The 2023 NSELA Leadership Summit will center around the multidimensional system drivers at the heart of the theme  "Science Education Leadership- A Systems Approach.”

*Private function by invitation only

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

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 (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

As part of the SCAFFOLD project, district science coordinators develop and implement strategic plans. In this session, coordinators will share their experience with this process and faculty will share ideas for supporting the development of your own strategic plan.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about strategic planning and gain support for developing their own plan.

SPEAKERS:
Brooke Whitworth (Clemson University: Clemson, SC), Julie Luft (University of Georgia: Athens, GA)

What would it look like if we designed all aspects of the assessment system to prioritize impact on instruction and students? We will discuss key principles for designing systems, and examples and implications for state, district, and classroom assessments.

TAKEAWAYS:
Systems of assessment can center students and instruction, and simultaneously surface trustworthy information for decision-making–if they are intentionally designed to do so.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Cooper (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

Learn how the STEM4Real Lesson Study (LS) can empower teachers to meet needs of diverse learners, especially those with disabilities and underrepresented communities. A case study with a court and community school shows how LS aids in the creation of NGSS-aligned culturally responsive lesson plans.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use a justice centered lesson plan template that connects to students’ lived experiences and identities, creates a learning experience where students from underrepresented communities feel seen and heard and cultivates a community affirming the inherent value of all people, regardless of background.

SPEAKERS:
Marie Gorman (STEM 4 Real: San Francisco, CA)

Our session will support science teachers in discovering and incorporating diverse and relevant experiences so ALL students can see themselves as scientists. We will review culturally responsive science instructional practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore the tenets of Culturally Responsive Science Teaching; 2. Understand how all learning is cultural and the importance of access to diverse representation; and 3. Explore the components and values of an inclusive science classroom and the need for students need to see themselves.

SPEAKERS:
Tonya Woolfolk (Houston County Schools: Perry, GA), Patricia Morgan (Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA)

Come learn how to carefully unpack elements of the Crosscutting Concepts to support the development and implementation of curriculum, instruction, and assessment using this brand-new version of the NSTA Quick-Reference Guide to the Three Dimensions. The “purple book” is now better than ever.

TAKEAWAYS:
A deeper understanding of the Crosscutting Concepts and how a well-designed reference guide can make it easier to unpack the three dimensions for work in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Look across three elements, Learning Designs, Beliefs, and Models, 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:
concrete ideas about how you, as a leader, can plan for effective curriculum-based professional learning. excerpted chapter(s) of the new book by Jim Short and Stephanie Hirsh, Transforming Teaching through Curriculum-Based Professional Learning.

In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress is common, but your mind and body can pay a high price. Learn to recognize overwhelming stress—and what you can do about it. Most importantly, learn how to use the power of your senses to relieve stress on the spot and stay calm, productive, and focused—no matter what life throws at you.

TAKEAWAYS:
Tips on how to manage stress.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Azra Chughtai (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Calling all Science Supervisors, Coordinators, Department Heads, Principals, Assistant Principals and Curriculum Specialists. Please join the NSTA Committee on Coordination and Supervision for a roundtable discussion on topics that are significant to the area of science supervision in education. This meeting will be participant driven with topics such as hiring new teachers, supporting new supervisors, supporting new teachers, best practices in professional development, science safety etc.

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

Sponsoring Company: PEER Physics

Are you passionate about engaging students in rich discourse and looking for strategies, norms, and protocols that can support this work? Join us for an interactive workshop to explore effective small-group and whole-class discourse techniques. Participants receive consensus building protocols.

SPEAKERS:
Valerie Otero (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

Does your PLC need some TLC? Come learn new strategies and approaches to enhance your professional learning community (PLC). In this workshop, participants will reflect on their previous PLC experiences, learn about the components of a community of practice (CoP), and walk away with specific strategies to revitalize and bring meaning back to their PLCs. “Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly,” (Wenger-Trayner, E. & Wenger-Trayner, B., 2015). Workshop participants will explore how to make their PLC not just another group planning session, but rather a dynamic community where members work towards specific goals for themselves and their students by incorporating elements of a CoP. By the end of this session, participants will have specific strategies they can take home and implement immediately with their PLCs.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this workshop, participants will reflect on their previous PLC experiences, learn about the components of a Community of Practice (CoP), and walk away with specific strategies to revitalize and bring meaning back to their PLCs.

SPEAKERS:
Meredith Schwendemann (Clemson University), Ashley Hunter (Clemson University: Clemson, SC), Brooke Whitworth (Clemson University: Clemson, SC), Jennifer Bateman (Clemson University)

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:
Susan Gomez Zwiep (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

Use your position to impact more teachers and students and actualize the NGSS vision. Success stories include: launching an NGSS-aligned curriculum, forming collegial circles, hosting administrator-focused workshops, and providing assessment resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be inspired to form partnerships with formal and informal organizations supporting science education. Participants will hear success stories and receive electronic links to relevant resources.

SPEAKERS:
Harry Rosvally (Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES: Yorktown Heights, NY), David Jacob (Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES: Yorktown Hghts, NY)

While it may seem like there’s nothing you can do about stress at work and home, there are steps you can take to relieve the pressure and regain control. Stress wreaks havoc on your emotional equilibrium, as well as your physical health. It narrows your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy life. Effective stress management helps you break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive

TAKEAWAYS:
Tips on how to relieve pressure and regain control.

