How can science teachers leverage their expertise as master practitioners to drive positive systemic change in the classroom and beyond? Explore how we can serve as catalysts for 21st-century STEM education reforms by fostering meaningful partnerships with the community and industry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will discover practical ways to tap into their inner leadership potential and become leaders, advocates, and ambassadors for STEM education at the local, state, and national levels.

SPEAKERS:
Patty Mannion, Dianna Gobler, Yishan Lee

Join us for boppin’ lessons that address NGSS K-2 (force & motion, biomimicry, pollination). We integrate computational thinking, literacy, robots, science, and sense-making! We show how we adapted for students’ cultural, and linguistic (Apache, Navajo, Spanish) backgrounds.

TAKEAWAYS:
The attendees will learn to analyze and implement interdisciplinary K-2 STEM teaching and learning using 3D NGSS standards, sense-making, aligned assessment and also integrates the language, culture, and place of a community in ways that position young students as leaders for their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Sophie Forbes, Deena Gould, Megan Smith

NextGen TIME is a free suite of tools and processes that supports districts in preparing to evaluate instructional materials for quality and design for NGSS. This collaborative process helps you plan for next steps including customization to improve student outcomes and effective implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how NextGen TIME supports the evaluation of current instructional materials to strengthen their design for NGSS and how NextGen TIME tools and processes can serve as critical components of curriculum-based professional learning. You’ll walk away with free access to NextGen TIME resources.

SPEAKERS:
Jenine Cotton-Proby

This session is designed to support participants in the practice of development and use of models. The goal of this workshop is for educators to learn ways to engage students in the use of models to predict and explain phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will leave with a clear understanding of what models are and how they can be used throughout the lesson and unit, the awareness that one size does not fit all when it comes to models and enhanced formative assessment capabilities by using models to reveal student misconceptions and connections.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Suter, Kerry Hammon, Peter McLaren

NSTA provides high-quality digital resources and opportunities—all within a professional community—that supports your personalized professional learning. Just in time, just enough, and just for you! Learn about NSTA’s professional Learning tools. NSTA staff will answer questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become knowledgeable about the plethora of digital resources available at NSTA’s, about the live events, and professional learning community that can help them enhance their knowledge and manage their personalized professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez

Transdisciplinary learning that positions students in the context of real-life scenarios to problem solve authentic issues can increase conceptual understanding of content area knowledge, inspire community connections, and increase student engagement, while also building transformative SEL skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will discover how transdisciplinary education and transformative social and emotional learning can be facilitated in their classrooms and educational communities.

SPEAKERS:
Stefanie Holloway

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

3D teaching and learning is a powerful way to engage all students in science, but making the shift in a classroom or district involves fundamental cultural and practical changes at all levels. Engage in examples and take away your own Change Management Playbook for navigating this important work.

SPEAKERS:
Isaac Stauffer, Naz Yaqubie

This poster showcases how you can transform your Canvas courses into inclusive, dynamic, and enriching learning experiences for all students. Swing by to tap into essential strategies, tools, and best practices to foster inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility through your school's Canvas site!

TAKEAWAYS:
This poster showcases strategies such as Canvas Groups for collaborative learning, media opportunities with Canvas Studio, and using Canvas to showcase student understanding in vibrant, visual ways. Plus, discover proven webinar engagement strategies to captivate and inspire your online learners!

SPEAKERS:
Tanya MacMartin, Ed.D.

Learn about the National Middle Level Science Teachers Association and what we offer to our members.

TAKEAWAYS:
The National Middle Level Science Teachers Association (NMLSTA) is the only national organization dedicated to the support of middle level educators—grades five through nine.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Lou Lipscomb

Explore teacher leadership in this session on a pioneering elementary science conference created by teachers for teachers.Discover how two educators built a collaborative space to meet the need for quality science PD while leading from the middle.Including testimonials from participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore the journey of how teachers successfully led a science conference from initial concept to execution, as well as the challenges faced in exercising teacher leadership. Takeaways include insights into the structure and impact of a teacher-led conference on professional growth.

SPEAKERS:
Abbey Gilligan, Dr. Leana Peltier

The implementation of high-quality instructional materials requires support as teachers make the shifts needed for effective use. Dig into Change Management from The Elements of curriculum based professional learning to figure out how key lessons can help you lead change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Join other leaders to consider key lessons from change and dig into Change Management from The Elements: Transforming Teaching through Curriculum-based Professional Learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jim Short, Jody Bintz

Sponsoring Company: ECA Science Kit Services

In this session we will select 3-4 popular science programs to evaluate using the 15-Questions developed by ECA Science Kit Services. The objective is to have participants walk away with an easy guide to use as they evaluate different programs to adopt. The takeaway will be an understanding of how to set teachers up for success for implementation. This process will share information about alignment, usability and budget, as well as exposing “blindspot” costs. It will cover short-term and long-term goals for implementation. There will also be an activity related to the “usability” portion of the presentation. Participants will have a fun experience and leave with a navigational guide to support their adoption and implementation process.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Harlan

Building a strong foundation in working with data is key to students’ long term science interest and success. However, it can be hard to find ways to best help students make sense of data. We will share a research-backed developmental sequence and grade-leveled rubrics for student data literacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with a developmental sequence for developing data literacy for students across grades K-12, with particular focus on how to use it for instructional and assessment development for late elementary school.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Jabot, Kristin Hunter-Thomson

Join us for an engaging session with the Chief Science Officer (CSO) state coordinator, a high school mentor, and students as they lead a panel on this transformative initiative. Discover how this hands-on program builds workplace skills, amplifies student voices, and shapes future advocates.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to foster student empowerment through the CSO program, support advocacy, and explore its statewide impact. Discover how the program prepares future STEM leaders and change advocates while strengthening your science community, and learn how to bring it to your district!

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Schwab, Dylan Fedell

NSTA has revised and updated its position 2018 position statement on climate science, strengthening its commitment to high quality education on the teaching of the science of climate change. This presentation outlines the changes to the position statement and the rationale for the changes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become equipped with the rationale and tools for necessary for teaching the science of climate change, as well as needed talking points necessary for engaging with the range of constituencies that have voice in or impact upon science education in general.

SPEAKERS:
Margaret Holzer, Michael Wysession, Kelli Grabowski, Eric Pyle

In this session, teachers will unpack the OpenSciEd Chemistry curriculum from a teachers point of view. Then they will work together to share tips and best practices around utilizing OpenSciEd in chemistry for their specific school context.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have a better understanding about OpenSciEd in Chemistry through sharing with other teachers - no matter where they are in using this curriculum - and identify a future working group to navigate the curriculum together.

SPEAKERS:
Anthony Stetzenmeyer

Climate change affects us all, but not equally; the worst impacts are felt by marginalized communities. This is everyone’s problem to solve! We’ll explore real examples of kids coming together to make a meaningful change, and the role you as a teacher can take to support students in taking action.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore issues affecting their local communities and discuss ideas for curriculum around said issues. They will also develop skills for facilitating discussions with students and supporting children’s ideas for creating change.

SPEAKERS:
Rina Zampieron

Teacher mentors can support the implementation of high-quality science curriculum. Come learn about a model that provides teachers with ongoing professional learning to develop leadership and informal mentoring skills that support science instruction when called upon by their colleagues.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about a program that prepares teachers to serve as informal mentors who can support the implementation of high-quality science curriculum within their school community. The model provides teacher mentors with on-going professional learning to continually improve their leadership skills.

