Participants will be presented with the characteristics of NGSS-based learning. The presenter will frame this through the review of a hands-on/demonstration activity vs. a Three-Dimensional approach to instruction. This session is meant for school administrators who do not have a science background.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be introduced to the process of converting a hands-on/demonstration activity to a true NGSS-based lesson.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Hilton

Science coordinators from two public school districts in South Carolina will share how they are implementing a high-quality, open-education NGSS curriculum to support equitable three-dimensional science instruction for all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will share our implementation strategies, including how we recruited teachers as early adopters. Learn how we support teachers and students, partner with administrators and the community, manage materials, address challenges, and celebrate successes.

SPEAKERS:
Richard Phillips, Holly Sullivan

School leaders play an important role in the adoption of high quality instructional materials and can serve as catalysts for smart adoption processes. Participants will learn how to develop and use local priorities and instructional vision to drive the instructional materials adoption process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to develop local priorities and establish an instructional vision, engage with EdReports reviews of instructional materials to make informed decisions based on local context, and leave with materials to support replicating this process with their local educators.

SPEAKERS:
John-Carlos Marino, Shannon Wachowski

This session presents a unique approach to teacher-led professional learning communities, leveraging data-driven inquiry cycles to identify, test, and refine solutions to common problems of practice around science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore the creation and facilitation of teacher-led professional learning communities, which leverage Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) learning cycles to address problems of practice within their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Seabloom

A team of Science Consultants and Early Literacy Coaches in Michigan has utilized recommendations in the power of the Brilliance and Strengths Report, combined with data on elementary-level science education, to devise an approach to support literacy practices within science instructional time.

TAKEAWAYS:
The attendees will learn what the SLIC Model consists of, as well as how to find out more to gain supports to implement themselves. There are Facilitator Guides, Train-the-Trainer Professional Learning opportunities, and sessions built out to take with them. This is an OER resource.

SPEAKERS:
Wendi Vogel

Explore the NSTA Website with us! NSTA provides high-quality digital resources and opportunities—all within a professional community—that supports professional learning and classroom instruction. NSTA staff will be available to answer questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become knowledgeable about the plethora of digital resources available on NSTA’s website, about the live events and professional learning community that can help them enhance their knowledge and improve their teaching practices.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips, Flavio Mendez

Like many states, Connecticut has adopted OpenSciEd for the middle level model science curriculum. The approach to teaching and learning through OpenSciEd presents a challenge for school and district leaders– that is, what does it look like? The instructional model & feedback will be the focus.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders and supervisors will learn what to expect in an OpenSciEd classroom and take away tools and resources to support their understanding, and support teacher implementation through formative feedback to enhance teacher growth and collective efficacy.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Wlodarczyk

Many schools need high-quality units to meet their state standards or localize phenomena. BSCS Science Learning has extensive experience with designing, adapting, and localizing. In this session, apply a BSCS design tool, and learn about a suite of tools to use for large-scale design or adaptation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience with a tool to unpack target standards by clarifying key ideas, listing prerequisites and challenges, and considering what students should “figure out” and not just “learn about.” Consider and share how to apply tools and processes for designing and adapting HQIM in your local context.

SPEAKERS:
Jean Flanagan, Elaine Klein

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come learn how to apply to win up to $20K through this teacher competition

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to apply for the Shell-sponsored teacher competition, and collaborate with past winners and judges to learn how to strengthen your application.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton

Seeking support in what to look for and how to provide feedback to best support teachers? We will share an observation tool, model a pre & post observation conversation, examine a range of coaching interventions, and consider action steps based on patterns that are observed in science classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders and coaches play an important role in supporting teachers as they shift to more student centered instruction. Participants will be provided with an observation tool and coaching interventions that promote trust and increase reflective practice to meet the needs of students and teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Renee Affolter, Grace Lugo

In this session, participants will build their capacity to elicit, identify, and appreciate the range of intellectual resources students use as they make sense of phenomena. This session will help leaders work directly with educators to better appreciate students’ multiple ways of knowing and better shape instruction to support diverse sense-making through science and engineering practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will help leaders work directly with educators to better appreciate students’ multiple ways of knowing and better shape instruction to support diverse sense-making through science and engineering practices.

SPEAKERS:
Tiffany Neill, Philip Bell, Angie Kolonich

The Science Teacher Symposium is a model focused on science content knowledge that simultaneously provides the space and support teachers need to focus on their own wellbeing. Hear the impacts and lessons learned after 6 years of crosscutting connections and 2 years of embedded resilience training.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will understand the pros and cons of the in-person vs. virtual versions of the multi-day symposium model and will learn about the incredible impacts the resilience training has had on the educators involved, including increased teacher retention.