SPEAKERS:
Azra Chughtai (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

For anyone that has excitedly explained the power of phenomenon-based instruction or 3-dimensional learning and been met with a blank stare – this session is for you! Led by communication experts, this session is designed to help you create K-12 Science messages in succinct, compelling ways.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn new ways to describe and explain the importance of 3-dimensional instruction and phenomenon based learning to key audiences, including parents and communities, lawmakers, and non-science educators.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Ezring (Collaborative for Student Success: No City, No State), Josh Parrish (Collaborative for Student Success: No City, No State), Michelle Austin (Managing Director, SVP: Washington, DC)

Three-dimensional science instruction puts students at the center of the learning. In this session, we will share how educators statewide engaged in a three-part book study featuring Helping Students Make Sense of the World Using Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices. The three courses are organized around the Investigating, Sensemaking, and Critiquing Practices. Educators explore and demonstrate through a Plan-Do-Study-Act how the Science and Engineering Practices are interwoven in their instruction, focusing on small shifts at a time. Opportunities for collaboration and reflection with other science educators help further individual implementation. We will share strategies, examples, and teacher experiences for engaging and supporting students in sensemaking discussions, developing, using and revising models, and making claims and explanations. In shifting to 3D learning, quick strategies will be shared that build toward more complex classroom shifts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will access teacher professional learning resources including implementing a Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle, embedding instructional coaching, and providing a collaborative space to share classroom practice.

SPEAKERS:
Hope Garton Brown (Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency: Pocahontas, IA), Christopher Soldat (Grant Wood Area Education Agency: Cedar Rapids, IA), Beverly Berns (Keystone Area Education Agency: Elkader, IA)

This session will provide teachers, school leaders, and administrators a basic framework to implement an inclusive standards-based educational experience that addresses the whole child in a science lab setting through a typical peers/peer facilitation model to build equity in education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be presented a step-by-step model that builds equity and implements special education science standards so students of all abilities can “do science” in a safe and trusting environment. Starting small and building relationships is essential to creating program sustainability.

SPEAKERS:
Katerina Flanders (Lambert High School: Suwanee, GA), Mary Nicoletti (Special Education Teacher), Brittney Cantrell (Forsyth County Schools: Cumming, GA)

A school's MTSS focus is often on math and literacy skills and scores, leaving some science teachers to wonder, "How does my science classroom fit in MTSS?". In this session, we will explore ways to identify students that need Tier 2 science supports and provide them with the assistance they need.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science teachers can utilize formative assessments, unit planning, and creative engagement strategies to provide their science students with Tier 2 support, (regardless if the school building provides an intervention period) resulting in improved student outcomes.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Moss (Northwest Area Education Agency: Sioux City, IA)

Have you wondered how to develop capacity and support teachers around the shifts in the Framework and the NGSS? This session will dive into how one teacher discovered the NGSS, moved from novice to apologist and works with teachers to continue to realize the vision of the Framework for Science Ed.

TAKEAWAYS:
This will largely focus on how to support teachers from a leadership perspective to help students engage in all three dimensions of the NGSS. How can we talk with and work with teachers to help them make shifts while developing the needed capacity and not devalue their expertise.

SPEAKERS:
Spencer Martin (Kansas City Kansas Public Schools: Kansas City, KS)

Jason will explain what Science Ninjas is, why King’s College, London undertook this research and what it’s taught them about supporting teachers to plan effective active learning lessons and developing professional learning programs that lead to sustained improvement.

TAKEAWAYS:
The kinds of support that elementary teachers needed in order to make inquiry and hands-on learning effective in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Jason Harding (Teacher Educator)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Professor Michael Wysession will use a modern revision of an ancient concept (the Japanese “Ikigai”) to help teachers take a deep look at their teaching careers and (potentially) rediscover the balance of rewards (personal, societal, financial) of the teaching profession.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Wysession (Washington University in St. Louis: Saint Louis, MO)

Coffee/Tea and Southern pastry break for residents of NSTA District 1 (CT, MA, RI) to connect and refresh and learn about inter-state initiatives

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

Join the GaDOE science team to get updates on resources, professional learning, virtual communities, and other information related to the science teaching community. See what has just been released and how you can use it in your classroom tomorrow!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will receive updates from the Georgia Department of Education science team. Many new resources and professional learning opportunities are now available. Check out the phenomenon-based resources, including instructional deliverables, assessment tasks, literacy plans, and more.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Canepa-Redondo (Science/ESOL Program Specialist), Judie Beccaro (Georgia Department of Education: Atlanta, GA), Renee Shirley-Stevens (Science Program Specialist), Keith Crandall (Science Program Manager: No City, No State)

Does your district have limited support for science in Elementary schools? Join us to explore recruiting classroom teachers to develop a science teacher leader community that supports quality science instruction in PreK-5 in all schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
Strategies for developing these science teacher leaders that can increase student performance/interest in science, fostering a science community among educators, enhancing their capacity in science education best practice, and developing their leadership skills.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Reese (Howard County Public School System: Ellicott City, MD), Jenn Brown-Whale (Howard County Public School System: Ellicott City, MD), Linda Wilson (Manor Woods Elementary School: Ellicott City, MD)

This session helps participants use the tools and reports available from EdReports to select high-quality instructional materials for their classroom or school. Participants will learn how the tools evaluate for NGSS-aligned instruction and have the chance to practice evaluating sample materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with tools to help them evaluate instructional materials for NGSS-aligned instruction based on making sense of phenomena and integrating the three dimensions.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Wachowski (EdReports.org: Fort Collins, CO), John-Carlos Marino (Science Lead)

The path to science leadership is not always a clear and direct route. Join us as we share our path to science leadership and the numerous options for supporting teachers and leaders in promoting high-quality science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. An understanding of the science leader’s role in putting the pieces of the NRC Framework together for a coherent science program; 2. Ways to strategically plan and prioritize professional learning based on system and individual teacher needs; and 3. Developing a strategic and personal plan to adv

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Morgan (Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA), Tonya Woolfolk (Houston County Schools: Perry, GA)

This session will share professional learning designs, systems, and structures that cultivate teacher leadership and ground the work in teachers’ day-to-day instructional practice. Come alongside us as we share the work of two collaborative districts focused on building teacher capacity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore structures to support teacher growth to improve student outcomes. Participants will leave with examples of structures that can be used in their own districts and have the opportunity to network with other leaders.

