NSELA catalyzes leadership to maximize effective science teaching and learning in a complex and changing environment. If you are receiving this email and are not a member, we encourage you to join us and get involved!

March 2024

Contribute to the Newsletter!

We want to hear from you! Every month we'll be featuring a Leadership Spotlight to honor and appreciate the expertise in our NSELA community. Use the form below to nominate a colleague (or yourself)! Here are some interview questions to consider as part of your submission.

Do you have an announcement you'd like to share in the newsletter? You can also use the form to submit a short announcement.

Leadership Spotlight and Announcement Submission

EDUCATE
Keeping current with news in science education.

President's Message

This month we are doing something a little different. Meet Ann Mulvihill, NSELA Treasurer!

NSELA is pleased to present our Treasurer, Ann Mulvihill, who represents the pillars of our vision for creating a robust environment for education and collaboration by advocating for the necessary awareness to model and inspire “stellar financial stewardship” in our organization.

Since the start of her service nearly a year ago, Ann has been instrumental in transitioning NSELA away from an external management company. She’s been working diligently with the Executive Committee and our Board to align our internal financial processes to implement best practices for proactively managing our fiscal budget. Ann’s attention to detail, experience and keen insights support us in raising our awareness and aligning our budget with NSELA’s commitment to robust professional development for leaders, building a myriad of options for our Partners and Sponsors, and supporting the work of our dual affiliates to streamline the collection of funds and offer membership benefits.

Science Olympiad + Professional Networks: Essential Elements of a Start-Up

Jennifer Kopach, the CEO of Science Olympiad and Board President of the Science Olympiad USA Foundation shares historical context on what being a part of NSELA meant for her father, Dr. Gerard Putz, the founder of Science Olympiad. Below is an excerpt.

The gathering spot was definitely the annual National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference. There, everyone who was anyone in science could be counted on to present short courses and workshops, and afterwards, hit up the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) and Council of State Science Supervisors (CSSS) parties, dinners, and award ceremonies. During those events, all the top science brass from each state would gather and share the latest in curriculum, instruction, and after-school.

Those groups were the thread that connected the various networks of science professionals from across the country. NSELA represented the best of the best and attracted leaders in the field who were the most passionate about the possibility of science. The truth is there wouldn’t be a Science Olympiad without NSELA, without NSTA, and without CSSS.

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

Dr. Rebecca Hite, Texas Tech University

Dr. Hite received her B.S. in Biology and M.A.T. in Secondary Science Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and taught nine years with the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools. After serving as a Congressional Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow in Washington D.C., she worked as a graduate research assistant at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at North Carolina State University. Upon graduating with her doctorate in science education, she moved to Lubbock, Texas, as a research professor in the department of Curriculum & Instruction.

What’s the best advice anyone has given you as a science leader?

Dr. Pat Shane told me in the mid-2000s as an NCSLA fellow that exemplary science leaders never hold onto to leadership for only themselves. Instead, great science leaders find ways to generate and/or distribute experiences for reluctant or emerging leaders; providing them guided opportunities to strengthen leadership and become independent and confident leaders. I have held that advice close to heart then and today as I work as a science leader.

What advice do you have for those pursuing science leadership?

Find novel opportunities to grow your knowledges, skills, and dispositions in science leadership. In those spaces, identify and recruit mentors to ensure your success and cultivate those relationships so you can call upon your mentors when you need them.

Get ready for the 2024 NSELA Leadership Summit!

As we gear up for another exceptional year of professional growth and collaboration, we are thrilled to announce that the countdown to the 2024 NSELA Leadership Summit is underway! With the release of our session lineup and schedule, attendees can start planning their personalized summit experience.

NSELA 2024 Leadership Summit

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

the Curtis Denver - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Denver, Colorado

View the Schedule Here!

Join an NSELA Committee and Help Shape National Science Education!

At NSELA, collaboration and shared expertise are crucial in driving positive change in science education. We invite you to become a committee member and contribute to shaping our organization's direction while advancing national science education. Our three standing committees - Communications & Marketing, Membership, and Professional Learning - provide incredible opportunities for experienced educators, enthusiastic advocates, and dedicated professionals like you to share your unique skills and insights. By joining us, you can make a meaningful impact on the future of science education. Come and be a part of something meaningful! Join us today and become a valuable member of NSELA, where your contributions will shape the landscape of science education nationwide. Together, let's create a brighter future for science education.

Join a Committee

COLLABORATE
Highlighting the work of our members, partners, and other organizations.

Featured Free Resource

JOIDES Resolution

The JOIDES Resolution is a scientific ocean drilling vessel dedicated to uncovering the secrets of the Earth and is operated by the International Ocean Discovery Program. Scientific ocean drilling programs, that have been around over 50 years, have contributed to our

understanding of how dinosaurs became extinct, how tectonic plates work, and - historical climate change. Outreach is incorporated into each expedition, which has resulted in a breadth of educational resources that are free to be used by the public like children's e- books, graphic novels, posters, classroom activities, and lesson plans. You can even request example cores for your classroom, like the one that was used to determine the KT boundary! If you want your students to participate on a live video call with an ongoing expedition, all you have to do is send us a calendar invite or email us at thejoidesresolution@gmail.com!

Announcements

Education Testing Service (ETS): The Teaching Pathways research program at ETS is conducting a study titled Designing Innovative Professional Development for K-8 Science and Mathematics Teachers. Learn more and apply here.

Advertise in the NSELA Newsletter

Would your organization like to reach the science leadership audience that is NSELA? Or do you know of an organization that would like to advertise? View this brochure to learn more! Please pass along to your colleagues.

NSELA Advertising Brochure

SAFER LABS: Be Protected!
By Dr. Ken Roy, NSELA Safety Compliance Officer

Studies Indicate Safety Must Be a Greater Priority in STEM and CTE Instructional Spaces

This commentary examines the most critical safety issues recently reported by STEM educators and discusses how school districts can work to address these concerns in alignment with legal safety standards and better professional practices.

A short read and very helpful resource for teachers, administrators, supervisors and school districts facing issues with common safety concerns such as large class sizes, lack of safety training/PPE/engineering controls, and other issues.

Read the Blog Post