Educators Embrace Creative Learning at Literacy is STEAM Conference
By Nicole Gilbertson
September 8, 2025
September 8, 2025
The UCI Teacher Academy and UCI Science Project successfully hosted their Literacy is STEAM conference on August 23 at UC Irvine's Division of Continuing Education. This innovative full-day workshop brought together UCI faculty, Orange County teacher leaders, and TK-6 educators for an exploration of integrating literacy, arts, and STEM education through the power of engaging picture books.
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A Day of Professional Learning and Collaboration
More than sixty elementary teachers and UCI Masters in Teaching candidates participated in the Literacy is STEAM conference, engaging with hands-on, minds-on activities to better understand and teach STEM concepts and art expression. The day started with a keynote presentation by UCI Professor Young-Suk Grace Kim that provided educators with current research and practical examples to support students’ language acquisition and reading skill development. Teachers then attended grade-level workshops where teacher leaders modeled literacy learning experiences to support STEM learning through picture books. These presentations demonstrated how picture books can serve as powerful catalysts for interdisciplinary instruction, making complex STEM concepts accessible and engaging for young learners. Attendees dove deep into classroom-tested approaches that seamlessly blend literacy skill development with science exploration that promote student creativity and meaning-making. |
Monroe Elementary teachers and administrators learn with the UC Irvine School of Education team at the Literacy is STEAM conference
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Valuable Resources for Immediate Implementation
Each participating educator left the conference well-equipped to implement new strategies in their classrooms. All presentations and materials from the conference are archived and open access for all educators to use and can be found at this link. For teachers attending the conference, the comprehensive take-home package included:
Educators received these materials courtesy of the conference sponsors: Pacific Life Foundation, the Crevier Foundation, and the California Science Project.
Impacting Classrooms
The Literacy is STEAM conference impacted elementary teachers who will use this learning to share with their colleagues and students. One teacher shared about their conference experience: “It gave me practical skills to be able to incorporate literacy into different areas.” Participants reported that they will implement the lessons throughout this academic year with their students, creating rigorous STEAM learning opportunities for thousands of elementary school children this year alone.
Community Connections
The conference also created meaningful connections between educators and community members committed to children’s learning. Picture book authors Nithin Jilla and Joanna Kong shared the story of the development of R is for Rice and the many ways that children and families have engaged in culturally-relevant literacy development around food and connection. The day culminated in creative expression led by The Calfiornia Arts Project, with educators having a choice to engage in dance, theatre, or visual arts. Teachers shared they loved being able to create a collage, expressing their ideas through theatre, and dancing to demonstrate the movement of soil erosion. One teacher shared: “I can really integrate dance and movement in any content area in kinder—they love to move! I feel more confident in teaching the arts standards.” Many teachers shared that this learning will impact students’ learning and well-being, fostering a deeper connection between the classroom community.
Looking Ahead
The learning doesn't stop with the August conference. This day-long event will be followed by two virtual meetings in the 2025 academic year, creating an ongoing professional learning community. These follow-up sessions will allow teachers to share their students' learning progress, discuss implementation successes and challenges, and continue refining their STEAM and literacy integration knowledge. In addition, all materials are available to use at the UCI Science Project’s website and our Instagram post picturing the days’ events.
Each participating educator left the conference well-equipped to implement new strategies in their classrooms. All presentations and materials from the conference are archived and open access for all educators to use and can be found at this link. For teachers attending the conference, the comprehensive take-home package included:
- Classroom-tested STEAM lessons ready for immediate use
- Additional educational resources and materials
- Grade-appropriate picture books selected specifically for STEAM integration
Educators received these materials courtesy of the conference sponsors: Pacific Life Foundation, the Crevier Foundation, and the California Science Project.
Impacting Classrooms
The Literacy is STEAM conference impacted elementary teachers who will use this learning to share with their colleagues and students. One teacher shared about their conference experience: “It gave me practical skills to be able to incorporate literacy into different areas.” Participants reported that they will implement the lessons throughout this academic year with their students, creating rigorous STEAM learning opportunities for thousands of elementary school children this year alone.
Community Connections
The conference also created meaningful connections between educators and community members committed to children’s learning. Picture book authors Nithin Jilla and Joanna Kong shared the story of the development of R is for Rice and the many ways that children and families have engaged in culturally-relevant literacy development around food and connection. The day culminated in creative expression led by The Calfiornia Arts Project, with educators having a choice to engage in dance, theatre, or visual arts. Teachers shared they loved being able to create a collage, expressing their ideas through theatre, and dancing to demonstrate the movement of soil erosion. One teacher shared: “I can really integrate dance and movement in any content area in kinder—they love to move! I feel more confident in teaching the arts standards.” Many teachers shared that this learning will impact students’ learning and well-being, fostering a deeper connection between the classroom community.
Looking Ahead
The learning doesn't stop with the August conference. This day-long event will be followed by two virtual meetings in the 2025 academic year, creating an ongoing professional learning community. These follow-up sessions will allow teachers to share their students' learning progress, discuss implementation successes and challenges, and continue refining their STEAM and literacy integration knowledge. In addition, all materials are available to use at the UCI Science Project’s website and our Instagram post picturing the days’ events.
The UCI Teacher Academy and UCI Science Project continue to provide cutting-edge professional development opportunities for educators. For more information about future conferences and workshops, contact Nicole Gilbertson [email protected] and Jon Kovach [email protected]