SPEAKERS:
Jamie Parris (Hamilton County Schools: Chattanooga, TN), Andrea Berry (Knox County Schools: Knoxville, TN)

The NSTA Multicultural and Equity Committee invites you to attend our recruitment & informational social.  Refreshments will be served.

***Open to all interested

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

Interested NMLSTA members and invited guests may attend.

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

Shifting your instructional practices to align to 3-D Science doesn't happen overnight! Teaching 3-D Science lessons requires you to rethink many of your best lessons! RCPS elementary teachers have been on this journey for quite some time. Walk with RCPS Instructional Leaders, as we share our districts journey into 3D science. We will celebrate our successes and challenges. Hear how we are shifting from best practices to better practices in order to facilitate and implement support for our elementary science teachers as they grow their skills in 3D Science teaching. Hear the lessons learned firsthand from our elementary science coach who has personally taken this journey. We invite you to share our journey as we continue to create a culture that embraces the rethinking of science teaching, learning, and leading. We hope that you will be propelled by a new energy that will fuel you to support teachers/leaders with creating a science learning culture that nurtures curiosity and growth!

TAKEAWAYS:
As we embark on this journey together, we hope that you will be propelled by a new energy that will fuel you to support teachers and leaders with creating a science learning culture that nurtures curiosity and growth!

SPEAKERS:
Denise Richardson (Rockdale County Public Schools: Conyers, GA), Christy Hernandez (Rockdale County Public Schools: Conyers, GA)

This session is designed to support instructional leaders and teachers in considering what the key shifts called for in the NGSS and Framework look like in classrooms. Our team developed an observation tool through our work observing and coaching 76 schools adopting OpenSciEd. The observation tool identifies what to look for in classrooms around rigor, teacher’s responses to student ideas, students’ responses to each other’s ideas, vocabulary, key instructional moves, and student sensemaking. Attendees will unpack the tool and then use it with classroom videos to understand the focal areas. Next, we will examine examples of how schools have used the tool, including classroom observations, to guide PLC discussions, and to facilitate individual teacher reflections. Finally, participants will have an opportunity to plan how they might adapt and use the tool in their own contexts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away an observation tool that is designed to focus observers on the actions of teachers and students that indicate rigorous student sensemaking. Attendees will practice using the tool and consider how to use the tool in their context.

SPEAKERS:
Renee Affolter (Boston College: Chestnut Hill, MA), Benjamin Lowell (New York University: New York, NY), Hillary Paul Metcalf (Boston College: Chestnut Hill, MA)

Discover how to build a STEM curriculum from the ground up, from ideation to final product. Design an alarm to protect your stuff, meet the STEM Quality Framework and 50+ free STEM units from Pre-K to High School, and explore amazing resources from the Dayton Regional STEM Center and DoDSTEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the process of designing a high-quality STEM curriculum including; standards alignment, evaluation and improvement of curriculum and implementation within the classroom, along with a library of free, currently available unit plans and resources.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Carey (Xenia Community Schools: Xenia, OH)

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:
Elizabeth Allan (University of Central Oklahoma: Edmond, OK), Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Tackling burnout requires intentional reflection and actionable solutions from teachers, administrators, districts, and state departments of education. How can we join together to bring about that change? How can the professionalism and humanity of educators be elevated and supported through such strenuous times? Join us as we walk through Teacher Burnout in Georgia and current initiatives launched across Georgia in response to it. Gather your own “tool kit” for developing a plan to address or avoid teacher burnout and confront the real challenge of teacher recruitment and retention.

SPEAKERS:
Cherie Goldman (Teacher: No City, No State), Matt Taylor (Assistant Principal (P - 8): Dublin, GA)

The business meeting of the NSTA Preschool-Elementary Science Teaching Committee.

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

SCST Business Meeting

University/college instructors at several institutions in the US and Canada are using NSTA resources in lieu of a textbook when teaching preservice teachers. Participants will meet some of these instructors and learn how they integrate NSTA resources in their courses and the benefits of the program. Preservice teachers using NSTA create a library of resources, grow their network of professional colleagues, and enhance their content and pedagogical knowledge of science. Instructors receive a class landing page to manage their course and a private forum for asynchronous discussions. They also gain access to an administrator's dashboard to monitor and assess their students' engagement within the NSTA website. All instructors receive a free NSTA membership. Students can become members of the Association through graduation and add to the website's library all of NSTA’s Interactive E-Books+ Professional, professional learning units, and other fee-based resources to use in class and beyond.

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

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Are you a secondary teacher looking for resources for your classroom? Join this team of educators in sharing their experiences of tools and routines designed to support students' sensemaking.

Students Teaching Students
Students can learn so much by teaching each other. Give them a challenging conceptual question that they can debate after choosing initial answers (with cards or free software). Ask the question again when debate is done, and students will likely have all arrived at the correct answer!

Integrating Anchor Phenomena as Engagement and Assessment
Phenomena are an essential element to science teaching. But, we often do not refer back to them in our unit! Come see how a biology and chemistry teacher not only use them as anchors, but also incorporate them as part of an end of unit assessment!