SPEAKERS:
Meg Gebert, Alison Smith, DaNel Hogan

During this session, school leaders will explore a NGSS Implementation Toolkit that leverages classroom observations to support strategic alignment of resources for elementary science education. Participants will hear from educational leaders that utilize this tool to advocate for elementary science.

TAKEAWAYS:
This toolkit allows educational leaders across the system to gain a deeper understanding of student sensemaking and discourse in an NGSS-aligned elementary classroom. Teacher Leaders who open up their classrooms can leverage this process to advocate for structures and support for elementary science.

SPEAKERS:
Dawn O'Connor, Nancy Wright

Join us to discuss recent research on supplementing and modifying science instructional materials and to hear from teachers about the important things to keep in mind while modifying and supplementing materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
For many reasons, including alignment to standards and lack of class time, most educators modify their science instructional materials. Teachers say that they would like professional learning, time, and models to help them make these modifications to meet their students’ needs.

SPEAKERS:
Andy Weatherhead, Karey Pierce, Tram Nguyen, Cecelia Gillam, Jennifer Childress Self

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

As a NOAA Planet Stewards Educator you can become a STEM agent of change in your school and community. Learn how to access professional development opportunities, education resources, and funding, to increase students’ science literacy, and have them respond to real world environmental threats.

SPEAKERS:
Symone Barkley, Bruce Moravchik, Karen Metcalf, Kelley Hodges, Kyla Trahan

Jason will explain why CLEAPSS and King’s College, London decided to undertake this action-research project and what it’s taught he, and his colleagues, about supporting elementary and middle school science leaders to champion and facilitate effective hands-on science in their schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation provides educational professionals and coaches with insights into the effective practices and ways of working that we have developed to support elementary and middle school science leaders to lead science across their schools.

SPEAKERS:
Jason Harding

Share ideas and discuss ways to navigate the political and socio economic climates of diversity, equity and inclusion in science education. Highlight examples of schools and districts that have implemented DEI initiatives with current successes, pitfalls, and next steps for science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
The importance of addressing DEI in science education. This emphasizes the need for open discussions and idea sharing on how to navigate the political and socioeconomic landscapes related to DEI in science education.

SPEAKERS:
Sephali Thakkar, Sharon Delesbore, Leena McLean, Acacia McKenna

We will discuss the work of the Second National Conference for Justice in Geoscience and explore how diversifying and working towards justice in geoscience fits in our classrooms. Presented by a middle school science teacher on the writing team working on plans to continue this conference work.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn about the current work of the Second National Conference: Justice in Geoscience. Then, in community, we will critically examine and reflect on topics such as environmental justice, how to learn from students about justice in geoscience, and how this fits in our educational contexts.

SPEAKERS:
Allyson Randall

Are you looking for an evidence-based framework for observing science classrooms and giving feedback to teachers? Learn how the NSF-funded DoS observation system can help coaches and educators develop a common language to speak about productive science learning in MS classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science leaders will learn to use DoS, which integrates the Framework for K-12 and equity, to build the capacity of colleagues in their districts to use a structured method and shared language to observe classrooms and give feedback to teachers about areas of strength and opportunities for growth.

SPEAKERS:
Virginia Andrews, Victoria Oliveira

With support from a sponsored organization and the DoD, DoD STEM Ambassadors are prepared to promote equitable education in their communities. Resources and strategies will be shared to encourage other teachers to utilize DoD STEM resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how DoD STEM Ambassadors increase STEM education and opportunities for disadvantaged students in their communities. Presenters will review DoD STEM resources and show how attendees can also serve their classrooms to close the achievement gap, with support from DoD STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Botello, Josephine Mesina, Thanh Le, Nicole Rosen

Students bring a range of intellectual and cultural resources, which they have accumulated in their unique life experiences, into the classroom as they learn science. These resources can be considered different “facets” of student thinking. In this session leaders will explore a protocol for identifying and attending to facets of student thinking from formative assessments. The protocol can be used to assist educators in recognizing, building on, and responding to the range of ideas—or Facets of students’ thinking—during instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students bring a range of intellectual and cultural resources, which they have accumulated in their unique life experiences, into the classroom as they learn science. These resources can be considered different “facets” of student thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Tiffany Neill, Philip Bell, Ricky Scott

Monitoring implementation is a key piece of a successful science curriculum rollout. In this session, participants will examine methods for collecting data and feedback from teachers during the transition to a new curriculum and using it to adjust plans and support continuous improvement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders benefit from developing data collection and evaluation tools to continuously improve the implementation of new instructional materials and the professional learning program.

