Kammas Kersch is the STEM coordinator for the Chester County Intermediate Unit in southeastern PA, the Project Manager for STEM and Computer Science for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and is an Executive Committee member of the PA SEED Ecosystem, a STEM ecosystem consisting of the four southeastern Pennsylvania counties. A former high school chemistry and computer science teacher, Kammas is a passionate advocate of STEM activities and opportunities for every student. She was recently honored with the 2025 National Scholastic Esports Administrative Ally Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and advocacy in scholastic esports. Kersch has been involved in securing grant funding to further esports across Pennsylvania and grow the Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League (PSEL) where she serves as the Director. Kammas played a critical role as a leader in supporting the work of establishing state affiliation for PennSELA.

What’s the best advice anyone has given you as a science leader?

The best advice I’ve been given as a leader is to surround myself with great people. I have an incredible team that helps me grow and pushes me to develop new ways to support teachers and students. I think continuing to surround yourself with people who support you and push you is crucial.

What advice do you have for those pursuing science leadership?

I would encourage teachers to start by seeing themselves as leaders in the work that they do. You do not have to be in a formal leadership role to be a leader. Lead by example, try new things, get involved in committees, and step outside of your comfort zone.

How do your hobbies outside of science leadership contribute to your professional life?

I got into education through martial arts, which I’ve been teaching since I was 13. It’s where I found my passion for leadership. I have learned so much about public speaking, leadership development, and perseverance and I use those lessons into my professional life every day.

Fill in the blank. I couldn’t be successful in science leadership without ____. 

I couldn’t be successful in science leadership without learning from great leaders and being surrounded by a great team. Leadership is not an individual sport. We are most effective when we learn from and with others and do the work as a team.

Can you describe your current leadership role in your district?

I currently serve dual roles. I have a local role at an educational service agency in Southeastern, PA where I am the STEM Coordinator. I have the opportunity to support our 12 districts as well as our charter and non-public schools in all things STEM. My team provides strategic planning and professional learning to support their efforts. Additionally, I serve as the Project Manager for statewide STEM & CS with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Through this work, I support the statewide special consultant in executing the strategic plan to ensure all students have access to high quality STEM & CS education.

What is your background in science education?

My undergrad degree is in Chemistry Education with a minor in Physics. While in college, I had the chance to work as the chemist in a physics nanoparticle lab, which was fascinating, but also confirmed for me that I wanted to be in a classroom, not a laboratory. I taught primarily high school chemistry and then launched a computer science pathway. While teaching, I went back to school for my Masters in Ed Tech as I was supporting a 1:1 iPad program where I eventually became a tech coach. Since leaving the classroom, I have grown to focus on teacher and leader support. Teacher leadership is a passion area of mine and I’ve had the opportunity to co-lead several science teacher leader institutes locally. I have recently completely my principalship certificate.

What has been a success of your leadership in your district that you are proud of? 

Pennsylvania has new science standards that go into effect for Fall 2025. I am really proud of the way my team and I have supported our schools in preparing for the new standards. These are the first framework aligned standards for Pennsylvania, so they are requiring an instructional shift in addition to curriculum and assessment alignment. We have focused on supporting people and meeting them where they are and the result has been the chance to build relationships with many teachers and support their instructional practice.