SPEAKERS:
Karen Cianciulli (Physics Teacher: Asheville, NC), Erin Springthorpe (Gwinnett Online Campus: Lawrenceville, GA), Jennifer Barnes (Gwinnett Online Campus: Lawrenceville, GA)

STEM classrooms should establish a welcoming environment in which all individuals can use their cultural knowledge and practices to make sense of the world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Approaches to identify and honor student lived experiences and cultures in STEM classrooms and communities

SPEAKERS:
Zachary Cue (UCLA STEM+C3 and Science Project), Richard Huynh (Science Coach: No City, No State), Justin Betzelberger (UCLA Science Project: Los Angeles, CA)

Many districts de-prioritized elementary science during the pandemic and now are struggling to reignite consistent science instruction. Building, tapping, and deploying teacher leaders is a key strategy for quickly reintroducing science into the culture of your district. Teacher leaders can model best practices, demonstrate how science fits into their schedule and instructional priorities, and can guide colleagues to do the same by facilitating institutes, workshops, video reflections, PLCs, and coaching sessions. Improving Practice Together, an NSF-funded partnership between Lawrence Hall of Science, Stanford University, and Santa Clara USD, developed a suite of tools for developing and studying development of science teacher leaders, including: professional learning tools for summer institutes to support teachers’ classroom practice; tools to support development of teacher leaders; lesson artifacts, classroom videos, & teacher interviews; and research & evaluation tools.

TAKEAWAYS:
The Improving Practice Together website contains resources to support: facilitating and evaluating classroom science argumentation; leading and evaluating professional learning on argumentation; and the development and deployment of teacher leaders to support science learning in a school or district

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Pedemonte (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Diana Velez (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Krista Woodward (Santa Clara Unified School District: Santa Clara, CA), Emily Weiss (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Dig into the Change Management element from the Functional Design Features to figure out how lessons about change can help leaders lead change in their systems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain concrete ideas about how you, as a leader, can plan for effective curriculum-based professional learning. excerpted chapter(s) of the new book by Jim Short and Stephanie Hirsh, Transforming Teaching through Curriculum-Based Professional Learning.

AMSE is organized to promote science teaching to students of culturally diverse backgrounds by improvement of curriculum, educational systems, and teaching methods.

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

Private Event: Past Presidents Meeting

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

STEP UP is a national community of physics teachers, researchers, & professional societies. We design research-based materials to empower teachers, change culture, & inspire young women to pursue physics. The poster presents the research behind the design, evidence of impact and propagation model.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about research behind the design, and evidence of effectiveness behind classroom interventions that you can use to expand the narrow perceptions of physics and promote supportive classroom cultures to facilitate physics identity development, particularly for women.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Murawski (Royal Oak High School (retired))

Here we share promising practices from a case study at Jackson-Reed High School, where we implement a framework focused on empowering young non-men to pursue engineering through student-led community engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
We believe this framework is a promising strategy and can be easily implemented in a variety of classroom settings.

SPEAKERS:
Ella Davis (Student Intern), Kimberly Jacoby Morris (STEM Program Coordinator)

The Berry College STEMTeach program serves to support STEM-savvy students as they pursue the teaching profession through programming and mentorship opportunities with master teachers in local (K-12) schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
By working with the next generation of teachers, master teachers have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the teaching profession.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Bice (Berry College: Mount Berry, GA), Blake Baxter (Pre-Service Teacher and Student: Mount Berry, GA)

NMLSTA is the ONLY science teacher association devoted to meeting the unique needs of middle school science educators. Members of the NMLSTA Board of Directors will be on hand to share a variety of information about the organization.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn about NMLSTA activities during this conference, specifically our Share-a-Thon, and throughout the year, including various awards available to our members

SPEAKERS:
Mary Lou Lipscomb (National Middle Level Science Teachers Association: Naperville, IL)

NSTA provides a wide array of professional learning services for teachers, science specialists, and administrators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to bring NSTA professional learning services to your school, district, or organization (face-to-face, virtual, and hybrid).

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Society of Elementary Presidential Awardees and Association of Presidential Awardees in Science annual luncheon. All  All Presidential Awardees invited, tickets available at the door if not pre-registered.

*Private function by invitation only

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

Are you a preservice teachers’ instructor? Learn how NSTA's digital resources, virtual experiences, and online community can help your students become the BEST teachers they can be. We will discuss what’s available on the NSTA website and how to easily access it with your own Class Landing page.

TAKEAWAYS:
Preservice teachers using NSTA as a Textbook (or as instructional materials supplement) create a library of resources, grow their network of professional colleagues, and enhance their content and pedagogical knowledge of science.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

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 teacher leaders that utilize this tool to advocate for structures and supports

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 (CSU East Bay: Danville, CA), Nancy Wright (Hayward Unified School District: Hayward, CA)

Journey with us from passage of state legislation mandating K-12 Computer Science integration and graduation requirement to mobilization of efforts to reach 57,000+ teachers across our state within 18 months. Tools, lessons and resources will be shared to make your journey easier!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with tools, ideas and structure ideas for leveraging a partnership between a state department of education and a non-profit network to message, empower and mobilize K-12 educators in every role across a state towards the goal of integrating CS into all instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Audra Block (Director of STEAM and Computer Science: Cordova, TN), Becky Ashe (Tennessee STEM Innovation Network-Battelle: Nashville, TN)

OER can be overwhelming to teachers or districts who must adapt materials to fit local pacing guidelines. Upon the adoption of 3-dimensional standards, our district began the journey of developing instructional materials that support student sensemaking. This tool was a result of our efforts to be strategic in preserving coherence in storylines while focusing on best practices in standards-aligned instruction. In our district, more than 80% of teachers that received professional development on a lesson series using a roadmap chose to repeat the unit the following year. Teachers and instructional leaders attending this session will experience how this tool attends to the four critical attributes of sensemaking described by NSTA while promoting research-based practices. Participants will learn how to begin with OER, existing lesson plans, or phenomenon ideas to develop a series of purposefully sequenced, coherent, and standards-aligned lessons around a phenomenon.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will discover the intentionality behind the components of a planning roadmap that builds coherence in a series of lessons. This roadmap simplifies the process of creating or adapting storylines found in OER to local pacing guidelines. A middle and high example will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Trudy Rogers (Knox Co Schools: Knoxville, TN)

Inviting all Preservice Teachers and Faculty Advisors to learn about NSTA’s Preservice Teacher Chapter Program with National and Local Preservice Teacher Chapters options.