SPEAKERS:
Caroline Stabile, Kelly Houle, Zachary Orefice

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

Learn from a panel of educators who have successfully made the shift to 3-D teaching and learning – what steps they took to begin, strengthen, and sustain their implementation journey and how it has impacted classroom culture and student growth.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Stenger, Hilda Aganga-Williams

Visiting teachers will explore strategies and resources to start or strengthen a Green Team at their school. Two experienced advisors—one specializing in 4-5th grade teams and another in 6-8th grade teams—will provide insights and actionable tips for launching or enhancing an effective Green Team.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about options for meeting schedules, team goals, and varying levels of involvement, so they can decide what will work best for their students. Beginners and those advisors with established teams will leave inspired with actionable ideas to implement and improve their Green Team.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Metzger, Kristin Slota

The EarthX team has developed a 5+1 model to integrate earth science in biology, chemistry, and physics curricula. Attention to three-dimensional teaching, phenomena driven units, student-centered learning, and responsive teaching for all students are paramount to this model.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using the 5+1 model for Earth science integrated instruction, participants will analyze units and lessons in biology, chemistry, and physics for the presence of key components designed to differentiate instruction for all students with a focus on diverse learners.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Hood, Kevin Garner, Alan Berkowitz, Cassidy Johnson, Edmund Mitzel, Jr., Ph.D., Kyle Gregory, Nina Groseclose

Even with the highest quality PD, planning for and implementing 3D learning as described in the Framework can be challenging. In this session we’ll share strategies and supports used to bridge PD to classroom practice through high-impact collaborative classroom visits and analysis of student work.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with tools (including protocols) and strategies for supporting meaningful, high-level collaborative conversations that support classroom implementation of equitable and effective 3D science instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Wil Van der Veen, Stacey Van der Veen

Join us to explore strategies for providing feedback to science teachers utilizing framework aligned standards and the Danielson Framework. Participants will engage in authentic practice and will leave with resources to implement these strategies in their schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn strategies for providing feedback to the teachers they supervise.

SPEAKERS:
Andy Weatherhead, Kammas Kersch

Explore how leaders can use the new BSCS Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL) instructional model to support teachers in creating learning experiences that motivate students with significant, real world phenomena and problems! Learn how AIL cycles of inquiry and sensemaking culminate in student agency!

TAKEAWAYS:
The research-based BSCS Anchored Inquiry Learning instructional model succeeds the 5Es and forms the basis for high-quality instructional materials. Leaders can leverage this model to support teachers in creating a student centered classroom that provides effective teaching and learning for all.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Gay

This session will provide an overview of the major national policy trends relative to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education going into 2025. We will discuss what we can expect from the recent 2024 Election results and their implications for the science classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learning what is brewing at the national level in STEM education and that trends you can expect in federal education policy in 2025.

SPEAKERS:
James Brown

Transitioning to a learner-centered classroom can be challenging but rewarding. This shift turns students from passive recipients into active participants, encouraging them to take responsibility for learning. By fostering curiosity, they become problem-solvers, engaging deeply in their education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore transitioning from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered classroom, enhancing student responsibility, engagement, and problem-solving. This session offers tools for fostering active learning, curiosity, and effective classroom management in a learner-driven environment.

SPEAKERS:
Shefali Mehta, Mridula Bajaj

Participants will analyze “example data” of different schools and physics classes, and discuss students' pathways to physics and implicit structural barriers. Come to learn about identifying hidden obstacles to students' success and upcoming professional learning opportunities with STEP UP program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Many factors influence which students take which classes in your school. Reflecting on those influences, examining the make-up of your physics classes, and considering how they may change to better reflect your school at large are the first steps towards improving access to physics for all.

SPEAKERS:
Pooneh Sabouri

How do beginning STEM teachers develop as teacher leaders? We share how teachers have engaged in practitioner inquiry and written personal “stories of teacher leadership” over the past 10 years. We explore what we all can learn from the stories about what it’s like to become a teacher leader.

TAKEAWAYS:
Recognize key themes about teacher leadership from the stories, compare to your own experiences with teacher leadership, and identify teacher leadership actions you can bring to your school based on ideas from the stories.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Rozelle, Roseanne Rostock

Youth Climate Summits are a great way for teachers and students to discover their climate superpowers that can support their leadership on climate action in their schools and communities. Discover how to create your own action plan to transform your organization.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore their own superpowers and be provided tools to start developing their own climate action planning and leadership goals for their schools and communities.

SPEAKERS:
Dylan Fedell, Lauren Fosbenner, Kathryn Semmens

NSTA provides in-person, online, and blended personalized professional learning experiences for cohorts of K–12 educators. All programs engage educators with digital resources, virtual experiences, the larger online community, and expert staff. Learn how your groups of teachers can participate.

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 personalize their learning as well as the ability to learn with their peers.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez

Learn how to use three-dimensional, phenomena-based instruction to expand access to educational experiences that reflect the real world and help students of all backgrounds discover the tools to be scientific thinkers and citizens. Hone your lens for science instruction that changes lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will identify how their current science instructional practices meet the demands of the NGSS standards and leave with concrete next steps for strengthening use of phenomena-based practices. Leaders will learn to approach science support with a systemic lens and common teacher actions.

SPEAKERS:
Solona Hollis, Amanda Drenth

This presentation highlights how the DoD STEM Ambassador program serves as a model for fostering collaboration between industry, non-profit, academia, and government to empower educators and amplify the impact of STEM education and opportunities for students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how unique approaches to educator programs and professional development can meaningfully advance STEM outreach and access for students.

SPEAKERS:
Kia Thomas, Darci Kimball, Topaz Navarro, Eric Moore

More teachers are taking on leadership in professional development, sharing their expertise. In this session, we’ll explore facilitation principles that equip teachers to recognize and elevate all learners' ideas, fostering professional communities where every educator feels valued and can thrive.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to apply facilitation principles, mindsets, and behaviors to create PD experiences that are more meaningful, equitable, and relevant to colleagues while keeping student learning at the center of the work.

SPEAKERS:
Anthony Stetzenmeyer, Laura Shafer, PhD

Hands-on activities aimed to help secondary and CTE students become acquainted with careers that exist in the energy industry and beyond, as well as to understand personality traits and soft skills that are essential to being a good worker and team player.

TAKEAWAYS:
Activities to conduct with secondary students to showcase career opportunities in energy-related fields and help students to identify skills and traits for career readiness, not just with a four-year degree but also certification and trade school career paths.

SPEAKERS:
Paula Miller

In this session, participants will use the Generate, Sort, Connect, Elaborate thinking routine to unpack science performance expectations of a sample unit. Leaders will be equipped to replicate this process with their teachers, supporting them in connecting and breaking down performance expectations

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders will learn how to use the “Generate, Sort, Connect, Elaborate” routine to unpack science performance expectations, enabling them to guide teachers in connecting expectations across units and breaking down their components, ultimately supporting deeper student understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Allison Porzillo

MSELA and CREATE4STEM share their story on how they partner with other state organizations to advance K-5 science in Michigan. Both a vision for elementary science and resources to support system change are used to empower leaders to ensure all students have access to high quality science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Support state and local systems with an advocacy model for K-5 science education by highlighting Michigan’s efforts to network statewide support systems, provide professional learning, and prepare district leaders with resources to remove barriers and shift mindsets to advance science instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Wendi Vogel, Cory Miller, Amber Richmond, Elizabeth Reinhold

In urban low-resourced districts, there's often a focus on literacy and math, what happens to science? Every student, regardless of race, gender, or zip code, deserves high-quality science learning. We will explore the role in elevating science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with actionable steps to make science instruction a priority in their districts, ensuring every student has the opportunity to think, explore, and engage with the world scientifically.

