The STEAM Symposium was my first big project at the California Department of Education (CDE). This event highlights the work of California’s leaders in classroom innovation from across the state and shares promising practices in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). It has been one of the bright stars in the CDE's array of professional learning opportunities. Attendees leave with research-supported ways to integrate and enhance STEAM education, while boosting student interest, learning, and creativity. A Student STEAM Showcase offered an opportunity for students to present their creative efforts that were inspired by their STEAM classroom experience. The Makerspace and Makerspace Stage are always very popular experiences for STEAM educators.

The Symposium took place on December 10–11, 2017, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. The theme was: Investigate. Collaborate. Innovate. Experts in STEAM education illustrated this theme through presentations addressing one of these Symposium strands:

• STEAM Across Grades and Disciplines
• Integrating Environmental Literacy in STEAM Disciplines  
• Design Thinking and Engineering: Where Art Meets Science
• Supporting STEM/STEAM Through 21st Century Learning Environments  
• Learning Beyond the Classroom
• Preparing a 21st Century Workforce

The Symposium is designed for educators who will participate in building and supporting STEAM education across our state. Attendees were able to explore the new California Science Framework, which includes engineering, environmental literacy, and strategies to ensure equity and access for California’s diverse student population. There were a variety of opportunities to hear from teams who have implemented STEAM, computer science and robotics programs; outdoor learning opportunities; and effective uses of technology in the STEAM classroom.

An added benefit of attending the Symposium was built-in planning time with colleagues. Experts were available to answer team questions. Meeting space and resources for counties, districts, schools, or other teams allowed teams a way to take advantage of the gathering to start planning.

Although my job will now focus on other areas to be part of helping local education agencies a way to offer our students quality schooling, it was a joy to be part of this team and collaborate with the best talent in California!