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«Back to all edWebinarsBreaking Down Instructional Silos: Building Literacy, Math, and Future-Ready Skills in Elementary School
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
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
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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:
- Describe the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in elementary classrooms and emphasize how interdisciplinary approaches can strengthen literacy and math outcomes while supporting the development of future-ready skills
- Identify strategies for integrating STEM-focused literacy and math that promote problem solving, collaboration, and communication without adding to teachers’ workload
- Explore examples of integrated instruction that help students make meaningful connections across ELA, math, and science
- Apply practical, time-efficient approaches that build on existing curricula to increase student engagement and confidence
- Articulate the rationale and proof points for interdisciplinary learning to support instructional decision making and schoolwide alignment
This edLeader Panel will be of interest to elementary school leaders and district leaders.
About the Presenters
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 Programming, Equity, and Career Technology for Monroe Township School District, where he leads enrichment, CTE, and equity-driven initiatives while overseeing strategic communications, public relations, and community engagement. He also serves as K–12 Supervisor for Career Technology and Gifted & Talented programs, guiding over 60 educators and directing new program development.
Recognized in 2025 by Project Lead The Way as an Outstanding Administrator, Zach has been instrumental in expanding STEM, arts, business, and athletics programming. Prior to education, he built a successful career in sports marketing and public relations, working with major organizations including the U.S. Army, Reebok, NBC, and Sony PlayStation.
An active presenter and thought leader, Zach frequently speaks on innovative program design and school improvement. He is currently pursuing his doctorate and consulting in educational strategy. Outside of work, he enjoys surfing, wrestling, and distance running.
Sylvia Huff, Ph.D., is the Senior Vice President of Research at Project Lead The Way (PLTW). As SVP of Research, she is responsible for guiding PLTW’s research agenda and leading the team that evaluates the organization’s impact on both students and teachers. Before serving as SVP of Research, she was PLTW’s Vice President of Research. Prior to joining PLTW, Dr. Huff gained applied research experience in both the public and private sectors—serving as the Executive Director of Research, Evaluation & Assessment for the St. Cloud Public Schools in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and as a Research Director for Pearson, respectively. Dr. Huff earned a Ph.D. in brain and cognitive sciences (psychology) from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and an Executive MBA from Howard University. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in the Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology program at Washington University in St. Louis.
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