SPEAKERS:
Tyrone McNichols, J Carrie Launius

This workshop will explore the impact of the NGSS, 13 years after their inception. It will provide an opportunity to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and how they can be improved to meet the needs of all future citizens and not privilege just those who will pursue scientific careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science standards must evolve to meet the needs of young people in a changed society. Current standards overemphasize college and professional career preparedness and do not do enough to address the needs of the majority as citizens and consumers. There are simple things that teachers can do now.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Osborne, Daniel Pimentel, DOUGLAS ALLCHIN, Andrew Zucker

Transform your STEM programs through powerful community partnerships. Learn proven strategies to identify and engage partners from businesses to universities. Get practical tools for establishing sustainable collaborations that support project-based learning and create authentic career connections.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how to transform your STEM program through strategic partnerships. Learn to identify potential collaborators, define partnership roles, and develop a mindset that opens doors to enriched learning experiences. Walk away with practical tools to build/sustain meaningful community connections.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Nilvo, Lisa Blank, Heather Overkamp

Through discussions and workshopping, participants consider ways to leverage the curriculum adoption process, including setting an instructional vision, developing criteria, and evaluating materials, to develop teacher understanding of rigorous science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn strategies for using K-12 curriculum adoptions to support deep professional learning around the NGSS/Framework, particularly sensemaking with the three-dimensions and phenomenon and problem based instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Wachowski

Learn about a Science Education Fellowship program that helps science teachers become leaders without leaving the classroom. The SEF program has transformed the lives of hundreds of Fellows and thousands of students. The collaborative effort includes teachers, science coordinators, and administrators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about how to foster K-12 vertical articulation of science curriculum, an in-depth means to learn about science and engineering practices and how to be a teacher leader without leaving the classroom. Teacher leadership can lead to school district transformation.

SPEAKERS:
Arthur Eisenkraft

Mentor teachers, teacher leaders, and administrators must go beyond burnout to address the impact of demoralization and exploitation. This session addresses specific causes, symptoms, and, most importantly, strategic, no-cost remedies to increase educator efficacy, satisfaction, and longevity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the difference in causes and treatments for burnout, demoralization, and exploitation from individual and organizational perspectives.

SPEAKERS:
Jess Cleeves

Explore the range of needs of urban science educators. Interactive rotating discussions and networking will focus on instructional strategies, professional development opportunities, school environment challenges, technology integration, equity and inclusion issues, and collaborative partnerships.

TAKEAWAYS:
Urban science educators gain a deeper understanding of their specific needs and develop practical strategies to enhance their teaching practices, access resources, address equity and inclusion challenges, and build partnerships within their urban school environments.

SPEAKERS:
Selene Verhofstad, Elizabeth Spike

Innovation Configuration maps help educators focus on concrete aspects of teacher and student actions that lead to deep conceptual science understanding. Participants will analyze classroom videos, using the maps to practice reflecting on classroom actions and set goals for continuous improvement.

TAKEAWAYS:
IC Maps—frameworks of effective teaching and learning strategies and evidence-based practices—can be used as part of reflective practice and continuous improvement by allowing educators to identify where their current practice falls in the map and set actionable goals to move their practice forward.

SPEAKERS:
Molly Ewing

In Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula, a teacher leadership model has enabled an effective system of teacher-led elementary science support where teachers learn from and support one another. Learn from two teacher leaders who have helped develop a sustainable professional learning community!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how a teacher leadership model can benefit schools by ensuring high quality science learning for all elementary students and providing professional development for teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin St. Onge, Megan Dell, Jessica Krueger

This workshop guides science leaders in assessing district-specific needs and refining a K-20 science vision. Participants will explore national trends, collaborate on strategies, and design sustainable professional learning frameworks to enhance three-dimensional science learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will refine or define their K-20 science vision using National Academies research, identifying strategies to drive improvement in three-dimensional science teaching and learning across their schools.

SPEAKERS:
Betsy Barent, Matthew Christiansen

The Saint Louis Zoo is committed to helping the next generation of students foster a deeper understanding of the world through the topic of One Health. Join us as we share how we partnered with local students to create lessons and how you can utilize One Health curriculum in your classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how One Health as a growing topic can fit into the attendees' future curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Grace Warshaw

Come see how you can make a shift to storylines in your classroom where students make sense of phenomena and see how this motivates them to engage in science and engineering practices and learn disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will appreciate how having students make sense of phenomena leads to greater engagement and better understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard

Join us for an engaging session where participants will gain practical strategies to enhance their leadership presence, foster community through networking, and maximize professional learning for career growth.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will receive practical strategies to strengthen their leadership presence and advance career development in science and STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Camille Sanders, Dr. Alicia Conerly, Leena McLean, Kevin Niemi, Karen Hays, Adam Fagen

Become part of the Science and Children team as an author or reviewer.  Science and Children is the premier journal for educators working with children in early childhood and elementary. We share classroom-tested ideas and innovative practices for all educators, including preservice teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Expand your leadership pathway by becoming an author or reviewer for NSTA's ECE Journal, Science and Children.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn

Explore how a multi-year teacher leadership initiative evolved into the development of a formalized program to prepare facilitators for curriculum-based professional learning and learn how these PL providers are supporting scaled curriculum adoption efforts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain insight into the key components of a long-term teacher leadership initiative, including how it informs professional learning for PD providers, through an immersive experience that highlights our curriculum-based facilitator preparation model.

SPEAKERS:
Dora Kastel, Elizabeth Chatham

Once you’ve adopted high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), how do leaders ensure effective and sustained implementation? Join us to explore critical actions of leaders to launch and sustain the implementation of HQIM!

TAKEAWAYS:
Effective and sustained implementation of high-quality instructional materials requires planning for change prior to implementation, generating excitement, providing transformative professional learning, monitoring implementation progress and using data to support continuous improvement.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz

Leaders will explore key benchmarks for selecting, adopting, and refining high-quality science curricula, building systems that meet diverse student needs and support teachers for long-term instructional success.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn to evaluate high-quality science curricula that align with three-dimensional learning, ensuring they meet diverse student needs and are supported by effective assessments and professional development.

SPEAKERS:
Betsy Barent, Matthew Christiansen

Join LabXchange as we explore the Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Science Education (RDEISE) initiative and its science educator resources for advancing equity in STEM. We will discuss the concept of bias and strategies educators can implement to mitigate their impact on learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators must be aware of their own biases in their teaching practices, and execute strategies to mitigate their own impact on racially marginalized learners to ultimately reduce barriers in STEM spaces.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Sjoblom

AI has taken the education world by storm, reshaping and transforming traditional teaching methods at a breakneck pace. As it evolves, the question for educators, students, and institutions becomes clear: Will you survive the chaos, thrive in this new era, or strive to adapt and remain relevant?

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will better understand transformative AI tools in the current education landscape.

SPEAKERS:
Charles English, David Barnes, Christine Anne Royce

How can we shift the culture of science teaching and learning in an elementary school or district? Explore how transformative leadership practices can build the capacity of educators and create the conditions for equitable opportunities for 3D phenomena-based science in K-5 classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will take away ideas and next steps for enacting transformative leadership practices in their own context, whether it is in their classroom, school, or at the district level

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Stenger, Suzanna Loper

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Does grant writing feel overwhelming? This session will provide practical tips, strategies, and resources to help you write grants that win!

