Candidate for President-Elect 

Candidate's Statement

It has never been more important for science education leaders to work together. As the President-Elect of the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA), it will be my goal to work closely with the President and the Retiring President, to move NSELA forward with its mission to support emerging and experienced science leaders.

As the current Region C Director and member of the Professional Learning Committee, I will bring a perspective of three years' experience of being a voting member of the Board of Directors. I understand a vital role that the Regional Directors play with membership communications and retention. There is potential in the supportive role I can play in onboarding and supporting current and new Regional Directors. This is my plan for my successor whether or not I am provided the privilege to be elected to the President-Elect position. Of course, this is just one small element in the role a President-Elect must contribute. Assisting the President in planning and decision making not only assists the President, but also serves as the onboarding for the future responsibilities, on the job training if you will. My commitment during my time as the President-Elect will benefit myself and the organization during my term as President. Working closely with the previous past three Presidents on the Board of Directors, I am very aware of the planning time, travel, and meetings required of this position. I am truly excited for this opportunity, and I look forward to assisting even more with future NSTA Leadership Institute (NSELA strand), NSELA Leadership Summits and Summer Learning Institutes and furthering NSELA as the primary science education leadership organization in the country.

NSELA has had an impact on me professionally as a science education leader since I became a member in 2017 because Page Keeley made me aware of this organization. I have taken that example and have promoted NSELA in my travels in my region and outside resulting in emerging and experienced science leaders to join. I am proud that during my term of Regional Director, state supervisor organizations have officially joined as dual-member affiliates to NSELA or are in the planning process to formalize this affiliation.

I am asking for your vote to be the President-Elect of NSELA. I approach all situations by assessing what we are currently doing and soliciting feedback from all stakeholders for improvements. This approach is called kaizen; I look forward to making incremental improvements that will be a benefit to all during this three-year term.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

In running for President-Elect of the National Science Education Leadership Association, I strongly advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a core part of our mission. DEI is not just an ideal but a crucial factor in driving innovation and excellence in science education. Throughout my career, I have worked to create inclusive environments that empower diverse voices and perspectives.

As President of the Florida Association of Science Supervisors, I created spaces where all voices were valued. My leadership is rooted in the belief that diversity enhances our collective impact.

In my three years as Region C Director of NSELA, I have seen how vital it is for membership to reflect multiple perspectives. If elected, I will continue to champion NSELA’s initiatives that ensure every science educator, and science leader feels represented and supported within our organization, building a stronger, more equitable NSELA community. This happens by being intentional in identifying talented and thoughtful science educators of all experience levels, to put NSELA involvement on their radar of professional opportunities.

Vision for NSELA

My vision for NSELA is to continue building on our strengths as a science education leadership organization. We have many systems in place to provide members first class support:

• Providing a voice by being at the table with other national science organizations

• Professional learning opportunities both virtual and face-to-face

• Professional Science Educator Journal

• Standing committees

Each of these systems of support are led by dedicated people who are passionate about their contribution. Within all of these, it is important to build succession plans to ensure continuous support to NSELA members. It is also important to strive for small but continuous incremental improvements. This happens by listening to the stakeholders of each system on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges to get their work accomplished. I am happy to have a previous interaction with most, if not all, of these stakeholders having been part of the Board of Directors and on a specific work task force the previous three years that led NSELA to some strategic reorganization.