Science Leadership Initiative
Growing Schools as Leaders in Science Education
The Science Leadership Initiative is for any K-12 public or private school that is committed to improving science teaching and learning for all students in their community. Similar to a grant opportunity, school partners submit an application and enter into an initial Commitment Year, after which they re-apply to enter into two additional Partnership Years with Griffin MSI. During this partnership, Griffin MSI provides resources and guidance to empowered teachers and supportive school leaders as they engage in repeated reflection and action around 8 Essential Elements of high-quality science instruction. The goal of the Science Leadership Initiative is to introduce schools to and support them in using a set of practices that can be used sustainably over multiple years to shift the systems and culture in the building toward high-quality science instruction for all students.
The Work of a School Partner
School partners within the Science Leadership Initiative are represented by a core leadership team of three individuals in the building: a teacher of science, one additional staff member (not necessarily a teacher), and a supportive leader (principal, AP, dean, coordinator, etc). Together, they facilitate the work of a larger cross-disciplinary school team that meets regularly throughout the school year. This core leadership triad also meets with museum staff during the initial Commitment Year for:
- 2 full days in early August before the school year begins
- 3 full days during the school year
- 2 online evening sessions during the school year
Griffin MSI Supports and Resources
The Science Leadership Initiative is a grant-like opportunity for school partners to receive support from the museum—time, tools, coaching, financial support—that catalyzes their work toward high-quality science education for all children.
Supports from Griffin MSI Team
- Collaborative work sessions
- 1:1 mentoring and coaching
- Tools and resources to implement program
- Financial support for school action plans
Leadership Team Benefits
- 38 Continuing Education Hours during the initial Commitment Year followed by 17 hours each year during the Partnership Years—all at no cost.
- Free family memberships to Griffin MSI
- Networking and professional growth opportunities
- Free select professional learning workshops at Griffin MSI
Research-based Support Tools
- School Support Tool Workbook and Facilitation Guide
- School Support Tool Digital Suite
Cohort Community
- Leadership Cohort
- Cross-Cohort Collaboration
- SLI Alumni Network
Application Requirements
The window to submit applications will be open April 10 - May 20, 2026. Application forms are only available via email to school staff that have attended one of the info sessions (dates listed below). Both the principal and one other member of the leadership triad (see below) must attend an info session in order to apply.
We're looking for three willing leaders...
- A teacher of science
- A co-leader (in or out of the classroom)
- A supporting leader (Principal, AP, Dean, STEM Coordinator)
- All leaders have a minimum of two years in their role
- At least one leader has a minimum of two years at the school
Who commit to…
- Attending all seven work sessions (2 virtual in the evening and 5 onsite during school hours at Griffin MSI, including a two-day summer launch)
- Recruiting and cultivating a Cross-Disciplinary School Team
- Scheduling and protecting time for team to meet, approximately two hours per month
- Protecing SLI as the main focus that year for your campus [few or no competing commitments]
And demonstrate…
- The ability to collaborate and communicate together effectively
- Shared investment in the program and the team
- Cultivate strong relationships
Information sessions
To learn more about how to apply, attend one of our information sessions. Dates are available April through May, with both in-person and virtual options.
Information sessions for 2026
- Tuesday, April 7 at Griffin MSI from 5:30 - 6:30 pm
- Thursday, April 16 online via Zoom from 5:00 - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday, April 22 online via Zoom from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Wednesday, April 29 at Griffin MSI from 5:30 - 6:30 pm
- Monday, May 4 online via Zoom from 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Re-Application After Commitment Year
In an effort to ensure that schools who enter the Partnership Years will have lasting and sustainable success with the program, all schools are required to re-apply at the end of the initial Commitment Year. To enter into the Partnership Years (Years 2 and 3), schools must engage in a re-application process that looks for:
- Completed Evidence Gathering & Rating process, with all Cross-Disciplinary School Team members’ input recorded
- Completed and effective Action Plan that is aligned with long-term school goal
- Completed Mid-Year Leadership Triad Survey
- Completed Cross-Disciplinary School Team Survey
- Completed Re-Application Form
- Evidence of the principal supporting the work of the Cross-Disciplinary School Team
- 100% attendance of all work sessions
Research and Evaluation
Evaluation and research is an important component of the Science Leadership Initiative. We utilized literature review and partner surveys to build a program to meet teaching and school goals. Our Research and Evaluation team continues to asses the impact of this program on partner schools. Early findings have been published in the form of peer-reviewed conference presentations and white papers.
- Supporting Elementary and Middle School STEM Education at the Whole School Level: A Review of the LiteratureWhite Paper
- Science Leadership Initiative Perceptions Survey White Paper
- Are We So Different? A Study of Teacher and Administrator Perceptions of Science EducationWhite Paper
We are planning submissions to formal peer-review journals. Please email [email protected] if you are open to publishing and presentation collaborations.
