Dr. Charlene L. Ellingson, Wife . Mother. Teacher. Dog-Lover.Currently the Executive Director of Rochester STEM Academy. Prior to this position I was an Assistant Professor of Elementary and Literacy Education at Mankato State University. Prior to earning a Ph.D. in STEM education, I was a District STEM Specialist and high school science teacher working in one of the most diverse schools in Minnesota. My research interests have one foot in the classroom and the other in the theories that inform classroom practice. I am especially interested in helping students who are performing below grade level find points of entry into science, and engaging historically underrepresented groups, such as girls and students of color. I am attending this conference because I am interested in learning how to build a teacher-powered, student-centered high school.