SPEAKERS:
Vanessa Wolbrink, Jenny Sarna, Andy Weatherhead

Utah’s Informal Science Education Enhancement (iSEE) has been serving students and teachers across the state for 18 years. We’ll discuss funding, reporting, and collaborating with both other informal education providers and public schools to connect teachers and students with subject matter experts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how Utah has been bringing informal science education experts into formal classrooms across the state for 18 years with financial support from the state legislature and how this successful model can be adapted to other states across the nation.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Halvorsen, Laura Cotter

The NSTA provides in-person, online, and blended professional learning experiences for cohorts of K–12 educators. All programs engage educators with digital resources, virtual programs, the larger community, and expert staff. Depending on your choice of services, NSTA membership is also included.

TAKEAWAYS:
District and school leaders will learn about the variety of professional learning opportunities that NSTA offers, delivered in-person, online, and blended that give their teachers the power to enhance their learning as well as the ability to learn with peers. Membership included for most services.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez, Tricia Shelton

A session dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by new teachers, especially alternative path teachers. We will explore strategies to retain talented educators in the field by demystifying education language and providing key tools and resources for a successful first year.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders will gain actionable insights into establishing robust support systems for new science teachers, resulting in improved teacher retention and implementation of science and engineering practices.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Rhoades

Science Leadership Cadre: A Professional Learning network of K-12 Science Educators committed to supporting high quality, equitable science learning for all students in our region.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to bring teachers, teacher leaders, coaches, and administrators together to learn, share resources and ideas, and provide support to each other in the work to successfully implement high-quality science teaching for K-12 students.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Peason, Ananda Weigand-Sheerer, Michael Occhino, Kimberly Fluet

STEM Policy Expert Jame Brown will paint a picture of the federal public policy landscape for STEM education generally and science education in particular, including emerging policies in Congress and the federal government and the outlook for the future.

TAKEAWAYS:
Get smart on what’s going on in Washington, DC around STEM education and how it can impact the science education ecosystem and your local community.

SPEAKERS:
James Brown

NA

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will build an understanding of sensemaking and receive a toolkit to lead the session with other educators.

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton

Presenters organize around four main ideas for departmental, building, and/or district-level professional learning. Topics include equitable classroom practices, lab safety, book studies, and incorporating SEPs, CCCs, and sensemaking in science instruction (including NSTA PLUs and courses).

TAKEAWAYS:
How to organize good in-district and in-building professional learning opportunities while leading as department chair, science administrator, or teacher (leading from the middle); and how to "shoehorn" these opportunities into any available time for all grade 6-12 science subjects.

SPEAKERS:
David Jacob, Harry Rosvally

ASTA shares a professional learning model that promotes curriculum development and supports classroom implementation, both critical components in transforming science education. Using carefully designed steps, teachers craft cohesive units with performance tasks that incorporate the 3 dimensions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain an understanding of the challenges and successes of this multi-year, intensive professional learning program for constructing three-dimensional K-12 units and share ideas on how this process might be adapted to one’s own local context to support the educators they serve.

SPEAKERS:
April Holton, Adrian Alvarez, Sara Torres

This workshop provides participants the opportunity to engage in and reflect on science learning aligned to a framework for designing instruction that is more equitable and engaging for all students. Participants will reflect on the framework and consider ways it can apply in their own setting.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with a framework and concrete examples of its application for creating science learning experiences that are more equitable and engaging, and reflect on its use at the school, district, or regional level in supporting enactment of high-quality curriculum & instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Christi Sanderson

A session dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by new teachers, especially alternative path teachers. We will explore strategies to retain talented educators in the field by demystifying education language and providing key tools and resources for a successful first year.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain actionable insights into establishing robust support systems for new science teachers, resulting in improved teacher retention and a more resilient and passionate science education community.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Rhoades

Looking for ideas for Professional Learning structures that provide leadership opportunities and improve classroom instruction for your district? This session will delve into the Professional Learning and Leading structures implemented in our district, considering barriers and ideas for application.

TAKEAWAYS:
Ideas of structures for Professional Development that provide classroom teachers with the opportunity to stay in the classroom and still lead instruction in their school and district.

SPEAKERS:
Anthony Goad

Dive into data about a range of math and science careers and how these compare to teaching as a profession. While you’re here, share your story!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teaching is an attractive highly competitive career if you love young people! We want to hear from you too!