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

SPEAKERS:
Debi Hanuscin (Western Washington University: Bellingham, WA), Morgan Glann (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Nicole Merner (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Emma Harma (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Lavender Bertsch (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Hannah Smock (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Makayla Spencer (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Annabelle Fortine (Central Michigan University: Eagle, MI), Jim McDonald (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI)

School leaders and university faculty will share and discuss two different grassroots approaches to the development of STEM programming in K-8 levels. The processes of continued collaboration, strategic planning, professional development, and STEM culture have led to initial successful outcomes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about STEM program development and STEM professional development models. STEM Education frameworks and a toolkit used as a foundation for strategic planning and sustainability will be shared and available for attendees.

SPEAKERS:
Brandy Hepler (Southeast Missouri State University: Cape Girardeau, MO), Andi Maddox (Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Kennett, MO), Trudy Giasi (Valle Catholic Schools: Ste. Genevieve, MO)

School leaders play a large role in the adoption of high quality instructional materials and can impact change in this space. Participants will learn about how to utilize EdReports reviews of instructional materials and how to get started with the adoption process by setting an instructional vision.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage with EdReports reviews of instructional materials and how to use the evidence from the reports to make informed decisions based on local context. They will explore how to utilize EdReports resources to set an instructional vision as part of the materials adoption process.

SPEAKERS:
John-Carlos Marino (Science Lead), Shannon Wachowski (EdReports.org: Fort Collins, CO)

The work of a science education leader involves growing capacity in others to provide quality instruction to positively impact student achievement. Come learn how to develop a coaching mindset and utilize strategies to coach science educators through change to improve science teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
In short, adults learn differently than our students. So science education leaders need an aligned mindset and appropriate skills to coach science teachers through any change needed to improve.

SPEAKERS:
Derek McDowell (Frisco ISD: Frisco, TX)

Participants will come away with a roadmap of how to align their local instructional evaluation instrument with the characteristics of a great STEM lesson and how to provide actionable feedback to improve STEM instruction in their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to identify the key components of STEM instructional practices, have a process to align those practices to their local instructional evaluation instrument, and will be able to identify key components of actionable feedback.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Hilton (Central Indiana Educational Service Center: Indianapolis, IN)

District leaders play a critical role in ensuring all students in their district have access to meaningful science experiences. The NextGenScience team shares lessons learned from work with state- and district-level leadership networks across the nation to plan for equitable science programs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants examine their definition of equitable science education and consider key strategies for school and district leaders to evaluate and design systems in ways that eliminate inequitable practices, engage stakeholders, and create a supportive context for learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Childress Self (NextGenScience: San Francisco, CA), Neelo Soltanzadeh (WestEd: San Francisco, CA)

There is research that studies emotional intelligence (EI) and stress management. Utilizing EI to address stress and burnout has been applied to numerous professions including nurses, law enforcement, and teachers. Teachers experience stress at a higher rate and more frequently than many professions. Teachers experience stress and burnout throughout their tenure. It is hypothesized that teachers with higher emotional intelligence will experience less stress and burnout. Further exploration into emotional intelligence allows teachers to better understand and communicate with students which also reduces stress by discovering the source of a student's behavior. Emotions are data. Emotional data can reveal information about ourselves and others that can be used to address continued exposure to stress. This lecture introduces teachers to the benefits of emotional intelligence through brief participatory exercises.

TAKEAWAYS:
Emotions are information. Emotions drive behavior. Understanding our emotions allows us to address the core issues that can lead to burnout. What are emotions telling you about yourself? What are emotions telling you about the mental health of your students?

SPEAKERS:
Michael McCutcheon (Fitchburg State University: Fitchburg, NH)

Admins, Supervisors & TLs: Do you need a new way to engage your teachers about equity issues? Focusing on diversity, technology, assessment, and more, we will model case-based pedagogy as a tool for your learning community to have tough discussions. K-5 Resources Provided (focus), 6-12 Available.

TAKEAWAYS:
School leaders will be able to use cases (short stories around a central dilemma) to create a layered dialogue bringing together multiple stakeholders in a learning community. Multiple cases will be provided as take-home resources and training material for attendees.

SPEAKERS:
Chelsea Sexton (University of Georgia: Athens, GA)

Learn how to read the 62 maps of practices, core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and performance expectations in The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions and use them and other features of this powerful navigational tool to develop and implement curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
A careful review of the connections between elements of the three dimensions can provide a clearer understanding of science standards and important guidance in planning instructional sequences to support three-dimensional teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Integration of the critical aspects of the three dimensions in NGSS is meant to drive and equip teachers to promote real science in students’ daily lives. These pillars of the three-dimensional learning delineated in each standard of the NGSS provide effective strategies that address important focus areas that positively impact Urban Science Education. How can we ensure that quality science education is being promoted in all school settings, especially urban ones? An asset-based pedagogical approach focuses on the strengths, interests, and connections to students’ prior knowledge in a culturally responsive way. Science educators constantly seek resources and strategies to promote successful science education. Challenges that are faced in urban educational settings such as overcrowding, limited resources, and equity in the distribution of the resources have negatively impacted science education directly. In many cases, urban science teachers constantly engage in the mitigation of these

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

This session will focus on the developmental (not academic) gaps that the past few years of learning are likely to have caused and provide multiple strategies to address those inequities. Like Maslow's model shows, we must address the deficiencies before we can expect growth.

