Teachers are the most valuable resource for America to compete in a global science technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) economy. This work was on display at a recent public forum to discuss a new STEM charter school application for Northwest Indiana at the Lake County Public Library. The meeting became a celebration of how Northwest Indiana has been intensely focused on improving STEM instruction across the region to benefit students. Teacher after teacher articulated their commitment to professional learning and improvement, inspiring and driving rigorous student learning, showcasing student work, integrating new learning technologies, and most importantly a commitment to building the individual relationships required to help ALL students achieve in STEM. I was invited to share the College Acceleration Network’s role in helping to assess, train, coach, and manage STEM initiatives for the benefit of Northwest Indiana.