The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), as a self-described "teaching and learning laboratory for imagination and inquiry," has a history of pursuing innovations closely aligned with the vision and framework of the National Science Education Standards. Innovations include both methods and materials for inquiry-based student instruction as well as for delivering professional development for pre-service and practicing teachers. Instructional innovations described include yearlong student inquiry and research projects (SIR), self-paced physics instruction, student-driven energy and engineering projects, instruction in innovation and entrepreneurialism, and a host of student-led outreach activities to "ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds of students through- out Illinois and beyond." Highlighted practices for improving the effectiveness of current STEM teachers as well as training and inspiring prospective STEM teachers included IMSA's Teacher Candidate Institutes, Golden Apple Scholars and signature programs of Problem-Based Learning and IMSA FUSION.