SPEAKERS:
Ramy Mahmoud (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

This is a meeting of members of the NSTA Middle-Level Science Teaching Committee who are in attendance at the conference.

*Private function by invitation only

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

Come learn about the Georgia Science Teachers Association including the awards and grants program, science education advocacy work, and the resources offered to members and non-members.

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

Join the National Earth’s Science Teachers Association and their partners to formally recognize excellence in Earth Science education, a celebration with new and old friends.

SPEAKERS:
Renata Casiel (Meetings Manager: Arlington, VA)

Science teacher leadership roles and responsibilities vary according to context. This session will present an activity designed to support science teacher leaders to identify their leadership roles and professional learning needs as it relates to their organizational context.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science teacher leader participants will have an opportunity to identify their roles and professional learning needs. Science teacher educators will leave with an activity that they can use in their context to develop professional learning supports for the science teacher leaders they work with.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Stallings (Graduate Student: No City, No State)

The NSTA provides in-person, online, and blended personalized professional learning experiences for K–12 educators cohorts. Programs engage educators with digital resources, virtual experiences, the larger online community, and expert staff. Membership is included with district/school partnerships.

TAKEAWAYS:
School and district 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:
Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Architects of Global STEM Ecosystems immerse cross sectors to develop a conduit for ALL students to be successful. Global STEM Ecosystems embed authentic research experiences, utilize a TOP STEM collaboration hub, and help students/teachers bridge the cultural and opportunity gaps.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to develop research education blueprints that incorporate cultural responsive externships outside the classroom; 2. Help students gain access to a global "collaboration hub" and pathways for rewarding/productive STEM careers.

SPEAKERS:
Doug Baltz (Seaholm High School: Birmingham, MI)

The intent of the National Quantum Initiative is to increase awareness of quantum in grades K-12. The Quantum for All project has focused on the challenges of this initiative by working with high school STEM teachers and students. We will discuss the challenges, successes, and resources available

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about QISE national standards and resources available for their classroom

SPEAKERS:
Karen Matsler (University of Texas Arlington: No City, No State)

Social and Emotional Learning is most effective when intentionally interwoven into the fabric of a course. Students are increasingly successful in the science classroom when they feel a strong sense of belonging and have high hopes in their lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be shown multiple frameworks (i.e. Habits of Mind, Formative Five, CASEL) that can be implemented into everyday curriculum to support the development of success skills and well-being in students. A catalog of aligned activities as well as an implementation template will be provided.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Rose (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL), Molly Greenberg (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL)

Based on the statistics that show that less than 30% of research scientists in the US are female, we need to have strong role models for girls at a young age. In this session, I will show you how to get started in planning the Science Event for Girls, which is a program developed for grades 6-8.

TAKEAWAYS:
Making sure that young women have the same opportunities as young men in the science field will help to ignite curiosity and interest in our natural world. Starting this interest at a young age is important for gaining traction in shifting the statistics of women in the science field.

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Pagnotta (Science Teacher)

Incorporating STE(A)M in the classroom is more than just a project at the end of a unit. This session will provide guidelines to create effective STE(A)M lessons or revise lessons currently being used so they are more effective.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain a clear understanding of STE(A)M and identify key considerations for planning an appropriate lesson or unit.

SPEAKERS:
Cathy Barthelemy (STEMexperts: Keller, TX)

Leaders of elementary and secondary education will learn how they can build capacity and promote teacher efficacy by creating a system for in-house professional learning. Come see how we have capitalized on our greatest assets, our teachers, to build a climate which supports continuous learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Effective, sustainable, professional learning comes from within your district by utilizing in-house teacher leaders.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Lewis (Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: North Windham, CT), Stephanie Sawyer (Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: North Windham, CT), Nicole Bay (Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: North Windham, CT)

Sponsoring Company: National Science Foundation

Join the National Science Foundation as we share professional development opportunities for teachers within the federal government and hear from Presidential Awardees about their experiences and benefits received from the PAEMST program.

SPEAKERS:
Gianluca Grignoli (NSF Event Lead: Philadelphia, PA)

Participants- Pair share the struggles and successes that they have had with professional learning What is Level Up NGSS! Presenter- Share the 3 level badging format. Share the balance between synchronous and asynchronous work. Participants- Asking questions about the format and sequence of courses. Explore the resources Presenter- To open the resources for participants to explore. Participants- Exploring resources as groups. Sharing out their findings. Possible use star and stairs formative assessment. https://smartertoolsforteachers.org/resource/38 Results Presenter- Share the participant results share samples. Share struggles and growth opportunities. Next Steps Presenter- Discussion of the Level 3 Program and what the future will hold. Participants- Reflect how this program could be adapted for their location.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teacher professional learning does not have to look like a lecture . Asynchronous approaches work and lead to teacher growth. Higher expectations for teachers improve professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Leonard Fisher (Fontana Unified School District: Fontana, CA), Elizabeth Elliott-Solis (Fontana Unified School District: Fontana, CA)

Join to hear how our district support team in Hawaii developed an innovative Lending Library system for STEM resource borrowing. We’ll share challenges and successes from our initial five items in 2017, to currently managing a massive system with over 130 items.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with ideas and considerations to kick-start or remodel a similar project in their current roles as educational leaders.

