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!

April 2025

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

Shannon Wachowski - NSELA Communications and Publications Committee Chair

Principal, Science - EdReports

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

I am the chair of the Communications and Publications committee. This committee has several tasks including publishing the newsletter, supporting partnership features, managing Leadership Spotlights, providing guidance on social media, and organizing the various publications including the Science Educator Journal and the

Leadership Matters column features within the NSTA publications. My role is to support and help organize the very dedicated group of committee members who make it all happen!

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

I really enjoy making connections with others about science education. It's always been organizations like NSELA that have supported me the most in my career and I like to find ways to give that support back.

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

I would really like to make all the subcommittees within the C&P committee more robust. The members of this committee do great work - we are small and mighty. This involves recruiting individuals who have the time to commit to a committee and creative ideas to keep moving us forward (that's where you all come in!).

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

I left the classroom about 7 years ago and I've missed aspects of teaching. Last year, after moving to a new town, I found an opportunity to teach a pottery class at the small, local art center. It has been a great way to keep my teaching skills sharp - and meet new people!

2025 Presidential Citation for Outstanding Contributions to NSELA

Congratulations to Trisha Herminghaus!

NSELA was thrilled to recognize Trisha with the prestigious Presidential Citation for Outstanding Contributions to NSELA at the NSELA Annual Conference on March 26, 2025!

Trisha's dedication and tireless efforts have left an immeasurable impact on our organization. We extend our deepest gratitude for her incredible 23 years of continuous service on the NSELA Board of Directors. Her leadership, vision, and commitment have shaped NSELA into the thriving community it is today.

Thank you, Trisha, for your remarkable legacy and unwavering support!

NSELA Invited as Founding Member CASTL K-12

NSELA was recently invited to participate as a founding member in the Collaborative for Advancing Science Teaching and Learning in K-12 (CASTL K-12). CASTL-K12 is a first-of-its-kind national network of passionate organizations lead by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, dedicated to ensuring that U.S. students experience a world-class science education.

CASTL-K12 Program leaders share: “It is an honor to have your organization [NSELA] join us in our efforts. There has never been a more important time to commit to this work, and we are proud to stand with you as we build this new community, together. When we set out to launch CASTL-K12, we cast a net wide enough to ensure that the organizations that joined us could represent the field of K-12 science education in its robust diversity. We are thrilled to have you at the table: you are state Departments of Education, government agencies, professional societies, professional development providers, schools of education, instructional materials designers, and much, much more. You work at each level of our education system: you are classroom teachers and Commissioners of Education, parents and principals. Our varied perspectives are our biggest strength: together, we are ready to share what we have learned, try new things, and surmount our most persistent challenges.” NSELA is honored and excited to work with other science education leaders in this important work.

Member Exclusive: Full Conference Deep Dive Podcast Now Available!

We're excited to share that the COMPLETE NSELA Annual Conference Deep Dive Podcast is now available EXCLUSIVELY for you in the Member's Community Hub!

Before you dive in, take a quick look at this preview, brought to you by NotebookLM, showcasing some of the valuable content you'll find on the hub. Watch the sneak peek on NSELA's YouTube Channel.

Ready to access the full deep dive and continue your leadership journey? Log in to the hub now using the button below.

Access the NSELA Community Hub

Join Us for the NSELA Annual Membership Meeting!

When: Monday, May 19, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM ET

Where: Online via Zoom

NSELA members are invited to attend our Annual Membership Meeting to hear important organizational updates, celebrate our collective accomplishments, and connect with fellow science education leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the NSELA community and help shape the future of science leadership!

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

Kammas Kersch - STEM Coordinator, Chester County Intermediate Unit, PA

What advice do you have for those pursuing science leadership?

I would encourage teachers to start by seeing themselves

as leaders in the work that they do. You do not have to be in a formal leadership role to be a leader. Lead by example, try new things, get involved in committees, and step outside of your comfort zone.

What has been a success of your leadership in your district that you are proud of? What are you most proud of?

Pennsylvania has new science standards that go into effect for Fall 2025. I am really proud of the way my team and I have supported our schools in preparing for the new standards. These are the first framework aligned standards for Pennsylvania, so they are requiring an instructional shift in addition to curriculum and assessment alignment. We have focused on supporting people and meeting them where they are and the result has been the chance to build relationships with many teachers and support their instructional practice.

How do your hobbies outside of science leadership contribute to your professional life?

I got into education through martial arts, which I’ve been teaching since I was 13. It’s where I found my passion for leadership. I have learned so much about public speaking, leadership development, and perseverance and I use those lessons into my professional life every day.

Celebrating 2025 VESEL Scholars

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the NSELA Vernier Emerging Science Education Leadership Scholarship (VESELS). This prestigious award recognizes the dedication and potential of individuals making significant contributions to the field of science education. Please join us in congratulating the following VESEL Scholars:

Elizabeth Nunez, New Brunswick Public Schools - Region A
Brad Rhew, Guilford County Schools - Region C
Bryce Henderson, Wichita Falls ISD - Region D
Sara Hill, Pflugerville ISD - Region D
Marta Stoeckel, North St. Paul - Maplewood - Oakdale Schools - Region E
Kathy Stynen, Washoe County School District - Region F

These exceptional educators have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation in their respective roles. Their passion for science education and leadership skills make them invaluable assets to their districts and the broader educational community. As VESEL Scholars, they will receive mentorship and support to develop their leadership abilities further. A highlight of their scholarship experience will be their participation in the Summer Leadership Institute in Salt Lake City, UT, on July 14-15, 2025. This event will allow them to engage with other leaders in the field, share their experiences, and gain new insights into the future of science education.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Elizabeth, Brad, Bryce, Sara, Marta, and Kathy. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond, starting with their participation in the Summer Leadership Institute. We are grateful for Vernier’s support of this remarkable program that supports mentorship and leadership development.

