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!

August 2026

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EDUCATE
Keeping current with news in science education.

Board Corner

Chad Janowski - Region E Director (Year 1)

Executive Director of the Einstein Project, CFO Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers, Science Methods Adjunct Faculty for UW-Green Bay

What motivated you to serve on the NSELA board?

My motivation to serve on the NSELA board is rooted in my own experience as an educator. In my high school biology classroom, I saw the wonder students brought to learning something new—the curiosity, questions, and moments of discovery that made science feel meaningful and alive. Those experiences shaped my belief that every student deserves access to high-quality science instruction in every classroom.

Serving on the NSELA board gives me an opportunity to extend that impact beyond my own classroom, organization, and state. I believe one of the most powerful ways to improve science education is to support teachers as they grow as leaders—in their classrooms, schools, districts, and professional communities. When teachers are supported in developing their leadership, their influence reaches far beyond a single lesson or school year. That possibility is what motivates me to contribute to NSELA’s work.

What has been most rewarding about your experience so far?

The most rewarding part of this experience has been feeling welcomed into the NSELA professional family. Attending a national conference out of state can be a bit daunting, especially when you are still finding your place in a new leadership community. Seeing familiar faces, sharing stories and laughter, and feeling genuinely included has made NSELA feel like more than a professional organization. It feels like a community of people who care deeply about one another and about the future of science education.

That sense of connection matters. Knowing that I am part of a network of science education leaders from across the country gives me access to perspectives, resources, and solutions I would not have on my own. It is rewarding to know that when I encounter a challenge or need to think through an opportunity, there are colleagues I can reach out to who understand the work and are willing to help.

What is one goal you set for yourself in this role, and what progress have you made toward it?

One goal I have set for myself in this role is to build meaningful connections in each of the states within my region. I want to better understand the successes science education leaders are experiencing, as well as the challenges they are working through in their own local contexts. Each state has its own needs, strengths, and opportunities, and I see part of my role as listening carefully so I can be a more effective connector and advocate.

I have begun making progress by reaching out more intentionally, learning from state leaders, and looking for ways to make NSELA’s resources and opportunities more visible and useful to them. I hope to continue strengthening those relationships over time, share the value that NSELA can offer, and help grow membership across the region so more leaders feel connected to a national community of support.

How has being part of the NSELA board influenced your view of science education leadership?

Being part of the NSELA board has reinforced for me that leadership in science education is most strongly tied to people and relationships. Through NSELA conferences and professional learning opportunities, I have come to better understand that we are all in this together, working toward the same larger goal: improving science learning experiences for kids.

That shared purpose shows up in many different forms of leadership. A teacher may be leading from their own classroom, supporting colleagues down the hall, working across an entire district, or serving as a leader at the state or national level. The scope of the work may look different, but the desired outcome is the same: stronger science learning for students. We need leaders in all of those capacities, and NSELA offers support for educators wherever they are leading from.

NSELA Participates in CASTL K-12 Public Summit 

On July 23-24, 2026, the Collaborative for Advancing Science Teaching and Learning in K-12 (CASTL K-12) convened for the 2026 Public Summit. The summit was attended by 28 Core Member Organizations and was held in Irvine, California. The charge for the meeting, Ready to Lead. Ready Together., focused on strengthening collaborative action across organizations so that we, as science educational leaders, are ready for what comes next in advancing science teaching and learning in K-12. Dr. Candace Penrod, retiring NSELA president, along with Dr. Andy Weatherhead, and Trisha Herminghaus, both NSELA past-presidents represented NSELA at this meeting. Other NSELA members were also in attendance, representing other core member institutions.

During the convening, the CASTL K-12 leadership arranged time for NSELA to meet with several other attending organizations to discuss ways to strengthen collaborations between and across organizations. The organizations included Lawerence Hall of Science; Michigan Math and Science Leadership Network; New Mexico Public Education Department; National Center for Science Education; and the Minnesota Department of Education. We had excellent conversations and were able to learn from each organization as they were also able to learn more about NSELA and our mission to advocate, educate, and collaborate around science education leadership. NSELA played an integral part on the second day of the convening, as we were one of four organizations selected to present the work we are doing in our organization that aligns with CASTL K-12. “Conversations to Collaborations” was facilitated by Candace, Andy, and Trisha, and highlighted the work that NSELA committees have accomplished in the past 18 months.

NSELA was excited to share about our recent collaboration with CASTL K-12 partners and NSTA to launch a Leadership Development Academy that will address the needs of leaders at various stages along their leadership trajectory. The Leadership Development Academy is being co-lead by NSELA President Jeremy Blinn and NSELA President-Elect Matt Christensen and will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wednesday, November 4, 2026 in partnership with NSTA.

We also shared some of the work that is being done by our Membership Committee to advance the size and scope of the VESELS mentoring program. We are looking forward to sharing more with you in the coming months as both projects pick up steam and unfold, and to invite you to contribute to one or both of our collaboratives to advance NSELA’s Strategies Plan and mission.

NSELA is grateful for the continued support of the organization to be a Core Member of CASTL K-12 and for the guidance the collaborative has provided in supporting NSELA in the important work we are doing in science education leadership across districts, states, and the nation.

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

Sara Torres

Executive Director of Arizona Science Teachers Association (NSELA Region D)

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

Association, my greatest joy comes from watching educators discover their own leadership potential. I've had the privilege of mentoring teachers who have gone on to facilitate professional learning, lead statewide initiatives, present at conferences, and influence science education far beyond their own classrooms. I believe the greatest investment we can make in science education is developing teachers who become confident leaders, because when teachers grow, students, schools, and communities grow with them.