SPEAKERS:
Shelley Deakins (Science/STEM Resource Teacher: Kaneohe, HI), Ryan Kagami (Windward District Office: Kaneohe, HI)

Explore the potential of NSTA’s Professional Learning Units to support your professional learning journey.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover more about NSTA’s asynchronous professional learning opportunity

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

At its September 2022 International Global Computer Science Conference (CSEdCon), CODE.Org recognized Maryland and the Maryland Center for Computing Education as the nation leaders building an infrastructure that offers high quality computer science courses in every high school in the state. Presenters in this session will share the critical elements of their work to create this nationally recognized computer science infrastructure. This presentation will focus on adaptable strategies and outcome data for building and sustaining an equity-centered computer science teaching and learning infrastructure. Specifically, presenters will share the types of local and state-level financial commitments, intellectual CS content knowledge, constituent buy-in, and personnel/individual commitments are needed. Finally, attendees will learn some specific strategies for recruiting teachers and students from historically under-represented groups into computer science education and careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn the K-12, higher education and business resources needed to create an equity-centered computer science teaching and learning infrastructure, including financial investments; intellectual/content; personnel/individuals; advocate engagement

SPEAKERS:
Dianne O'Grady-Cunniff (Director: Adelphi, MD), Dewayne Morgan (University System of Maryland: Adelphi, MD)

Concerned about the achievement gap? Learn about the latest achievement gap data, experience a strategy for facilitating equity conversations with students, colleagues, and/or PD participants, which will enhance students’ STEM achievement and foster educators’ leadership skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience a unique equity-enhancing strategy and discuss how it might be used by teachers to create positive classroom cultures that nurture the STEM achievement of all their students, or with colleagues or PD participants as an asset to developing their leadership skills

SPEAKERS:
Jerry Valadez (Fresno State and SAM Academy CSW)

Systemic inequities inhibit access to high quality science instruction. Using an equity-based MTSS framework, we use the Leadership 4 Justice Framework to recognize, dismantle and rebuild initiatives to ensure they are truly serving ALL students. Participants create a Vision 4 Justice for science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use MTSS to RECOGNIZE systems of inequity and racist policies, particularly in science. Discuss strategies to DISMANTLE these systems and achieve equitable outcomes, and Explore ways to REBUILD systems by creating a Leadership 4 Justice action plan outline to take back to your leadership teams.

SPEAKERS:
Marie Gorman (STEM 4 Real: San Francisco, CA), Leena Bakshi (STEM4Real: No City, No State)

Look across the Essential Elements, Leadership, Resources, and Coherence, to identify enabling conditions for curriculum-based professional learning to ensure that all teachers are prepared to leverage high-quality materials as they provide meaningful learning experiences for all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain concrete ideas about how you, as a leader, can plan for effective curriculum-based professional learning.

Participants will learn how to utilize two different strategies for group collaboration within the elementary science classroom. The first strategy will show participants how they can use common pairs (ex. burger/fries, bacon/eggs) of items to quickly partner students up prior to the collaborative learning activity. This will allow students to get a variety of partners to work with while ensuring maximum time for engagement with the lesson. Secondly, after students are grouped for the investigation using the aforementioned strategy, they can then employ the simple and efficient investigation job cards in their groups so that each person will have a defined job to conduct throughout the entirety of the investigation. One example of a job would be the “Reporter” who would be responsible for sharing the group's data and conclusions with the entire class. These strategies aim to prepare educators with simple tools to ensure greater participation and engagement from all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, you will learn two different strategies for engaging students within the science classroom during collaborative learning. You will walk away with a simple partner pairing strategy, as well as, specific scientific jobs for students to utilize during classroom investigations.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Oberdorf (Big Spring School District: Newville, PA)

Explore what NSTA is offering online to support your professional learning needs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about the variety of professional learning opportunities that NSTA has to offer.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Applying design thinking, students, educators, and community members collaborate to solve issues facing our community.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Encourage your students to engage in community partnerships to promote student learning; 2. Provide strategies to increase scientific literacy through socio-scientific issues; and 3. Facilitate an inclusive culture through student agency.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Joslyn (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow: No City, No State)

This interactive session will share a statewide model for systems-level change anchored in science where participants reflect on their own contexts to advance content integration anchored in science. Participants will engage in a discussion about how the focus of content integration could be a high-leverage strategy at a systems level for enacting change in elementary science teaching and learning and for supporting learning for all children. Participants will learn about the model created by Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction's in collaboration with The Lawrence Hall of Science to discuss the strengths, challenges and affordances of this ongoing approach. Participants will have opportunities to share the conditions of their own contexts, reflect on how the strategies employed in this model may apply in their own systems, and identify entry points for beginning and/or advancing implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about a statewide model for supporting education systems in enacting content integration anchored in science, and will be able to reflect on their own systems’ context in order to identify their next step towards content integration.

SPEAKERS:
Diana Velez (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Sarah Pedemonte (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Kimberley Astle (Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction: Olympia, WA), Vanessa Lujan (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Hear how a K-8 district just north of Chicago with 18 schools is transforming science teaching and learning through cultivating Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), leveraging student experience surveys, and providing professional learning opportunities for-teachers-by-teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teacher leaders & students are crucial to scaling reform efforts. Participants will walk away with a detailed model for cultivating science PLCs, example student experience surveys that elevate student voice, and structures that support the offering of professional learning for teachers by teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Kafi Chase (Chute Middle School), Yang Zhang (Northwestern University: Evanston, IL), Shannon Dangerfield (Haven Middle School: Evanston, IL), Megan McDermott (8th grade science educator), Alissa Berg (Evanston Skokie School District 65)

NSTA volunteers have amazing opportunities to collaborate with other educators, practice leadership skills, and give back to the teaching profession. Learn more about how to get involved and provide input into some of the proposed changes coming to NSTA governance.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about NSTA and how to get involved with the Association

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Mulkerrin (Science Olympiad: No City, No State), Elizabeth Allan (University of Central Oklahoma: Edmond, OK), Erika Shugart (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

We need skilled teachers to lead from the classroom rather than leave to become administrators. Your voice needs to be heard by your local community and your state education department. Your voice Carrie’s far more weight than you realize! Come discuss recent reports and strategies to effect change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore how to make their voice heard in their school, district and state. Too often teachers are frustrated by the way things are and they lack an understanding of how systems work. This session is designed to pull back the curtain and divulge a path forward.

