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!

November 2024

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EDUCATE
Keeping current with news in science education.

Board Corner

Gregory MacDougall - NSELA Region B Director

Science Specialist, Office of STEM & Innovation
Virginia Department of Education

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

I am a District Director representing Region B. I attend NSELA Board meetings, and work in the Professional Development Committee and Membership Committee.

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

I’m driven by a love for learning and sharing ideas that ignite student curiosity and understanding of their world. NSELA is a vibrant community of professionals with innovative ideas. Why reinvent the wheel when someone next to you has already created one—and added plenty of grease to keep it rolling? Share, learn, and collaborate with your community of learners at NSELA!

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

We landed on the moon—surely we know how to help a student understand how systems interact, patterns in nature, and the world around them! My goal this year is to explore how implementation science can guide us in making these practices a reality, ultimately fostering both student achievement and a love for science. I would greatly appreciate the NSELA membership's support in sharing successful examples, resources, and strategies that have helped translate evidence into impactful classroom practices.

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

I am very curious! Whether it's exploring new ideas in education leadership, diving into the latest research, or learning how to play the Irish bouzouki, curiosity drives me to continuously seek growth and innovation.

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

Summer Pelton and Beth Grabois

In this Leadership Spotlight we shine a light on the mentor/mentee relationship between Beth Grabois and Summer Pelton, two science educators and district leaders. Both are participants of the 2024-2025 VESELS Scholars program, an initiative designed to support emerging leaders in science education. Through a series of reflective questions, Beth and Summer share insights into their science education leadership journeys, challenges, successes, and future aspirations.

Why did you want to join the VESELS program?

Beth was inspired to apply as a VESELS mentor out of a deep sense of gratitude for the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) and the incredible opportunity that she has had as a passionate science educator and leader. Beth believes that NSELA has played a pivotal role in her professional growth, providing experiences and connections that have shaped her career. When she saw the opportunity to become a mentor, she was excited about the chance to give back by partnering with another educator and expanding their collective impact on the field of science education.

Summer was inspired to apply to the VESEL program after working with Utah’s State Science Supervision at the Advancing Coherence and Equity in Systems of Science Education (ACCESSE 50+) meeting in Kansas City, MO. That meeting allowed summer to work with the network of State Science Supervisors and partners from educational research and practice to improve equity by building coherence in science education. During that meeting she participated in professional development designed to build capacity and promote effective approaches to curriculum and instruction.

As a mentor, what advice do you have for emerging leaders?

Beth’s advice for Summer as a mentee is to embrace this mentorship as a collaborative journey. Be open to asking questions, sharing your experiences, and exploring new ideas together. Don't be afraid to take risks and try out different strategies in your practice—growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Remember that mentorship is a two-way street, so your insights and perspectives are just as valuable as mine. Stay curious, stay reflective, and most importantly, stay true to your passion for science education. We're in this together, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Do you have someone in mind for the Leadership Spotlight? Self-nominations are welcome! Click the button to access the submission form.

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.

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.

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

Announcements

Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN): Upcoming Climate Education Webinar: Join us for a 30 min webinar to learn about effective and free climate change education resources, materials and strategies focusing on developing youth and educator agency and processing climate emotions in classrooms. Learn more 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.

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

Laboratory Instructional Space Safety Checklist

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