SPEAKERS:
Jia Wern Hue

The Colleges of Education & Engineering at URI and UCONN developed a model to enhance student engagement in STEM classrooms and introduce a variety of college & career opportunities across engineering disciplines. Consider implementing a similar model and access project resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about a model for connecting engineering research to classroom learning without adding more to teachers’ plates. Access resources to share with teachers, including video and instructional materials that align to the NGSS and engage students in scenario-based tasks using data from current research.

SPEAKERS:
Caroline Stabile, Christopher Cochran, John Koziatek, Kelly Houle, Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi

Do you or the educators you work with have questions about what science teaching and learning look like in classrooms implementing your state standards? Join us for a session where you will receive support to lead this module using classroom video of contemporary research-based teaching in action.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will build an understanding of sensemaking and receive a toolkit to lead this session with other educators.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Mathews, Patrice Scinta

Members of this panel discussion will respond to questions about their experiences as leaders by and for sciences. Perspectives may include: goals, plans, mentors, equity relationships, and the courage to lead.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn the importance of advocacy, modeling, collaborating, and providing professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Rodger Bybee, Dora Kastel, Maya Garcia, Jim Short

Scientific misinformation caused tens of thousands of COVID deaths and threatens millions of people due to climate change. I will explain why it is essential to teach students how to find trustworthy scientific information and discuss key teaching strategies to accomplish this vital goal.

TAKEAWAYS:
Everyone needs accurate scientific information. Teachers should teach students how to find trustworthy information and resist misinformation, because most students are not good at evaluating information they find online. This feasible goal is consistent with the NGSS but should become a higher priority.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Zucker

Curriculum implementation requires significant planning so that systems support the needed shifts in practice to strengthen science teaching and learning. Join us to figure out how leading change–an important element of curriculum-based professional learning–can make a difference.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders can create a culture that is conducive to the significant changes in knowledge, beliefs, and practices required to support the implementation of high-quality instructional materials designed for next generation science.

SPEAKERS:
Janna Mahfoud, Jenine Cotton-Proby, Jody Bintz

The NSTA Sensemaking Tool can be used in coaching cycles that support implementing high-quality instructional materials. Gain experience using the tool to identify sensemaking “look and listen fors” in classroom observations and how to use those observations to facilitate productive discussions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use the NSTA Sensemaking Tool to support productive coaching cycles.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano, Emily Mathews, NSTA Online Advisors, Holly Hereau, Patrice Scinta

Join NSTA, the STEM Education Coalition, the Hands-On Science Partnership and the National Academies to learn about emerging public policy issues and how NSTA members can engage in the policymaking conversation at the national, state, and local level.

TAKEAWAYS:
As the old saying goes: If you are not at the table, you might end up on the menu. We will talk about practical ways to get science educators around today’s policymaking table. Also get a preview of upcoming NAS studies that can impact the field.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Stephens, Erika Shugart, Alex Molinich, James Brown

Networks matter. Creating professional networks is challenged by time, space, and resources. Learn how facilitated networking with STEM experts, education researchers, and other teachers improved our earth and environmental science teaching and made student learning more relevant and engaging.

TAKEAWAYS:
Effective, quality teachers need a collaborative network. Building a comprehensive network includes professionals within and beyond the educational sphere. Attendees will learn about the importance of teacher networks and strategies for building their own network to enhance curriculum development.

SPEAKERS:
Alyssa Weisenstein, Angela Zier

Deep dive trainings in strategic communications; focused on the use of digital and social media tools to reach broader audiences and on persuasive writing tips and techniques. Trainings will be followed by a panel of state teams who completed the trainings and are using the skills locally.

TAKEAWAYS:
Skills to effectively advocate for K12 science via digital and social media tools and techniques for securing OpEd/LTE and blog placements.

SPEAKERS:
Josh Parrish, Julia Rothenberg, Eric Rosenberg, Adam Ezring

Curriculum implementation requires a robust professional learning program to support teachers in making the shifts called for in NRC’s Framework. This experience leverages BSCS’s new instructional model, Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL), and an immersion model of professional learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders can support teachers with making the instructional shifts called for in the NRC’s Framework through immersive, curriculum-based professional learning programs.

SPEAKERS:
Jenine Cotton-Proby

Engage with teachers and informal educators to learn about informal and formal partnerships in the largest school district in the country. Session will include a hands-on brainstorming session to inspire participants to think outside of the box when creating community partnerships.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will glean insights from educators about their experience working with informal science institutions and the benefits to their teaching practice. Participants will brainstorm engagement with different informal science institutions and the steps needed to form partnership connections.