SPEAKERS:
Shari Templeton (Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance: Augusta, ME)

Join us in sharing YOUR concerns for enhancing equity and access in classrooms, schools, or districts. Learn what NSTA, and others, are doing or providing for STEM equity, as potential resources. Experience an equity-enhancing strategy that may be useful for your equity toolkit.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will share and learn what others are doing, as they listen to the challenges and accomplishments of their equity efforts. Being with like-minded individuals, they will be encouraged and supported in a confidential, safe environment. Knowing that one is not alone is always comforting

SPEAKERS:
Jerry Valadez (Fresno State and SAM Academy CSW)

Participants will learn how school districts were able to increase elementary science access by establishing a District Science team grounded in distributed leadership and using the principles and tools of Improvement Science. Panelists' insights and a toolkit of resources will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how several districts developed a distributed leadership team focused on increasing access to elementary science education. They will hear from panelists and explore the tools and processes these teams used as part of their science leadership teams.

SPEAKERS:
Channon Jackson (Alameda County Office of Education: Hayward, CA), Dawn O'Connor (CSU East Bay: Danville, CA)

In 2018, TNTP published its landmark report “The Opportunity Myth" which showed that to be on track to reach their post-secondary goals, students needed consistent access to four key resources: (1) rigorous instruction, (2) grade-appropriate assignments, (3) deep engagement, and (4) high expectations. In this session, participants will learn about the findings of “The Opportunity Myth” and explore TNTP’s tools for strong instruction and grade-appropriate assignments in Science. During this session, teachers will review the tools and have an opportunity to practice using them with assignments and classroom videos. Participants will also hear the story of how teachers in east Tennessee rapidly improved their practice through the implementation of a single unit from OpenSciEd. Teachers will reflect on the roadblocks they faced, including partial state standards alignment, and will share the benefits they are realizing in their classrooms because of this change in pedagogy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Implementation of even a single unit from a high-quality science curriculum leads to stronger instruction and increased access to grade-appropriate assignments in science classrooms. Despite facing the barrier of partial alignment, teachers still improved learning for students using this method.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Proffitt (Director, Academics: Richmond, VA), Breshay Helton (Implementation Coordinator: Greeneville, TN), Elizabeth Naegele (TNTP: No City, No State)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Learn from innovative schools and districts on how they strengthen STEM instructional capacity through systematic approaches to professional learning. Hear from colleagues on how they integrated STEM certification programs into initiatives to positively impact STEM instruction and student success.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Arnette (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Angela Campana (Accelerate Learning, Inc.: Houston, TX)

In the past 20 years, we've learned so much about the brain. Come learn about, or get data to back up, some neuroscience-backed best practices to help students stay engaged and motivated while also combatting the devastating impacts of stress, anger, and trauma.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn brain-based best practices to transform school culture and instructional time.

SPEAKERS:
Katie Busch (The University of Alabama at Birmingham: Birimingham, AL)

Discover how to build a STEM curriculum from the ground up, from ideation to final product. Improve an aircraft design, meet the STEM Quality Framework and 50+ free STEM units from Pre-K to High School, and explore amazing resources from the Dayton Regional STEM Center and DoDSTEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the process of designing a high-quality STEM curriculum including; standards alignment, evaluation and improvement of curriculum and implementation within the classroom, along with a library of free, currently available unit plans and resources.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Carey (Xenia Community Schools: Xenia, OH)

What does the science of reading say about reading in science? Science knowledge directly supports reading comprehension, and students can’t afford to wait until upper grades to start learning science. Learn how to integrate science and literacy in your own classroom and how to advocate for changes

TAKEAWAYS:
Science and reading can compete for time, but students benefit when the two serve each other. Science gives purpose and meaning to reading and writing, which help students build and clarify their ideas. You can do this in your classroom and be a voice for change in your school, district, and state.

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Westhafer (West Jackson Elementary School: Hoschton, GA), Jeremy Peacock (Jackson County School System: Jefferson, GA)

Each year new teachers join districts ready to work with students. Navigating district initiatives, curriculum, parents and student learning can be overwhelming. To support new teachers, Northwest ISD developed New Teacher Academy, a unique, on-going PD to help retain teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn the components of New Teacher Academy and how to implement strategies focused on brand new and new to district teachers in order to support teachers and increase retention.

SPEAKERS:
Courtney Toht (Northwest ISD: Fort Worth, TX), Kelly Suarez (Northwest ISD: Fort Worth, TX)

Pre-service teachers! Participate in this session to learn how NSTA Resources can provide the skills and knowledge needed to apply for and be successful in any teaching opportunity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Pre-service teachers will get a thorough overview of all the resources and materials available in our NSTA Library and professional development opportunities to strengthen their resume and build confidence when seeking teaching positions.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Angela Webb (James Madison University: Harrisonburg, VA), Jacob Hayward (Siloam Springs Middle School: Siloam Springs, AR)

Ideas and concrete strategies for building collaborative, generative partnerships with community groups, nonprofits, preK–12 schools, museums, and community colleges in order to transform the STEM ecosystem and preservice teachers' futures will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. hear from different partners about the generative ways we have collaborated to increase diversity in our STEM teacher preparation program; 2. engage in discussion and planning next steps for reaching out to a potential collaborative partner; and 3. learn about the ways in which

SPEAKERS:
Bonnie Maur (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT)