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!

October 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.

Board Corner

Beth Zigmont - NSELA Secretary

Secondary Supervisor of Teaching and Learning at Great Valley School District, Pennsylvania

What is your current NSELA board position? What responsibilities are involved with this position?

I currently hold the Secretary position until 2027. I this position I take notes and prepare meeting minutes, update the motion matrix to track motions across meetings, as well as participate in Executive Committee meetings and Board meetings.

Why did you want to volunteer for your current NSELA board position?

I volunteered for my current position because I wanted to become more involved and connected with science leaders from across the country.

What is one goal you have for this year in your NSELA board position? How can the NSELA membership support you with this goal?

One goal I have for this year is to build relationships with members across the organization. I strongly believe these relationships are foundational to collaboration and the betterment of science education. NSELA membership can support me with this goal by continuing to foster face to face in-person and virtual professional learning opportunities with time allocated for networking.

What is one thing you’d like NSELA members to know about you?

Besides my obvious passion for science, I love to travel. I was recently named a Fulbright Leader for Global Schools and will be traveling to the UK in November to connect with other educational leaders from across the country, specifically focus on global competence in STEM.

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

Dr. Dieuwertje Kast - University of Southern California Joint Educational Project

Dieuwertje “DJ” Kast, Ed.D., is the Director of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education Programs for the University of Southern California’s (USC) Joint Educational Project, which includes managing the Young Scientists Program. Her mission is to level the playing field for underserved students in STEM. Her education philosophy is focused on hands-on, inquiry-based and authentic STEM learning experiences.

What advice do you have for those pursuing science leadership?

Finding a mentor who truly believes in you is key in succeeding in STEM Education as a leader—they’ll guide your growth, challenge your thinking, and help open doors to opportunities that can shape your career and impact in the field. I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of amazing educators and leaders that made connections to fields especially in marine and informal science education that I never knew existed. It's those experiences that led to my position as a Director of STEM education at USC's Joint Educational Project and I am grateful to them everyday.

Write for the Leadership Matters Column!

The Leadership Matters in Elementary Science Column needs you! Every NSELA member is a leader and you all have stories to tell about what is happening in K-5 science in your district and how you and others are making science happen.

There is currently a call for papers. View the link below to learn more. Any science educator can write for the column. The tone of the articles is conversational in order to reach the reader of Science and Children, with the goal being that the reader takes the article to their building principal and says “We can do this!”

If writing feels too daunting right now, consider becoming a reviewer. The review team is looking for new members. A great way to prepare to author an article is to serve as a reviewer.

Contact column editor Kathy Renfrew at krsciencelady@gmail.com for more information and submissions.

Leadership Matters Call for Papers

Nominations for Elections are Currently Open

NSELA is currently seeking nominations for the board positions of:

President-Elect
Region A Director
Region C Director.

Visit the NSELA nominations portal for more details.

These positions include participating in monthly evening-time virtual meetings and attending a spring face-to-face board meeting (travel/lodging provided), as well as additional tasks assigned by the Board. If you are interested in stepping up to contribute to the success of NSELA, please consider nominating yourself!

Nominations will be accepted through October 31, 2024 and can be submitted with the form below or within the nomination portal.

NSELA Nominations Form

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.

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

Instructional Space Housekeeping Safety Protocols

Science/Tech Ed/Engineering and STEM instructional space teachers never know if their budget allotment will match their needs for instructional laboratory materials and equipment each year. School districts are notorious for shortchanging staff on budget needs. So when occasionally there is a bonus allotment in the budget for supplies, teachers buy several years’ worth of chemicals, equipment, supplies, and other required items. Unfortunately, teachers then become hoarders!

Instructional spaces (classrooms and labs) along with associated spaces (preparation rooms and storerooms) are used to store the additional materials and equipment. This is understandable, given the unreliability of budget cycles and approvals. In addition, school laboratory/classroom instructional spaces and associated spaces usually are designed without input from appropriate staff members assigned to those instructional spaces. This results in the construction of facilities that are anemic when it comes to appropriate storage areas. Unfortunately, these scenarios lead to poor housekeeping, with potential safety hazards and resulting health and safety risks like trip and slip fall hazards, poor security, old hazardous chemicals, and more. Housekeeping is critical for safer teaching and learning instructional and associated spaces.

Read the Blog Post