Voices from the Field: SF STEAM Academy

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By Sam Piha

There’s been a big push for incorporating lessons and activities that use STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art, and math. There are schools and afterschool programs that are dedicated to STEAM frameworks and also many that are working to incorporate individual STEAM activities. Below we offer an interview with Dr. Rebecca Hawley, Executive Director of San Francisco STEAM Academy. (We are developing future blogs and papers on this topic.)

Q: What is STEAM?

A: STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that integrates these subjects through hands-on, real-world projects. Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, STEAM encourages students to ask questions, design solutions, build, test ideas, and think creatively.

Q: Why is STEAM Important?

A: STEAM prepares students for the future by developing critical thinking, creative problem solving, collaboration, communication, innovation, and resilience. It increases engagement by making learning fun, meaningful, and connected to real-world challenges.

Q: What Does It Mean to Be a STEAM School?

A: A STEAM School integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics across the curriculum while maintaining strong foundational academics. At SF STEAM Academy, we combine innovation with research-based curriculum.

Q: Do You Use Established Curriculums at SF STEAM Academy? 

A: Yes, some of these are listed below:

• Mathematics: Bridges in Mathematics (The Math Learning Center)

• Language Arts & Social Studies: Arts & Letters

• Science: Mystery Science

• Social-Emotional Learning: Conscious Discipline and Wayfinder 



These programs provide academic rigor, while our STEAM framework brings learning to life through projects, inquiry, and design challenges, using a whole-child approach and universal design for learning.

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Q: Are There Any Frameworks That You Rely On? 

A: Guiding Principles & Frameworks:

• Project-Based Learning (PBL)

• Engineering Design Process

• Inquiry-Based Instruction

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

• Whole-child development through Conscious Discipline

Q: What Do You Look for in a STEAM Teacher:

• A: Strong knowledge of child development and different learning styles,

• Ability to teach foundational academics using a project-based and transdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning,

• Skill in facilitating inquiry and hands-on learning,

• Collaborative and reflective practice,

• Commitment to equity and inclusive classrooms,

• Alignment with positive classroom management practices.

Q: Is STEAM Used in All Subjects?

A: Yes. STEAM thinking strengthens our core curriculum. Students apply mathematical reasoning in real-world design challenges, integrate literacy with research and presentation, conduct scientific investigations, use the arts, and build collaboration and emotional regulation skills throughout the day.

Q: Do You Offer Dedicated STEAM Experiences?

A: Yes. In addition to integrated classroom instruction, students participate in STEAM lab experiences, engineering and robotics projects, maker challenges, and technology integration opportunities during the school day and through our after-school and camp programs. 

Q: Is STEAM Appropriate for Afterschool Programs?

A: Absolutely. STEAM enrichment in after-school settings—such as robotics, coding, LEGO engineering, and design labs, backyard sciences, gardening, and arts activities —provides extended time for exploration, creativity, and collaborative innovation. 

MORE ABOUT...

Dr. Rebecca Hawley is an accomplished leader in Education, Early Intervention, Special Education, and Family Support Services with 25 years of experience across the Bay Area, nationally, and internationally. Her career centers on advancing equitable, developmentally informed, and individualized access to education and related services for children and adolescents ages 2–21.

As an expert in child development, Dr. Hawley integrates research-based developmental frameworks with practical, school-based application, ensuring that instructional decisions, intervention plans, and service delivery models are grounded in evidence and tailored to the whole child. Her work spans early childhood programs, elementary and middle school settings, and specialized environments serving neurodiverse learners, multilingual students, and students facing mental health challenges.

Dr. Hawley provides direct support, strategic leadership, and programmatic oversight to non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and independent schools. She is highly regarded for her ability to build and strengthen multidisciplinary teams, coach and mentor teachers, and develop systems that support instructional excellence, inclusive learning environments, and culturally responsive practice. Her mentorship emphasizes reflective teaching, collaborative problem-solving, and data-informed decision-making to improve student outcomes and elevate teacher confidence.

San Francisco STEAM Academy is an innovative elementary school that nurtures children’s intrinsic motivation, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Their research-backed, student-centered approach embraces hands-on, interdisciplinary learning: core academics enriched with arts, movement, and life skills such as cooking, gardening, and crafting. Authentic, real-world problem-solving fosters confidence and creativity. A connected, thriving learning community where children feel valued and inspired. Education should be transformative—a launchpad for every child’s future possibilities.

At SF S.T.E.A.M. Academy, learning is active, engaging, and meaningful, equipping students to think analytically, innovate boldly, and thrive in an ever-changing world. They nurture the next generation of problem-solvers, creative thinkers, and compassionate leaders.