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

When I became the K–12 Science Curriculum Coordinator for Columbia Public Schools, my predecessor and mentor, Dr. Becky Litherland, gave me advice that has shaped my leadership ever since: Your job is to serve teachers.

She reminded me that every decision should help teachers focus on what matters most - teaching and caring for students. Sometimes that meant finding resources, unpacking science kits, completing paperwork, or simply listening. It also meant spending time in classrooms and building teachers' confidence so they could become leaders themselves.

What advice do you have for those pursuing science leadership?

Lead with a servant's heart and a learner's mindset.

Science leadership isn't about having all the answers. Science leadership is about listening, building relationships, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. Stay connected to classrooms because that's where the real work happens. Be curious, celebrate the strengths of others, and invest in developing future leaders. When teachers grow, students benefit, and our profession becomes stronger.

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

Leadership in Motion: A New Leadership Development Experience for Science Education Leaders

On November 4, 2026, science education leaders from across the country will gather in Indianapolis for Leadership in Motion: Designing the Future of Science Education Leadership, a full-day Leadership Development Academy offered as a joint initiative of NSELA and NSTA.

The Academy was created around a simple idea: science education leaders need intentional opportunities to develop not only their knowledge of science teaching and learning, but also their ability to lead people, influence change, strengthen systems, and build leadership capacity in others.

Participants will select one of three leadership cohorts—Emerging, Developing, or Experienced, based on where they currently see themselves in their leadership journey. Throughout the day, all participants will engage in three interconnected leadership pathways focused on leading yourself, leading through influence, and leading systems strategically.

The experience is designed to be active, collaborative, and practical. Participants will reflect on their own leadership, practice communication and influence strategies, examine systems and leverage points, connect with role-alike colleagues, and begin developing a 90-Day Leadership Commitment to carry the learning beyond Indianapolis.

Whether you are just beginning to see yourself as a leader or have spent years leading at the school, district, state, university, or organizational level, the Academy is designed to meet you where you are and challenge you to keep growing.

We hope you will join us on November 4 at the Leadership Development Academy and help put leadership in motion.

2027 NSELA Annual Conference: Call for Proposals

The NSELA Professional Learning Committee is now accepting proposals for the 67th Annual Conference!

This year’s theme, Charting the Course of Science Education, reflects the critical role science leaders play in navigating change and shaping the future of science 

teaching and learning. Inspired by Boston's history of revolution, discovery, and maritime navigation, we invite educators and leaders to share innovative practices, research, and actionable strategies with colleagues from across the country.

Proposals should align with one of four conference strands:

• Innovation: Curriculum, AI, and the Next Frontier
• Inclusion: Lighting the Beacon for All Learners
• Educators: Building Pathways for Leadership and Retention
• Advocacy: Navigating Funding, Policy, and Sustainability

Proposals are due October 1, 2026, with acceptance notifications in November.

Share your expertise and help us chart the course for the future of science education.

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.

Use the link (button) below to learn more about submitting an article AND/OR applying to be a reviewer. The column 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. 

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

Partnership Feature

This month we are pleased to feature PASCO, a Gold Level Partner with NSELA.

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

PASCO recently joined the National Academies’ CASTL-K12 Action Collaborative, as a member of the Funder Advisory Network, expanding how we participate in conversations about K–12 science education. CASTL-

K12 brings together leaders, researchers, and organizations to examine systemic challenges and share perspectives across the science education community. For PASCO, this creates an opportunity to contribute where appropriate while learning from expertise beyond our own.

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

PASCO’s partnership with NSELA helps us listen to science education leaders and better understand systemic challenges. We recognize we can do more. By engaging with NSELA members, we hope to support efforts to address high school science teacher capacity, expanding access to meaningful elementary science experiences, and integrating core academic science within existing and emerging CTE pathways.

What advice would you give to district and state science supervisors looking to strengthen science education leadership in their schools?

Our experience reinforces the importance of listening to teachers, collaborating with science leaders, and maintaining open dialogue with publishers and education partners. Leaders help us better understand where resources meet classroom needs and where they do not. Communication among schools, states, researchers, and education partners helps all of us learn from one another and collectively advance science education.

Affiliate Highlight

The Michigan Science Education Leadership Association is a place for science education leaders to network and learn together. We host in-person events, a synchronous professional learning network called MiSCIPLN, and online webinars that support leaders in their regions.

The 2026 Fall Leadership Day is coming up on September 29, 2026. If you are within driving distance, NSELA members and their peers are welcome to join us!

Would your organization like to learn more about becoming a Dual Affiliate? Learn more here!

Announcements

OpenSciEd: OpenSciEd has launched Starting Strong, a free, self-guided professional learning pathway designed to help teachers confidently launch their first OpenSciEd unit. The approximately six-hour pathway is organized into short modules that fit into planning periods or PLCs, with each module ending in planning that teachers can immediately apply. OpenSciEd has also created facilitation guides for individual teachers and collaborative teams, including sample communications that district and school leaders can customize and share.

The Lawrence Hall of Science: 9-12 Science Survey - We are looking for the truth about what’s working and what’s getting in the way in Grades 9-12 science. Your feedback will directly shape how The Lawrence Hall of Science develops programs, instructional materials, and professional resources that can support the field of Grades 9-12 science in impactful ways. Complete the survey and learn more here.

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

Science Laboratory and Classroom Instructional Space Accidents and Shared Liability

This information is critical for teachers, supervisors and administrators relative to legal implications resulting from science lab/classroom instructional spaces accidents. This is one not to be disregarded!

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