SPEAKERS:
Covey Denton

Participants will be introduced to dialogic collaborative action research (D-CAR) and explore its methodological underpinnings. They will also engage in DCAR as we discuss “wicked problems” such as recognizing students’ identity and voice, and scientific ones such as climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain an understanding of the nature of action research and what D-CAR is. They will also learn how to engage in D-CAR, and how to convene and facilitate science teacher groups. Participants will learn about wicked problems and how they can be mitigated through D-CAR.

SPEAKERS:
Molly Nation, Katie Laux, Allan Feldman

Equity is often stated as a key value in education, but how can we anchor equity in science leadership work? Reflect on your own ideas, beliefs, and approaches to equity and learn how one science leadership development program embeds equity as part of learning to lead curriculum implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Beliefs, knowledge, context, and lived-experiences shape approaches to equity work. The NEXUS Academy for Science Curriculum Leadership has developed Equity Principles to consider and intertwine with other leadership knowledge bases as leaders work to ensure equity for all learners in the system.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Gomez Zwiep

This interactive session equips leaders with strategies to implement impactful district-wide professional learning initiatives. Participants will engage in activities to enhance teaching practices and student outcomes, leaving with a draft plan for NGSS-aligned professional learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore structures for planning effective professional learning that improve teacher practice and student learning outcomes.

SPEAKERS:
Joshua Smith, Justin Ingram, Kathy Renfrew, Gregory MacDougall

Smithsonian Science Education Center has explored many ways of introducing hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum. Learn more about how we presented virtually, hybrid, and in person, the pros and cons, and what teachers had to say. Join us in discussing key features of high quality professional learning

TAKEAWAYS:
Each mode of professional learning delivery has pros and cons but providing time for collaboration, reflection, and exploration is key to teacher engagement and understanding in order to change teacher practice.

SPEAKERS:
Katie Gainsback, Katherine Fancher

Are you tired of complaining about what is happening in your classroom, school, district, state? Be a problem solver. Find out how you can make a difference as a teacher activist!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about how to advocate for themselves, their colleagues, their students without compromising their positions as educators. They will learn to be confident and voices for legislators who need guidance on how to write legislation for our educators and students.

SPEAKERS:
Veena Black

Explore the intersection of AI, ethics, equity, and safety in education. Discover how educators can provide the crucial human element in AI-enhanced learning environments. Plus, learn strategies to guide students in responsible AI use, ensure equitable access, and protect student privacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will gain practical strategies and resources based on interviews and advice from experts to ethically integrate AI in their classrooms, focusing on equity, responsible use, and data privacy, while emphasizing the irreplaceable role of human guidance in AI-enhanced education.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Roberts

University/College instructors talk about how they integrate NSTA resources in their courses for preservice teachers. Come and listen to their stories and ask them questions! Find out the benefits that this opportunity provides you and your teacher candidates.

TAKEAWAYS:
Many university/college instructors are using NSTA resources in lieu of a textbook when teaching preservice teacher courses. Participants will meet some of these instructors to learn how they integrate NSTA resources in their courses and about the benefits of the program.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez

A teacher leader serves as a model not only for fellow educators but also for aspiring student leaders. When educators demonstrate leadership within the community, students witness authentic examples of leadership, inspiring them to become leaders themselves. Ideas promoting leadership to be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teacher leaders will be empowered to inspire both their colleagues and students to make a meaningful impact within their community. Participants will leave with practical, actionable ideas and resources to implement a program that fosters and enhances student leadership in their school community.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Slota

Be a teacher-leader! The National Middle Level Science Teachers Association offers resources for enriching your practice, cash awards, and national networking, as well as opportunities to serve a national organization, publish and present, and build a stronger resume.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with the ability to participate in national educator outreach, to connect with science teachers in other districts and states, and to enrich their practice.

SPEAKERS:
Anne Schoeffler

This session explores self -care needs, practices and work-life balance experiences of Science Educators in The Bahamas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Effective self-care practices promote effective work-life balance and enhances professional practice.

SPEAKERS:
Bridget Hogg

This poster presents an asynchronous virtual professional development series designed to help teachers integrate AI into their teaching practices. Through four targeted modules, educators explored AI tools to boost classroom efficiency and develop strategies for fostering students’ AI literacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about a flexible, self-paced professional development series that we implemented to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate AI into the classroom, focusing on enhancing both teaching efficiency and students’ AI literacy. Results will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Suters, Kelly Moore

In this session, science educators share steps taken and lessons learned in becoming PhD students and educational researchers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn the steps they can take and some of the potential pathways ahead in starting a PhD journey.

SPEAKERS:
Olivia Bello, Jesse Mechanick

This poster is for teachers who don't want to have to quit. We'll examine oversimplified views of teacher burnout by acknowledging that demoralization and exploitation also impact educator resilience. We'll also explore specific causes, symptoms, and most importantly, remedies for each.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators can reclaim their classrooms and lives from burnout, demoralization, and exploitation. This type of empowered healing begins at an individual level. As teachers enact no-cost strategies to make their essential work sustainable, student outcomes and school culture also improve.

SPEAKERS:
Jess Cleeves

Discover the 4C's framework—Contextualization, Collaboration, Content Focus, and Continuous Improvement—to design impactful PD initiatives. Engage with strategies that enhance educator participation and learn techniques that aid in measuring the effectiveness of your PD session.

TAKEAWAYS:
This poster session will provide strategies for creating measurable outcomes, fostering collaboration, and ensuring professional development leads to meaningful improvements in STEM teaching practices.

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Bowen, Ashish Gilbert Bowen

Learn how to create an Elementary STEAM Lab that fosters creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, aligned with NGSS and ISTE Standards. Discover strategies for hands-on, tech-integrated learning that boosts engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving across disciplines.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to design a STEAM Lab and environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and exploration. They’ll gain strategies for creating a space conducive to hands-on learning, integrating technology, and supporting inquiry-based activities aligned with NGSS and ISTE Standards.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Andrea Gomez

The work of a science education leader involves resilience in growing capacity in others. In short, adults learn differently than our students. So come learn how to develop a coaching mindset and utilize strategies to coach science educators through change to improve science teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Much of the work of a science education leader is coaching adults. It’s important to know that adult learning is different. When science leaders deeply understand what drives social behaviors, they can better engage in coaching conversations to promote the targeted change in practice.

SPEAKERS:
Derek McDowell

Are you tired of complaining about what is happening in your classroom, school, district, state? Be a problem solver. Find out how you can make a difference as a teacher activist!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about how to advocate for themselves, their colleagues, their students without compromising their positions as educators. They will learn to be confident and voices for legislators who need guidance on how to write legislation for our educators and students.

