Candidate for Region A Director 

Candidate's Statement

As a dedicated science education advocate, I have been actively involved in NJSELA since 2020, serving as Secretary and currently holding the position of Vice President. The NJ affiliate, with nearly 200 members, hosts numerous annual events. Through my experiences in NJSELA, I have honed my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to advancing science education.

I am passionate about creating equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students and in which teachers inspire a lifelong love for learning and scientific literacy. My diverse science education experiences in both public and private schools, range from 500 to 9,000 students across multiple states, have provided me with a unique perspective. My experience includes curriculum development, teacher training, and educational leadership, and I am eager to apply these skills to my role on the NSELA Board of Directors.

As the Region A Director, I will represent the state affiliates in the Northeastern U.S. I plan to visit state affiliates in person when possible and connect virtually when necessary. By understanding the unique needs and characteristics of each affiliate, I can effectively advocate for their interests and support their initiatives. I believe in servant leadership and am committed to empowering science education leaders across the region. Their success will be our shared success.

I am prepared to dedicate the time and effort required to fulfill the responsibilities of an NSELA Board member. I am committed to actively participating in board meetings, committees, and initiatives. I will collaborate with other board members to develop and implement strategies that advance science education leadership. I am also eager to mentor and support emerging leaders in the field.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

To foster a truly inclusive NSELA, we must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels. Our membership and leadership should reflect the diverse communities we serve, enabling us to better understand and represent their needs. We must cultivate inclusive working and learning environments that promote respect, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

To ensure our instructional materials align with these values, I will encourage their periodic review for not only inclusive language, but also representation of diverse cultures and perspectives. Our lessons and activities must showcase scientists from various backgrounds and identities, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the contributions of underrepresented groups in science.

I will expand initiatives like GEMS and GRIT which expose students to advanced STEM topics and introduce them to role models in those fields. By relating science to real-world issues and connecting concepts to students' lives and communities, we can create culturally relevant science programs. Change will not come overnight, but I believe in being persistent and striving for continuous improvement.

Vision for NSELA

Building on NSELA's strong foundation, we will expand our reach through strategic partnerships in conjunction with professional developmental programs that are transformative, accessible, and turnkey in nature. By equipping education leaders with the latest research and best practices, we will foster learning environments that create a diverse community of STEM leaders and learners that cultivate critical thinkers, inspire real-world problem solving, and foster a deeper understanding of the ever-changing world around us.