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!

December 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

Matt Christiansen - NSELA Professional Learning Committee Chair

K-12 Director of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Enrichment Programs, Oceanside UFSD - Oceanside, NY

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

The Professional Learning Chair is responsible for coordinating and delivering professional development opportunities for science education leaders across the country. This role involves overseeing key NSELA events, such as the Leadership Summit and Summer Leadership

Institute, as well as virtual and in-person sessions. The Chair ensures that professional learning opportunities address current educational challenges and support educators in implementing effective, research-based practices. By focusing on practical strategies, Framework-based curriculum/instruction alignment, and equity in education, the Chair supports NSELA's efforts to provide resources and training that meet the evolving needs of science educators.

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

I originally joined the NSELA board as the Region A Director, driven by a passion for supporting science education leaders. When the Professional Learning Chair position became available, I pursued it to deepen my commitment to advancing high-quality professional learning opportunities. This role allows me to ensure that science leaders and teachers are supported as many states continue their implementation of Framework-based science standards while adapting to the changing educational climate. By focusing on these priorities, I aim to help educators navigate new challenges and maintain excellence in science teaching and learning.

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 this year is to investigate more sustained online professional learning opportunities to ensure all NSELA members have access to high-quality professional development, regardless of location. To support this goal, members can fill out the Google Form feedback survey to share suggestions for upcoming themes and topics they would find valuable. Your input will help shape online learning experiences that meet the needs of our diverse membership and advance science education leadership.

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

I love traveling and learning about new cultures and places. I’m especially fascinated by how different people view the natural world and their connection to it. This passion inspires my work in science education, as it reminds me of the diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich our understanding of science and its role in our lives.

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

We'll see you in January for more Leadership Spotlights! Best wishes to all teacher leaders for a restful and rejuvenating holiday season.

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

Leadership Spotlight Nomination

The 2025 NSELA Annual Conference: Same Great Event, New Name!

Join us on Wednesday, March 26th, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown for the 2025 NSELA Annual Conference. This year’s theme, "Inspired by History, Driven by Innovation," sets the stage for a dynamic, one-day experience designed for science education leaders who are shaping the future of teaching and learning.

District and state leaders, instructional coaches, and advocates will dive into cutting-edge topics such as climate change education, artificial intelligence, data science, and transformative leadership. Each session bridges the past with the future, equipping attendees with actionable strategies and a network of peers dedicated to advancing science education.

This year, NSELA and CSSS will join together on the afternoon of the 26th for collaborative programming. The two groups will come together for a networking lunch, followed by your choice of sessions, including CSSS’s Climate Change Education Intensive and NSELA’s offerings on leadership, AI, data science, and emerging technologies. The day wraps up with a joint reception—an excellent opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate shared achievements.

Early bird registration is now open! Don’t miss this expanded and collaborative event that promises to be a truly unique learning experience. Secure your spot today and join us for an unforgettable day of inspiration and innovation! Register Today!

Call for OLISE Nominations

Are you or a colleague an outstanding leader in science education? Consider applying for the NSELA's yearly Outstanding Leadership in Science Education (OLISE) Award! Application submission deadline is Thursday, January 2, 2025. View the link below to learn more.

OLISE Nominations

NSELA Annual Elections Now Open

The election for 2025-26 positions on the NSELA Board of Directors is open and will end on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The ballot includes the positions of President-Elect and Region A or Region C Director (if you reside in that Region). Please access THIS PAGE to review the candidate's information prior to accessing the ballot. The ballots are specific to each region and limited to active members. You will be asked to log into your NSELA account to access the ballot.

NSELA Ballot

Write for the Leadership Matters Column - Now in Two Publications!

NSELA members now have the opportunity to submit a column for Leadership Matters in Science and Children, NSTA's K-5 science publication, as well as The Science Teacher, the HS publication. Every NSELA member is a leader and you all have stories to tell about what is happening in K-5 and HS science in your district and how you and others are making science happen.

For HS: There is currently a call for papers. Use the link below to submit at article (select Article Commentary as the article type) or email Shannon Wachowski at swachowski@edreports.org for more information. Any science educator can write for the column. The goal is to share our stories and learn from one another.

HS Leadership Matters Call for Papers

For K-5: 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.

K-5 Leadership Matters Call for Papers

Join the NSELA Finance Committee: Help Shape Our Financial Future!

NSELA is seeking dedicated members to join our Finance Committee, a vital team that ensures the organization’s financial health and stability. The committee reviews budgets, recommends investment strategies, and supports the Treasurer and Board of Directors in key financial decisions. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise and make a meaningful impact on NSELA’s operations and initiatives.

If you have experience in financial management, budgeting, or investment strategy, we encourage you to apply! Committee members serve a three-year term and meet regularly to provide fiscal oversight and guidance. Join us in shaping NSELA’s financial future! Applications are now open and can be submitted at the link below.

Apply for the Finance Committee

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

The 2025 NSELA Partnership Year is Now Open!

NSELA is excited to announce that the window for 2025 partnerships is now open! By becoming a partner, your organization can play a pivotal role in supporting science education leaders across the country while gaining valuable visibility and engagement opportunities.

With newly revamped partnership levels and benefits, there’s an option to fit every organization’s goals and budget. From free memberships and speaking opportunities to exhibiting and advertising options, NSELA partnerships are designed to provide meaningful value for your support.

Ready to make your commitment? View the link below for details on the 2025 partner benefits and sign up today to join us in shaping the future of science education leadership!

NSELA 2025 Partnership Benefits

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 the link below to learn more! Please pass along to your colleagues.

NSELA Advertising Information

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

Lithium-Based Power Supplies: Safety Issues and Protocols Revisited

Regular maintenance and inspections are vital to ensure all safety equipment is functional and reliable for a safer teaching/learning environment. However, a relatively alarming number of explosions and fires have occurred related to storage, use, and disposal of Li-ion and Li-polymer battery powered equipment (Li-based power supplies) such as cell phones, computers, and other electronic equipment often found and used in school science, technology/engineering, and art instructional spaces. It is important to understand that Li-based power supplies are everywhere in your schools, from the students and their backpacks to the classrooms, maintenance sheds, and storage rooms. Few, if any, schools have an accurate inventory of the Li-powered devices they have in storage. Knowing how to prevent a Li-based power supply failure through proper use, storage, charging, and disposal, as well as what to do if one occurs, is of paramount importance to your students, colleagues, schools, and yourself.

Read the Blog Post