SPEAKERS:
Veena Black

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:
Janna Mahfoud, Jenine Cotton-Proby

Research Experiences for STEM Educators & Teachers (RESET) is dedicated to improving STEM education across the nation. This presentation is for middle/high school educators who want to experience real-world research & learn about how to translate their experience effectively into the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
First, the audience will leave with information about AEOP programs, specifically RESET. Second, the audience will receive information about how to become involved with the AEOP RESET program.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Suters, Jennifer Meadows, Kelly Moore

Are you in a “complicated” relationship with the materials you or your district have chosen? How you interact with your HQIM matters. Let’s do some couples therapy - using practical planning tools - and work towards a strong and healthy teacher-curriculum relationship that supports student learning!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will consider their student needs and work with educative tools to support more effective and efficient planning with HQIM in service of student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Hillary Paul Metcalf, Renee Affolter

Discover how Human Systems Dynamics and Human-Centered Design can help educators tackle classroom challenges, create inclusive environments, and adapt to diverse student needs. This interactive session provides practical strategies to enhance teaching, curriculum design, and collaboration.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use Human Systems Dynamics and Human-Centered Design strategies to address complex challenges in NGSS implementation, fostering collaboration and empathy to create inclusive, student-centered environments that support both educators’ and students’ needs.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Beierle

Learn how a team of K-12 educators and community partners developed a local environmental literacy plan. The NOAA BWET funded project, addresses the 3 pillars of green schools and highlights meaningful, place-based, outdoor learning opportunities for all students and teacher development.

TAKEAWAYS:
Environmental literacy plans prepare students to be environmentally literate citizens with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to understand locally relevant science concepts and make informed decisions that support local communities and environments.

SPEAKERS:
Justin Klingler, Christine Biggins, Ashly Wilkinson, Valerie Stone

Do you teach courses for preservice teachers? Learn how NSTA's resources, webinars, and online community can help students become the BEST teachers they can be. We will discuss what’s available on the NSTA website and how to easily access it from your own Class Landing Page. Membership is included.

TAKEAWAYS:
Instructors using NSTA as their Textbook (or as a supplement) have students who create a library of resources, grow their network of professional colleagues, and enhance their content and pedagogical knowledge of science. Membership is included.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez

In two distinct phases, the Wipro Science Education Fellowship program anchored at the University of South Florida has served three large school districts the Tampa Bay region with over 400,000 combined students, encouraging teachers to grow sensemaking skill sets in a non-adoption state.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leadership development within the context of three-dimensional learning and sensemaking can take place anywhere, anytime with an appropriate framework for science teacher leadership.

SPEAKERS:
David Rosengrant, Larry Plank

Conflict management is a very delicate and difficult subject to address, and as scientists we aren't always provided with the tools or training to work through it. This workshop will help you navigate through these challenging moments by addressing open communication, timing, and respect.

TAKEAWAYS:
Build your confidence to handle challenging conversations with team members and coworkers at all levels. Walk out prepared with a step-by-step outline on how to have difficult conversations professionally.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Payne

This session explores strategies for monitoring the long-term effectiveness of district-wide professional learning initiatives. Participants will engage with tools and techniques to assess the impact on teaching practices and student outcomes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn structures for feedback, coaching, and monitoring to ensure continuous adjustment and success of professional learning plans.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory MacDougall, Justin Ingram, Kathy Renfrew, Joshua Smith

Join NSTA and Taylor & Francis staff to learn the best ways to access NSTA's journal content online, and how to use journal articles in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Best ways to access NSTA's journal content online, and how to use journal articles in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Valynda Mayes, Dr. Patty McGinnis, Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn, Peter Lindeman

Join us to consider how engaging in curriculum based professional learning (CBPL) can strengthen the shared vision of the instructional shifts called for by the NGSS. Hear how one district’s CBPL experience deepened teacher’s knowledge of three dimensional phenomena driven teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Curriculum based professional learning experiences can support teachers and leaders to deepen their understanding of the NGSS as they analyze instructional materials.

SPEAKERS:
Jenine Cotton-Proby, Guy Ollison, Nancy Hopkins-Evans

“Them bones, Them 3D Printed bones” are utilized in a lab setting where students learn about homologous structures and age of fossils which provides a tactile exploration and visual aids that foster a deeper understanding of this topic. My students "dig' the unique, immersive learning experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in learning solid, classroom strategies with unique 3D printed fossils & bones. They will be able to challenge their students to think outside the box as they use reliable, classroom-friendly strategies to promote collaboration, hypothesizing, and solid discussion.

SPEAKERS:
Tammy Will

In today's rapidly evolving science classroom, the role of an instructional coach is crucial. Beyond traditional teaching methods, coaches serve as mentors, facilitators, and motivators, guiding students and teachers toward deeper understanding and fostering a love for scientific inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation aims to explore the many responsibilities of an instructional coach in the Science classroom and highlights strategies for establishing effective coaching relationships with teachers, as well as exploring best practices in science instructional coaching.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Delgado-D'Amore, Cynthia Ruszczyk

Sponsoring Company: ECA Science Kit Services

In this session we will select 3-4 popular science programs to evaluate using the 15-Questions developed by ECA Science Kit Services. The objective is to have participants walk away with an easy guide to use as they evaluate different programs to adopt. The takeaway will be an understanding of how to set teachers up for success for implementation. This process will share information about alignment, usability and budget, as well as exposing “blindspot” costs. It will cover short-term and long-term goals for implementation. There will also be an activity related to the “usability” portion of the presentation. Participants will have a fun experience and leave with a navigational guide to support their adoption and implementation process.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Harlan

The Atlas is a collection of 62 maps of the practices, core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and performance expectations in NGSS and other Framework-based standards. The maps show how goals in science are meant to build upon each other and relate to each other over a student’s K-12 education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to read the maps and use other tools in the Atlas to understand and interpret standards and plan instructional sequences as part of their work in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard

This session features a Flipped Panel, where the audience drives the discussion by asking their most pressing questions. Panelists will respond directly to audience-generated questions, ensuring the conversation addresses relevant topics rather than relying on a pre-planned list.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will identify key challenges in the implementation of three-dimensional science teaching and learning. They will engage in collaborative table discussions and receive tailored advice from expert panelists to address district-level challenges and professional development needs.

SPEAKERS:
Andy Weatherhead, Matthew Christiansen

Inviting all Preservice Teachers and Instructors to learn about NSTA’s Preservice Teacher Chapters. Preservice Teacher Chapters support individuals entering the profession with leadership experiences, networking opportunities, and professional learning resources available at NSTA.

TAKEAWAYS:
Preservice Teachers and Faculty Advisors walk-away informed to participate in NSTA’s Preservice Teacher Chapter Program.

SPEAKERS:
Jim McDonald, Eli Vincent, Alexandra Chester, Flavio Mendez, Jordan Kobielus

This interactive session exploring key strategies for supporting and retaining new science teachers. Learn how mentorship, professional learning communities, and practical support systems can help new teachers thrive. Leave with useful tools and resources to implement in your school.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn practical strategies for building effective support systems, including mentorship and professional learning communities, to help new science teachers navigate challenges, foster professional growth, and improve retention.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Rhoades

Ready to take your STEM leadership skills to the next level? In this session, learn how to leverage your passion for teaching STEM to become a leader in your school. Explore effective strategies and leave with practical tools to expand your impact and lead with confidence.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn strategies for influencing colleagues, driving school-wide initiatives, and elevating their role. They will leave with actionable tools to enhance their leadership skills and inspire others, all while staying rooted in their STEM expertise.

SPEAKERS:
Dawn McCotter

Join members of CLEAN and state education representatives from Washington and New Jersey as they share lessons learned, resources, and support for leaders in climate change education for all students in all subjects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave this session with resources and tools to support themselves as leaders in their local context to create collaborative climate change learning environments across disciplines.