SPEAKERS:
Shannen Rivadeneira, Megan Janke, Jessie Scofield

The purpose of the JROTC STEM Leadership Academy (first began in 2015 in Mobile, AL) is to engage a unique population of high school students, 9th and 10th grade JROTC cadets, in STEM content, skills and fields of study needed by business and industry today.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to incorporate STEM lessons into after school and summer programs while building an interest in area industries and workforce development.

SPEAKERS:
Chastity Touchstone, Ashley Daigle

Explore solutions to common challenges in implementing high-quality science instructional materials in schools. In this session, presenters will share practical strategies for how they navigated alignment and buy-in barriers to support successful implementation of OpenSciEd in MS classrooms in TN.

TAKEAWAYS:
No set of curriculum materials will perfectly fit the needs of teachers and students. Thoughtful and intentional use of high-quality instructional materials provides a foundation for strong 3D instruction, and a common language and framework to support teacher collaboration.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Proffitt

NSTA’s suite of instructional coaching tools support teachers, coaches and leaders in making the best use of instructional coaching cycles to support students’ sensemaking in the classroom. Become familiar with all of our OER coaching tools and try a few out a few in this session!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to use NSTA’s suite of instructional coaching tools to support instructional coaching cycles in your school/district.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano

Are these the “Worst of Times” for science education? With widespread public rejection and even hostility to vaccines, climate science, and evolution, these might seem to be grim times in the science classroom, but I will suggest that is not the whole story.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be presented with some of the principal challenges facing science educators around the nation. However, each of these challenges presents a unique opportunity to engage students with topics of interest that are deeply relevant to their everyday lives.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth Miller

The “Advocacy in Action” pathway will culminate with a panel discussion featuring three states that participated in a special communications and advocacy training program last year. They will share key takeaways form that training and describe specific actions they have each taken to improve their communications or to engage in local advocacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Guidance and concrete ideas for how you and your colleagues can learn from these states and launch your own advocacy efforts locally! Featuring an advocacy charge from NSTA leadership to all NSTA members.

SPEAKERS:
Autumn Rivera, Julie Luft, Jonathan Frostad, Maggie Moore, Adam Ezring

Learn how to use the NSTA Student Work Analysis tool and protocol to evaluate students’ three-dimensional learning. We’ll focus our discussions on what counts as evidence of students’ ownership of targeted elements of the three dimensions and how to use collected student data to inform instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to evaluate students’ three-dimensional learning using the NSTA Student Work Analysis tool and protocol.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano, Kristin Rademaker, Zoe Evans, Patrice Scinta

The DebriefScape project aims to improve science and math instruction for students with disabilities. To achieve this, our freely available resources are: a Coaching Model, a digital Observation tool, and a collection of hundreds of professional development opportunities for coaches and teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to access the freely available DebriefScape tools and resources, and see examples of their application thus far. The presenters will share lessons learned through their research and gather input to improve the tools and resources in the future.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Dieker, Rachel Hallett-Njuguna

Join us to explore how our science Teacher Leader Institutes empower educators to excel in subject matter knowledge, pedagogical skills, and leadership acumen. Discover the transformative impact of this initiative on educational capacity and professional growth.

TAKEAWAYS:
During the session, participants will discover how the Teacher Leader Institute was created using freely available resources and how it has been improved over time as new groups join and more professional development opportunities are introduced.

SPEAKERS:
Andy Weatherhead, Kammas Kersch

TNTP’s equity-based STEM Good to Great model is a learning-by-doing experience that couples a culturally responsive framework with job-embedded development to make STEM thinking an integral part of the classroom. Hear from TNTP and our partner school on the program's impact on teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to lay the foundation for a sustainable and meaningful STEM culture through an equity-driven professional development and robust coaching model that honors four key resources crucial to improving student outcomes across K-12 classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda McCue, Camryn Lochner, Nithya Vasudevan

Curriculum implementation provides an opportunity to uncover and confront persistent inequities in educational systems. Engage with us in an equity simulation to consider how policies and practices related to science curriculum implementation can either support or hinder equity goals.

TAKEAWAYS:
Barriers to equity are not in learners, but rather in environments. When seeking to reach “all”, historical and current policies and practices need to be examined. Educational policies and practices that are seemingly neutral can contribute to persistent inequities for marginalized student groups.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Gomez Zwiep, Janna Mahfoud

Look across the Essentials of curriculum-based professional learning to figure out how leaders use them together to support teachers in making the shifts called for in NRC’s Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
By attending to the Essentials of curriculum-based professional learning, leaders take a systems approach to supporting teachers in the instructional shifts called for by NRC’s Framework. These shifts promote three-dimensional phenomena/problem-driven science teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Hopkins-Evans, Susan Gomez Zwiep

Reflections of a book study of Leadership for Increasingly Diverse Schools. Presentation is about how the book study is focused on race, poverty, disabilities, LGBTQ, gender, multilingual learners, religion, family, and community advocacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be given an equity audit tool to use in their district to see where there may be areas of inequities to focus on. Users of the tool can create action steps to increase a more diverse school community. Attendees will be given resources and strategies to help support them.

