This course introduces the fundamental issues related to classroom research, especially through the lens of action research, and what it means to be a teacher leader in the areas of STEM. Practical application will be the primary focus simultaneously with learning and learning to lead. Collaboration and group work is a hallmark of action research; students in this course will demonstrate their abilities to design, diagnose, plan, implement, observe, and reflect in cooperation with classmates. The various roles and skills necessary to be an effective researcher will be discussed, as well as important issues related to empowerment, contextualization, ethical considerations, and validity. In addition, students will examine action research through the lens of innovation and their role as a future teacher leader.