SPEAKERS:
Lori Henrickson, Ross Gary, Sarah Sterling

Participants in the Women In Natural Sciences Program develop attributes like confidence, leadership, and self-advocacy. Hear from a WINS participant and her goal to implement a new afterschool program in Philadelphia to expose youth to careers related to climate change and environmental science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Due to her experience in WINS and other opportunities through her studies at Brandeis University, Mazzii Ingram presents a submitted proposal to implement additional and much-needed afterschool programs exposing Philadelphia youth to environmental careers by 2026.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Godfrey

Sponsoring Company: Kendall Hunt

Adopting and implementing high-quality instructional materials can be daunting for leaders! Learn how the School District of Philadelphia adopted and planned for successful implementation of EdReports all-green BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life to promote effective science teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Gay, Nancy Hopkins-Evans, Angela Kearney

This new version of the Quick-Reference Guide (aka The Purple Book) is a must-have reference tool for working with NGSS and other Framework-based, 3D standards. This session will review the features of the book and show how to use the tools and resources in it to unpack the crosscutting concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to unpack the three dimensions using the tools and resources in the Quick-Reference Guide and will gain insights into the meaning of the crosscutting concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard

Explore the critical role of.vertical alignment in creating a cohesive and consistent K-8 science program that supports student success across grade levels. Key topics include strategies for differentiating, cross-grade collaborations, aligning assessments, and developing professional opportunities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how districts can ensure curriculum continuity, unify instructional approaches, and build knowledge progressively to reduce learning gaps and overlaps.

SPEAKERS:
Holly Baldwin, Heather Toothaker

Cultivating compassion within the context of teaching and learning can be an important resource for sustaining caring for self and others. We invite you to join us to pause and practice compassion. Come learn about tools for resourcing yourself to apply in school and personal contexts.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop will support educators’ wellness by cultivating compassion for themselves, students, and colleagues, and fostering more inclusive, just schools. Participants will learn about the science of compassion, hear key educator insights, and engage in practices that strengthen our resilience.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Henson

Multidimensional learning extends beyond the integration of core ideas, science & engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. Explore how to deepen learning through problem solving in multiple dimensions in many curricular areas and use experiences and practices to empower teachers and students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify opportunities for integration and application of multidimensional learning in science, technology, & engineering. 2. Create multidimensional lessons & activities that connect content areas and professional fields. 3. Develop strategies to foster and support multidimensional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Brittany Yabor, Dina Dormer

This session will share tools and strategies that district-level staff can use to support rolling out science initiatives in schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become aware of tools and strategies for district-level staff to use to support rolling out science initiatives in schools.

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Mechanick

Explore how stakeholders and instructional coaches in PLCs—across buildings, districts, and regions—collaborate to design and implement NGSS-aligned curricula. Learn best practices for elevating teacher leaders in the process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn to collaborate with stakeholders and coaches in PLCs to design and implement NGSS-aligned curricula. They will gain insights on building partnerships across different levels and strategies for elevating teacher leadership to drive effective curriculum development.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Christiansen, Dr. Kristen Cummings, Lynn DiAndrea

Connect with fellow science education leaders to reflect on your conference experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss trends in science leadership. This informal workshop provides time to collaborate with colleagues nationwide, build lasting relationships, and become a part of the NSELA community.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, participants connect with peers, exchange valuable ideas, and reflect on key insights from the conference and/or NSELA sessions. You’ll walk away with new professional relationships and fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in science education today.

SPEAKERS:
Andy Weatherhead

Does your leadership team need a refresh on science education best practices? Are they asking for ways to support high school science teachers? Learn strategies to make your leaders science champions so that your teachers feel supported to empower students to figure out the science around them!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how one large district provided science professional development for their school leaders. They will reflect on the current state of science education in their own high school classroom and begin to plan for supporting their leaders in championing the sensemaking shifts calle

SPEAKERS:
Caitlin Matyas, KD Davenport

Our world faces extreme challenges as we feel the impacts of our climate crisis. Learn how to build and facilitate student leadership for climate action programs and campaigns within your school and school community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to develop student leadership practices and how to teach about our climate crisis and translate their ideas into real-world impacts. How to develop skills like public speaking, outreach to community leaders, and inspiring action from your audience.

SPEAKERS:
JoEllen Schuleman

In science education, emphasis on mass data collection and quantitative studies can limit focus on the importance of humanity and individuality. This session offers strategies for teachers to weave empathy and equity into their lessons, making science more inclusive and impactful.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, attendees will explore strategies for “humanizing science” by addressing color-blindness in education and embracing cultural diversity in STEM. We'll discuss how different engineering projects can be used to foster empathy and create innovative solutions that benefit humanity.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin Lynch

My Taiwan Fulbright-Hays experience inspired me to incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in all my courses (Environmental Science, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology). The SDGs help to teach our students through the lens of interdisciplinary challenges that are part of all our lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Examples will be provided as to how to incorporate the UN SDGs into a high school science class, including elective courses (Environmental Science, Anatomy & Physiology) as well as core science classes with a more stringent curriculum (Biology, Anatomy & Physiology).

SPEAKERS:
Kristina Hayda

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching has helped teachers bring high-quality science education to all students. Receiving the award has led to professional development opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Information about the application process will be provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about the many benefits of applying for and receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching and how it can magnify your impact as a leader in science education. Learn how to apply for this prestigious award.

SPEAKERS:
Linda Smith

This session explores strategies for creating and sustaining partnerships with industry professionals, local organizations, and higher education institutions to enhance authentic learning opportunities for K-12 students, fostering deeper engagement and relevance in environmental science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain actionable tips and tricks for identifying local partners and developing mutually beneficial relationships that yield authentic and engaging learning experiences for your students. This session will also address best practices for bridging the gap between formal and informal science educators.

SPEAKERS:
Carrie Lankford, Abbey Hathaway

Over 40 states are currently experiencing STEM teacher shortages, and many teachers leave in the first 3 years. This roundtable will be a time of sharing best practices and looking at what is working in specific school districts to recruit and retain teachers over time in hard to staff areas.

TAKEAWAYS:
The purpose of this discussion is to share what is working in districts around the country to recruit and retain qualified teachers and to support early career teachers. Experts at every level are invited to share their best practices in a roundtable discussion.

SPEAKERS:
Lacey Fitts

Join us in exploring how socioscientific issues and social justice can reshape STEM classrooms. We will discuss self-study classroom research from a nationally recognized STEM teacher, exploring his experiences in a two-year PD program, along with insights from the project’s researchers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain insight into best practices for implementing SSI in STEM classrooms and effective practices in social justice PD. To guide classroom implementation, they will leave with an NGSS-aligned SSI Framework (STEM modeling, claim-evidence-reasoning) and Unit Outline.

SPEAKERS:
Augusto Macalalag, Jr., Joseph Johnson, Dylan Fedell

"Why Be Normal" provides educators with strategies to maintain their well-being and foster a positive school environment. Through SEL principles, teachers will learn how to connect more effectively with students, manage their own stress, and improve communication with colleagues.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn to integrate SEL, manage burnout, and prioritize self-care. Using DiSC assessment, they'll improve communication and conflict resolution skills. This fosters supportive environments, better teamwork, and stronger student relationships.

SPEAKERS:
Logan Taylor

What is a science pub? How did you start one? Why should you start one? Think that you are too rural or to urban to start a grassroots activity like a science pub?  Please listen to my pitch about how anyone can do it and how it will increase your networking and your stem community.

TAKEAWAYS:
In addition to learning from my experiences, attendees will have conversations with people from different backgrounds and learn about the challenges that they for see around creating a science pub in their area.