SPEAKERS:
Tonyea Mead

Upgrade your science teaching! NSTA's bite-sized PLUs fit any schedule and will deepen your understanding of three-dimensional teaching and boost student learning. Earn credit, conquer challenges, and unlock equitable classrooms - all on your terms!

TAKEAWAYS:
Lead your professional learning community’s learning using NSTA PLUs.

SPEAKERS:
Zoe Evans, Kristin Rademaker, Michelle Phillips

Preparing and supporting teacher candidates with coherent and engaging learning experiences requires the collaborative efforts of different sectors of the education system. We will discuss the strategies and resources developed and implemented to ensure K-5 science teachers are classroom-ready.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain concrete strategies and resources to consider a similar collaborative process within your regional and local context.

SPEAKERS:
Tana Luther, Susan Gomez Zwiep, Nancy Hopkins-Evans

Sponsoring Company: EarthEcho International

Join EarthEcho International as we explore environmental and climate resources that inspire young leaders to take action. Session participants will have access to FREE E-STEM resources focused on the blue economy, community science, water quality testing, and biodiversity restoration.

SPEAKERS:
Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski

In science classrooms, we often focus on the "subject of study" without addressing the other two "subjects" in the room: the teacher and student. Awakening the spirits of the educator and students in the classroom leads to a stronger sense of belonging and respect, & greater lesson effectiveness.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn two foundational models of human awareness and behavior, then create interpersonal intentions that will provide a higher level of effectiveness and enjoyment for themselves and students in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Mick Scott

EdReports will share case studies of state partnerships and discuss how to use local priorities to drive the instructional materials adoption process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to engage with their state and district to develop local priorities and establish an instructional vision, utilizing EdReports reviews of instructional materials, to make informed adoption decisions based on local context.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Wachowski

NSTA's Early Childhood - Elementary Science Committee welcomes educators seeking science and STEM teaching resources for our youngest learners. Discover teaching support, network with peers, and explore leadership opportunities with NSTA membership. All EC and elementary teachers are welcome!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about NSTA's leadership opportunities, committees, and resources available to early childhood and elementary educators.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Parks, Simone Nance, Annette Venegas, Katie Morrison, Jennifer Williams, Jenn Brown-Whale

This study aims to enhance the understanding of future science teachers in the field of transportation and to create an innovative teaching approach that integrates the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students into the instruction of transportation engineering.

TAKEAWAYS:
This study aims to enhance the understanding of future science teachers in the field of transportation and to create an innovative teaching approach that integrates the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students into the instruction of transportation engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Jiyoon Yoon

Teachers in many rural districts around the country operate as singletons and very rarely have the opportunity to collaborate with teachers of the same subject area. The presenter will discuss the steps she took that led to significant growth as indicated by state test scores.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn the strategies that are necessary to support teachers in rural school districts, which in turn, supports all learners.

SPEAKERS:
LATASHA LAMPKIN

This session will detail how to select a debate topic and how to structure a successful debate in an elementary classroom. Presenter will provide specific examples of exactly how to plan a debate and how to organize research, teams, and the debate itself.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to structure a formal debate in my classroom that will teach students valuable research and leadership skills.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Kurson

As educators, we have the power to inspire, shape, and influence young minds. To do that effectively we must continuously learn and grow. We will explore how to design your own professional development plan, become an expert in your field, and find joy through discovering your passions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will set goals and identify opportunities for growth. We will share workshops, courses, and fellowship opportunities to enhance teaching skills and personal growth.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Thompson, Samantha Willsey

Learn about the latest developments from NSTA, including changes in governance, volunteer opportunities, and new services and resources. There will also be an opportunity for you to provide feedback to NSTA leadership.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about ways that NSTA can help their professional journey and will provide feedback to the association.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Alicia Conerly, Elizabeth Mulkerrin, Julie Luft, Erika Shugart

Institutes of Higher Education are integral in developing pre-service teachers environmental literacy (ELit). The HEEL fellowship focuses on building faculty capacity of ELit application to teacher education. This presentation will share curriculum examples, self-reported reflections, and artifacts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Recommendations for environmental literacy practices, curriculum, and resources for fostering environmental literacy in Higher Education faculty and pre-service teacher education.

