification.
“Students deserve access to high-quality educational experiences that allow them to explore a world of endless career possibilities.”
Solona Hollis in the news
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What Do Students Need from Science Instruction?
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Empowering Every Student to Discover a Future in Science
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Take 5: How Educators Can Keep Students Curious About Science
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About Amanda Drenth
Amanda Drenth is an accomplished education professional with expertise in science instruction and curriculum development. As the Director of Content and Coaching for the Science OER Network, she helps teachers leverage best practices in science instruction to transform classrooms into student-led communities where young scientists thrive and develop a sense of belonging.
Over 3 years at Leading Educators, Amanda has served as Director of Content and Coaching for ELA in Chicago Public Schools and Harlem Community School District 5 in New York. She has designed AI-based assistive technology for teachers focused on multilingual learner support in science and authored a guidebook on best practices for implementing open education resources in science instruction. Her work in Harlem contributed to making it one of just three local districts (out of 38) that showed gains in literacy on the state assessment in SY23-24.
Before joining Leading Educators, Amanda was a classroom teacher, served as president of her teacher's union, and collaborated with University of Illinois and Northwestern University to design science curricula for 3rd and 4th grade. She currently serves as an elected member of her local school board. Amanda holds an M.A. in Elementary Education and a B.S. in Biology. When not supporting educators, she enjoys writing original music and performing in her 90s cover band.
Over 3 years at Leading Educators, Amanda has served as Director of Content and Coaching for ELA in Chicago Public Schools and Harlem Community School District 5 in New York. She has designed AI-based assistive technology for teachers focused on multilingual learner support in science and authored a guidebook on best practices for implementing open education resources in science instruction. Her work in Harlem contributed to making it one of just three local districts (out of 38) that showed gains in literacy on the state assessment in SY23-24.
Before joining Leading Educators, Amanda was a classroom teacher, served as president of her teacher's union, and collaborated with University of Illinois and Northwestern University to design science curricula for 3rd and 4th grade. She currently serves as an elected member of her local school board. Amanda holds an M.A. in Elementary Education and a B.S. in Biology. When not supporting educators, she enjoys writing original music and performing in her 90s cover band.
"Every student deserves to feel not only like they can contribute in a meaningful way within their classroom community but feel inspired to do so."
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About Daniele Coplin
Daniele E. Coplin is an operations leader who believes that data driven instruction and operations is the backbone to a strong academic program. She will be the primary collaborator for logistics, data collection and analysis processes, and building collaborative internal structures for the team.
Before joining Leading Educators, Daniele supported the regional operations team of KIPP Capital region as an advisor.
Daniele holds B.A. in Spanish from Hampton University and an M.A. in Latin American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. Daniele enjoys cross-stitching and traveling.
Before joining Leading Educators, Daniele supported the regional operations team of KIPP Capital region as an advisor.
Daniele holds B.A. in Spanish from Hampton University and an M.A. in Latin American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. Daniele enjoys cross-stitching and traveling.
I lead because all students deserve a safe environment filled with learning and self-discovery.
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About Candice Holmes
Candice is a critical thinker who anticipates and resolves issues while strategically executing tasks. She leads operations, event logistics, client management, and data evaluation for the Greater Grand Rapids region. She is a proud Grand Rapids Public Schools alum!
Before joining Leading Educators, Candice worked with college students as she created and executed programs to retain students of color.
Candice holds an M.S. in Student Affairs/College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University and a B.A. in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.
Before joining Leading Educators, Candice worked with college students as she created and executed programs to retain students of color.
Candice holds an M.S. in Student Affairs/College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University and a B.A. in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.
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