SPEAKERS:
Benjamin Benson

Far too often equity efforts are relegated to the sidelines instead of embedded in core curriculum leadership tasks. Join us to consider how anchoring science leadership in equity principles can remove barriers to science teaching and learning through curriculum implementation efforts.

TAKEAWAYS:
The implementation of HQIM can lead to more equitable systems when barriers to equity are confronted and removed. The process of confronting barriers includes collaborating for justice, taking small actions to learn, and continual reflection and revision of implementation plans based on data.

SPEAKERS:
Janna Mahfoud

A team from URI & UCONN developed a model to enhance student engagement by connecting classroom science learning to STEM research and career pathways. Learn about the project directly from participants, take the opportunity to ask questions, and consider similar partnerships in your own community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about a model for connecting engineering research to classroom learning. Hear how the collaborative efforts of a diverse team developed practical and impactful resources and discuss the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to K-12 outreach.

SPEAKERS:
Zachary Orefice, Charlene Tuttle, John Koziatek, Caroline Stabile, Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi

Discover how to transform your school into a thriving, resilient learning community by integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into STEAM. Learn actionable strategies to reduce teacher burnout, enhance student success, and foster wellbeing—all while navigating leadership challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain practical, research-backed strategies to integrate SEL into STEAM programs, transforming their schools into positive learning environments, supporting teacher wellbeing, and fostering student success—even in the face of limited resources or resistance.

SPEAKERS:
Nuria Gabitova

Explore the structure, goals, and resources of our academy designed to equip future math and science educators. We'll cover curriculum, mentorship opportunities, hands-on teaching experiences, and strategies for keeping STEM teachers in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation will provide an overview of how our academy prepares preservice math and science teachers. Attendees will learn about the program's curriculum, mentorship opportunities, hands-on teaching experiences, and strategies to help prepare STEM teachers and keep them in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Dominic Ramos, Katherine Meraz

Let's explore some unique ways equity and social justice show up in our science classrooms. School-wide professional development can help us to have a shared understanding of equity, but we need learning opportunities to develop science-specific equity-focused content and instructional approaches.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how equity and social justice are achieved through science content and instructional approaches.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Stewart, Carla Zembal-Saul

Humanizing Pedagogy for Critical Science Education (HPCSE) is a framework science teachers can apply to develop students' critical engagement in the scientific inquiry of their environments. This talk shares the model and findings from an HPCSE PD series with middle school science teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Developed alongside NGSS-aligned teaching strategies, this study provides a robust example of contextualized science PD. Findings include participant reflections and examples of how developing HPCSE practices influences their infusion of humanizing science teaching practices in student interactions.

SPEAKERS:
Debbie Andres

Attendees will be provided with an overview of a professional development framework for implementing three-dimensional learning at Gloucester City School District in Gloucester City, NJ.

TAKEAWAYS:
Successful implementation of three-dimensional learning in a high school setting requires a culture of rich and ongoing professional development.

SPEAKERS:
Nicholas Wright

This presentation will provide instructional leaders, mentors, coaches and supervisors with a research-based NGSS-aligned toolkit to support novice teachers to enact 3D teaching for all students. Attendees will have an opportunity to practice using one SEP tool to develop targeted feedback.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to use the ASET toolkit to develop targeted feedback regarding NGSS-alignment for novice science teachers with a focus on supporting equitable engagement of students. Attendees will practice applying the Analyzing and Interpreting Data SEP tool to a short classroom video.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Ross, Meredith Vaughn, HUI-JU HUANG, Corinne Lardy

This session explores how video-based training can empower educators to create safer STEAM classrooms. Learn how concise, engaging videos provide practical guidance, reduce accidents, and ensure compliance, making safety education accessible, impactful, and tailored to various grade levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
The main takeaway from this session is that video-based training is a powerful and accessible tool for educators to enhance safety in STEAM classrooms, providing practical, grade-specific guidance that can significantly reduce accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

SPEAKERS:
James Palcik, Edward Cohen

We invite NSTA members to engage in this roundtable discussion with researchers with recent publications and funded projects related to AI, assessment, teacher leadership, and more. Learn how research can inform your own practice, and connect with others interested in researcher+teacher collaborat

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees can learn more about crafting Teacher Growth Plans, integrating AI through an equity and culturally responsive lens, supporting students in developing social and emotional skills through engaging in authentic science and engineering, and teacher-researcher partnerships.

SPEAKERS:
Virginia Andrews, Leena McLean, Brooke Whitworth, Debi Hanuscin, Michael Bowen, Ryan Summers, Joseph Taylor

Join a discussion to address the current teacher shortage and how it is specifically problematic in the STEM fields. Participants will review current teacher preparation statistics and certification policies and discuss ways current educators can address shortages.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with statistics and ideas they can use to support local school Districts getting more involved with University teacher preparation programs and a guide to mentoring student teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Alvarez

Discover how to transition teachers from traditional content coverage to engaging science learning through short real-world simulations and authentic data analysis. We'll share a model for fostering sensemaking, empowering educators to enhance student engagement and deepen science understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn to implement short, structured professional learning sessions over one semester to transform STEM teaching practices. This approach empowers middle school teachers to engage students in authentic, data-rich, integrated science challenges using professional data analysis tools.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Wieczorek, Laura Pinto, Timothy Johnson, Maureen McMahon

We invite NSTA members to engage in this roundtable discussion with researchers from NARST whose work focuses on student knowledge of viruses & vaccines, science coaching, early engineering, and students building data collection tools. Learn how research can inform your own practice, and connect wi

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees can learn more about the latest research in science education from our affiliate organization NARST and what it means in terms of providing high quality science teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Carsten Conner, Madeline Stallard, Debi Hanuscin

Learn how eliminating grading can empower students and minimize gratuitous stress, all while deepening learning. This session provides practical strategies to implement a no-grades, (or minimal-grading) model that fosters more critical thinking and incentivizes more frequent meaningful instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how eliminating traditional grading practices in science can foster deeper critical thinking and minimize toxicity surrounding grading. Explore strategies to implement a no-grades model that enhances long-term learning outcomes and can even give a deeper meaning to what we do as educators.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Imaizumi

Resilience in Teaching and Learning: An examination of SEL pedagogy for a range of educators and their approach to socioemotional (SEL) as well as their own self-care. A qualitative study into the focus of SEL in the general education classroom and principles that help kids learn

TAKEAWAYS:
What types of approaches do educators use in promoting socioemotional learning with their students? Do teachers' perspectives on self-care influence their pedagogy? Are there any general SEL principles that promote student learning?

SPEAKERS:
Krishni Patrick

How can you leverage teacher vulnerability to empower and improve science teaching and learning? We will share a real-time real-life experience trying to do just that.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will take away some strategies or ideas for finding out where your teachers stand on their professional learning needs as elementary science teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Bartol

This roundtable aims to bring together those teaching and interested in teaching science education courses at the graduate and undergraduate level.

TAKEAWAYS:
This roundtable aims to share ideas and best practices between those who teach and want to teach science education courses at the graduate and undergraduate level.

SPEAKERS:
Olivia Bello, Jesse Mechanick

Learn how to create a Positive STEM Identity for your 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:
Jennifer Stormer, Christina Davis

Come learn about the NSTA press books addressing the three dimensions: Helping Students Make Sense of the World Using Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas: Reshaping Teaching and Learning, and Crosscutting Concepts: Strengthen Science and Engineering Learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn techniques to use these three books to help educators have a deep understanding of practices, core ideas, and crosscutting concepts to foster better student learning in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard

Designed for district science coordinators, we share professional learning resources for science teachers to modernize the genetics curriculum. Resources were developed and tested with secondary science teachers in a museum. We include time to strategize how to use resources with others.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will receive a professional development guide, which includes freely available activities and sample investigative phenomena to support science teachers’ learning and modification of their genetics curriculum to align with modern genetics.