SPEAKERS:
Chelsea McClure

Are you a science coach or teacher leader? Come learn some "tricks of the trade" from science teachers turned coaches. Come put some tools in your tool box and learn some techniques to help your coaching skills and improve your relationships with teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will provide instructional coaches, department chairs, teacher leaders, and administrators with tools to help science teachers upgrade their practices for the NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Newburger, Samantha Levine

To bring awareness to K-12 education communities and how to utilize programs at Field-Based Science Institutions, whereas, STEM-based education opportunities could be provided in order to increase change in STEM education.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, the attendees will become familiar with the significance of heightened STEM interest via programs that support STEM education classrooms through student’s participation in FBSI programs such as zoos, museums, and botanicals.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Michael Williams

Join us to learn how to Create a Positive STEM Identity for Students! Give students the power to be confident, curious, and capable in STEM using the lens of flight to generate passionate pursuits. Discover practical strategies to promote a growth mindset, creativity, and increase student agency.

TAKEAWAYS:
Unlock students' STEM IDENTITY with hands-on strategies that inspire confidence, curiosity, and STEM skills. Learn how aviation and aeronautics can promote a growth mindset and create real-life engineering scenarios and career connections. Get free resources and actionable steps at this session.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Davis

This session provides K-12 Colorado educators information about the Science Standards Review and Revision process beginning in the Spring of 2025 and concluding in June 2026. In addition to the background on the five stages of the process, educators will learn how they can apply to participate.

TAKEAWAYS:
By the end of this session, participants will describe the five main stages of the Standards Review and Revision process and identify opportunities for educators to participate in the process.

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Agoos

Architects of STEM Collaborations immerse cross sectors to develop a conduit for ALL students to be successful. An established STEM collaboration hub helps ALL students/teachers bridge the cultural and opportunity gaps within our National STEM Ecosystem.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to develop research education blueprints that incorporate culturally responsive externships outside the classroom. Help students gain access to a global "collaboration hub" and pathways for rewarding/productive STEM careers.

SPEAKERS:
Doug Baltz

Through collaborative teacher education teams, lesson plans were developed to promote the integration of social justice and environmental awareness to the secondary science through Cli-fi. Curriculum examples of the YAL text Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet will be shared in this session.

TAKEAWAYS:
Recommended practices and resources for fostering environmental awareness and social justice through Cli-fi.

SPEAKERS:
Chelsea McClure

Participants will learn about the K-12 Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge teacher competition, and the two Shell USA, Inc. sponsored teacher awards. Participants will learn how to nominate and apply for the programs that are sponsored by Shell USA, Inc.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to nominate and apply for the programs that are sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. Participants will be able to collaborate with previous winners and judges on key elements to include in a strong application.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton

Pacific Alliance Against COVID-19 curricula provided teachers with historical contexts and student inquiry lessons to mitigate COVID-19. Major findings: teachers seek roles as public health educators and PD to address mental health, disinformation, and reduce impacts on vulnerable NH-PI populations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teacher leaders can provide timely, trusted information during times of uncertainty. Professional development providing current COVID-19 information, istudent-centered inquiry lessons, and access to networks of community partners supported teacher leadership and agency as public health educators.

SPEAKERS:
Pauline Chinn

Can classrooms and labs be more engaging with more frequent use of materials while not being more stressful? Identify factors that reduce the frequency of meaningful hands-on learning. Embed organizational strategies into lesson delivery. All students can access procedures and retain concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will consider how non-verbal instructional cues impact students' active engagement and participation in procedures. With specific strategies, teachers can increase academic vocabulary, student independence, and concept retention.

SPEAKERS:
C Walsh

Loyola University Chicago is partnering with Chicago Public Schools to use an engineering design approach to create an innovative system for science teacher career development.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn the key factors and lessons learned from 6 years of implementing a PL system designed to both advance teachers' science instructional practice while also explicitly enhancing their capacity to serve as district science teacher leaders.

SPEAKERS:
Kayla Cherry, Sarah Stults

By cultivating positive relationships among science educators and leaders, including the state department of education, district science leaders, college professors, and vendor partners, the SC Science Education Leadership Association has actively advocated for K-12 science in South Carolina.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn what makes SCSELA a successful state science leadership organization and how to implement community-building practices within their own science leadership communities in order to grow a network that advocates for successful science education.

SPEAKERS:
Holly Sullivan, Edwin Emmer

Join us to learn about a university-led program that sought to bridge the gap between high school and college-level biology. We will share the concepts where our students struggle–at both the high school and first-year college level–and explore best practices to support their learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to build partnerships between universities and high schools to support the final tier of vertical articulation for our students. We will also share the content and study skill gaps that persist from high school through college, and specific strategies to address them.