Please stay tuned for updates on their journey as VESEL Scholars and the contributions they will undoubtedly make to the field of science education.

Save the Date! NSELA Summer Leadership Institute: Early Bird Pricing Now Available!

Join us this summer in Salt Lake City for “Integrating Science and Engineering Practices with Ease: Strategies for High-Impact Instruction”, a two-day leadership institute happening July 14–15, 2025. This event is designed for current and emerging science education leaders who are eager to deepen their understanding of place-based science teaching, intersections of climate and data science in local phenomena, and student-centered instruction focused on the K-12 Framework.

Over the course of two full days, attendees will engage with experts and collaborate with peers to translate new ideas into local action. Topics will include field-based learning, the role of data in climate literacy, and how to localize high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) to meet the needs of diverse learners. Whether you're a district leader, coach, or classroom teacher with leadership responsibilities, this institute offers tools, time, and thought partnership to bring high-impact, sustainable practices back to your community.

Learn More About and Register for the 2025 NSELA SLI

Write for the Leadership Matters Column - Now in All Three NSTA Publications!

NSELA members now have the opportunity to submit a column for Leadership Matters in Science and Children, NSTA's K-5 science publication, Science Scope, NSTA's 6-8 science publication, and The Science Teacher, NSTA's HS publication. Every NSELA member is a leader and you all have stories to tell about what is happening in K-12 science in your district and how you and others are making science happen.

Reach out to the following individuals for more information and to submit a draft article. The editors will work with you to get your article ready for publication. Any science educator can write for the column. The goal is to share our stories and learn from one another.

K-5: Kathy Renfrew at krsciencelady@gmail.com

6-8: Lizette Navarrete-Burks at burksl@uhd.edu

HS: Shannon Wachowski at swachowski@edreports.org

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

Partner Feature

This month we are featuring Penda Learning, a Gold Partner with NSELA!

How does your organization define and measure the success of science education leadership?

Penda delivers high-quality science instruction through automation, easing teacher workload while providing administrators with shareable, standards-based reports. The platform includes embedded supports such as translation and read-aloud in over 60+ languages, making science more accessible to all learners. Gamified features reward effort and foster a growth mindset. Penda equips leaders to support teachers, engage students, monitor progress, and increase science achievement—preparing more students for success in STEM.

What innovative approaches has your organization taken to empower science education leaders in K-12 settings?

Penda leads in science innovation through partnerships and technology. A new collaboration with Vernier Science Education connects real-time data with digital activities, enriching hands-on learning. Penda also pioneers AI-powered grading of written responses streamlining feedback and supporting deeper learning. Instructional guides provide a roadmap for cohesive science instruction.

How has your partnership with NSELA helped amplify your impact on science education leadership?

Our partnership with NSELA offers direct insight into educators’ evolving needs. Feedback from NSELA members helps shape Penda’s innovations to improve outcomes without adding to workload. Through events, webinars, and collaboration with science leaders, Penda helps amplify effective practices across the field.

2027 National Survey of Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Computer Science Education (NSSME+)

We are excited to announce that Horizon Research, Inc. (HRI) has received funding from the NSF to conduct the 2027 NSSME+. The study has provided key data about STEM education in the US for the past 50 years, covering areas such as teacher preparation, professional development, instructional practices and curricula, and the availability and use of resources for instruction. The 2027 NSSME+ will also examine emerging developments in K–12 STEM education, including the role of data science and the impact of rapid technological advancements (e.g., AI) on teaching and school policies. You can read more about the study on its website. NSELA is proud to be an endorser of the study and will share more information about it in the coming months.

In addition, HRI is asking for help recruiting teachers to test new items for the 2027 study to help ensure that the items are interpreted as intended. Teachers selected to participate will be asked to participate in a 45-minute interview about the new items and will receive a $40 honorarium in appreciation of their time. We would appreciate your help distributing the link to the interview registration page to your networks. https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8270524/Registration-2027-NSSME-Cognitive-Interview-Study

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

'Whoosh Bottle' Demonstration: Accident Waiting to Happen (Again)

The "Whoosh Bottle" demonstration, which involves igniting alcohol vapors inside a large bottle to produce a dramatic visual and auditory effect, has been associated with several accidents in high school science laboratory instructional spaces. A recent incident occurred at Southport High School in Indianapolis, where a large glass bottle exploded during the demonstration, causing minor injuries to multiple students and a teacher. One student’s injury required stitches, while other students were either treated and returned to class or released to a parent. (“Glass bottle explosion injures students, chemistry teacher at Indianapolis high school”)

Read the Blog Post

Bonus Feature: It's Time for Science Podcast!

“It's Time for Science” Season 2, Episode 22 - Podcast interview with Dr. Ken Roy – Dir. Of Environmental Health & Safety at Glastonbury Public School, CT & Chief Safety Compliance Adviser for the National Science Teaching Association: Topic of discussion: "Fostering Safer Hands-On Science Environments"