SPEAKERS:
Hilleary Osheroff, Sara Porter

Explore Pennsylvania’s strategic approach to rolling out new three-dimensional science standards. Learn how collaborative efforts with WestEd and the PDE empowered local and regional teams to implement these changes, driving innovation and success in science education across the state.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how PA leveraged partnerships to support framework-aligned standards implementation. Discover successful local and regional models for embedding three-dimensional learning. Gain insights into resources and strategies developed in collaboration with WestEd and PDE.

SPEAKERS:
Kammas Kersch, Andy Weatherhead

Leverage the framework of civil discourse to bring healthy habits of conversation to your science classroom. Equip yourself with tools and strategies to engage students in civil discourse as they make sense of the world around them in a respectful manner.

TAKEAWAYS:
Empower yourself with tools and resources to support bringing civil discourse to your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Lane, Elyse Alter

Come learn about Tennessee's collaborative effort to use OpenSciEd's high-quality, open-source materials to simultaneously build capacity in educators and build a state-specific version for all TN teachers to use.

TAKEAWAYS:
Customizing high-quality, open-source instructional materials is a great opportunity to build capacity in educators.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Naegele, Vicki Kirk

Research shows that effective mentoring impacts new teachers’ learning and retention. Attendees will participate in a card-sorting activity. Educators will discuss and generate nuanced approaches to classroom interventions, such as when to step in and when to step back.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about the research and best practices for mentoring new teachers. They will have the opportunity to set goals for becoming better mentors for new science teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Maria Rivera Maulucci

The NSTA Sensemaking Tool can support teachers shifting their instruction to create opportunities for student sensemaking. Gain experience using the tool to identify “look and listen fors” in classroom observations and to facilitate productive discussions about successes and overcoming challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use the NSTA Sensemaking Tool for classroom observations and providing feedback.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano

Educators will learn about Learning in Places and explore how Learning in Places supports the generation of different types of questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learning in Places envisions science learning as a vehicle to ethical decision making. All children are able to engage in high-quality explorations that center field-based learning and collaborative sensemaking for the purpose of ethical decision making.

SPEAKERS:
Tamara Heck, Mary Starr

Educators share lessons that they designed and implemented through a peer-to-peer leadership model where they developed skills to enhance sensemaking with data-rich STEM lessons and found a renewed sense of enthusiasm for teaching through a teacher driven community and leadership.

TAKEAWAYS:
The primary takeaway from this session is the value of peer profession learning opportunities where educators support one another and make each other better for their students. Attendees of this session will gain lesson plans to be adapted for their classroom and recognize leadership opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Patty Mannion, Kelly Perry, Olivia Bello, Catherine Bennett, Stephen Bowen

This session will provide a conceptual framework for transdisciplinary education and share a template for designing project-based learning tasks to achieve convergence education. It will discuss how universal transformative social and emotional learning routines can be inherently embedded in this.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how students can assume a role to create a product for an authentic audience, in response to a real-life question or problem and how transdisciplinary, project-based learning like this can also address students' social and emotional development, universally.

SPEAKERS:
Stefanie Holloway

Join NJ leaders in a lively panel discussion of our systematic journey of finding power in partnerships, PD planning, and patience. During the session panelist will share innovative yet scalable programs that can help districts build systemic thinking and leadership capacity for 3D change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in meaningful conversations with panelists that support high-level collaborative implementation of equitable and effective 3D science instruction. Leaders will examine scalable models as exemplars for professional learning plans.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Monaghan, Stacey Van der Veen, Wil Van der Veen, Richard Stec, Lisa Kiel

Biotechnology, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Student Research programs are increasingly implemented into high school and postsecondary education. Let’s explore resources for funding and programming, share challenges and success stories, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.

TAKEAWAYS:
You are not alone! Join a community of dedicated educators and administrators to uplift the STEM workforce through hands-on, inquiry-based research opportunities and skills-based classroom experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Girtain, Sarah Bordenstein

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

There is no shortage of phenomena-based curricular materials. The difficulty districts face is implementation at scale with dwindling PD dollars. We will discuss the research on scaling high-impact teaching and learn how to put low-cost systems into practice without undue burden on teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the 4 categories of instructional change, which are and are not effective, and how to set up low-cost systems for diffusing evidence-based instructional practices across a teaching network, such as a school district.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Moore

Explore how science leaders can collaborate with school administrators to identify and evaluate high-quality science instruction through a structured walkthrough process using a modified “Science Practices Continuum” walkthrough tool from Instructional Leadership for Science Practices (ILSP).

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with resources to support science classroom walkthroughs and provide specific feedback to teachers to help move future instruction further along the Science Practices Continuum.

SPEAKERS:
Jaclyn Austin, Jessica Mulhern

The Everyday Actions Guide is a pedagogy handbook and the foundation of a new professional learning series around inclusive practice in physics. We invite teachers with all levels of experience to come and learn more about the active steps to take to improve the field of physics for all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Building on teacher reflection and including student voices, the Everyday Actions Guide is a free tool for science teachers and of all levels of experience to make positive change in their classrooms. Learn about some of these steps and how to use this tool.

SPEAKERS:
Pooneh Sabouri

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

ASTE and NSTA have had a multi-year partnership. In the current climate of radical change, we want to solicit ideas, propose actions, and craft policy guidelines on what this partnership will look like tomorrow and into the future.

TAKEAWAYS:
What ASTE and NSTA, combined can do to support science teachers and science teacher educators.

SPEAKERS:
Jonah Firestone

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

Mentorship is a two-way street—mentors learn from mentees too! Join us to build a supportive community of educators committed to growing representation in STEM. We’ll share stories, give feedback, address burnout, and walk away with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
A set of new connections and the ability to seek continued mentorship and camaraderie beyond the conference. Participants will also leave with a meeting guide to host recruitment, retention, and community events, continuing the charge to build a diverse community of educators in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Leena McLean

A Science Lab should be a fun and engaging instructional space for students to explore their curiosities and learn about the wonders of our world. However, potentially serious hazards can lurk behind the scenes. Even the most diligent teachers can miss them and expose their students to danger.

TAKEAWAYS:
A science lab has so many potential hazards that it takes over 7000 pages of regulations to cover all of them. This workshop will discuss some of the most critical hazard/risks Participants will be exposed to better professional safety practices to keep themselves and their clientele safer.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin Doyle

A customizable outline for increasing educator success entering the profession is shared. A portfolio consists of twelve components that demonstrates foundational understanding and creates career supports. The packet consists of leading overview and evaluation project bookends.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be given a Google drive link to the portfolio components that can be downloaded and modified, or used as is. Ideas for possible course modifications will be shared. Examples can be provided of complete portfolios and exemplar ancillaries.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Bechtel

Principals & Administrators directly influence classroom instruction. Few have had learning experiences engaging in the science practices. Join the Institute for Systems Biology education team as they share resources and tools to explore how best to support 3D science learning in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
School Leaders increase their knowledge of 3D science learning and develop strategies to effectively lead the implementation of changes in science instruction across their building. Principals will learn how to conduct science learning walks using recording tools linked in STEM Teaching Tool 85.

SPEAKERS:
Caroline Kiehle, Don Pruett, Jr.