SPEAKERS:
Kyle Houser, Cathlene Leary-Elderkin, Drue Stapleton

Are you looking for specific Space Science Professional Learning or want to be an ambassador for space science? Come learn about current outreach programs to apply for Space Education Ambassador programs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will have access to a variety of Professional Learning programs in Space Science and ways to connect with other Space Education Educators. Participants will also learn about strategies for Leadership in Aerospace Education.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Ragsdale

We will highlight the importance of climate education and present educators with strategies and resources to develop climate literacy and advocacy in their classrooms. We aim to inspire and support educators to increase climate education in their classrooms this year.

TAKEAWAYS:
The need for climate education is urgent, and plenty of resources and strategies exist to make implementation possible today.

SPEAKERS:
Bryce Coon

NAGT's Teacher Education Division developed 10 leadership criteria to encourage K-12 educators as teacher leaders. This competitive annual award honors teachers who satisfy at least 7 criteria. Each qualified nominee receives a certificate of recognition, but only 1 nominee earns the annual award.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to (self-)nominate a candidate for the NAGT TED Earth Sciences Teacher Leader Award. We will consider the leadership criteria, nominating committee concerns, and monetary value of the award.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Metlay

Teacher PD typically includes 1-2 weeks of intensive summer instruction, but implementation is often months later. How effective is this model and is there a better way? We will share our research from a PD model that is based on pedagogical techniques used in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
This paper will share the logistics of our PD model, challenges, findings from our current research, and implications for future PD in K-16.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Matsler

Instructional coaching is a way to build reflective practices in teachers to drive instructional change. The relational nature of coaching techniques allows the coach to provide specific, context-based suggestions that could be used to address inequitable structures in classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Individuals who work with teachers can make specific and intentional moves to help science teachers reflect on and challenge structures of power, narratives, and values of science, and what science participation looks like from within specific classroom structures.

SPEAKERS:
Jeff Spencer

In this session, you will learn about how Lincoln Park Zoo and Chicago Public Schools have created spaces for teachers, informal science educators, and researchers to come together to increase student understanding of the natural world in ways that support both formal and informal curricula.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn methods for more robust collaboration between school districts and informal science partners that will increase student critical thinking and science literacy to make informed decisions about their communities and the environment.

SPEAKERS:
Rosie Arnold, Laura Decker

Sponsoring Company: Nuclear Energy Education Initiative

This workshop will provide a one-stop-shop for Nuclear and other STEM Professionals, Industry Organizations, Parents, Teachers, Coaches, and Influencers to encourage 8th graders to pursue nuclear and STEM careers.

SPEAKERS:
Desiree Wolfgramm, Mandi Brigman, Bobbi Jo Halvorson

We developed a near-peer mentoring program to empower math and science teacher candidates to connect with early career teachers. We will share our research findings in this session, and engage participants in a shared discussion of approaches to support teacher self-efficacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about the design of our near-peer mentoring program and have access to tools to facilitate the process. Discussion will help attendees develop near-peer mentoring in their induction or teacher education program, and how to expand and support their pool of near-peers.

SPEAKERS:
Dan Moore, Janelle Johnson

Presenters will share methods of designing, implementing, and integrating materials gained through mini-grants to establish new units, based upon NGSS standards, for classrooms in high-needs districts leading to an increase in the quality of instruction and success of students in STEM education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn to structure and fund mini-grants as a tool to improve awareness and success of STEM in schools. Administrators and curriculum leaders will learn the methodology to provide the materials necessary to assist teachers with planning and execution of lessons based on these grants.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Lazowski, Bonnie Maur

Leaders and advocates will critically review strategies for connecting with their community to build a program focused on supporting STEAM with emphasis on inclusive practices for design with equity at the forefront.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away strategies for engaging with their community to support their schools in developing and sustaining STEAM programming focused on equity.

SPEAKERS:
Terry Smith, Vincent Scotto

College and university faculty who recruit STEM teacher candidates: This session is for you!

TAKEAWAYS:
There is a STEM teacher shortage. Students are interested! College and university faculty can help!!

SPEAKERS:
Jia Wern Hue

Meet a group of science teachers using their power as master practitioners to advance science education through community engagement & strategic partnerships with government & business that raise money to promote science awareness, develop STEM programs for urban youth & train teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to harness their unrealized power as experts in classroom science to grow beyond the classroom and become leaders, advocates, and ambassadors of science education at the local, state, and national levels.

SPEAKERS:
Yishan Lee, Dianna Gobler, Lawrence Perretto