Session 1 of 3. Curriculum implementation requires significant planning so that systems support the needed shifts in practice to strengthen science teaching and learning. Join us to figure out how managing change–an important element of curriculum-based professional learning–can make a difference.

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

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

Session Objectives: -Provide an opportunity for science education leaders to network and share ideas. -Identify critical issues facing science education and discuss potential solutions. -Inspire and motivate attendees to continue working to improve science education. The session will be held in a relaxed and informal setting. Attendees will have the chance to network and chat with other leaders in the field and identify pressing issues for groups of attendees to discuss. Presenters will facilitate small group table discussions on some of these critical issues. The session will be followed by a discussion period where attendees can share their thoughts and ideas that resonated most with their table groups.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain insights and perspectives from science education leaders from across the country. This will help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing science education today, and to develop strategies for improving science education in their own communities.

SPEAKERS:
Andy Weatherhead (National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA): Downingtown, PA)

Find opportunities to grow. Nurture your passion. Create your opportunities. Find opportunities to grow - I volunteered to serve on committees to evaluate and write curriculum. I went to meetings and conferences. I applied to help write the Next Generation Science Standards. Nurture your passion - I read journals and blogs, I asked questions, and I attended conferences even when my school district wouldn’t support me. I stretched myself. Create your opportunities - Stop waiting for the ‘right’ opportunities to present themselves. Reflect on HOW to turn your passion into opportunity. Share your dream with others. Find a mentor. My passion - my niche - is educating students and teachers about the science of food production. What’s your passion? What’s your niche? How are you going to conquer that mountain?

TAKEAWAYS:
Chris will share her winding journey through valleys and over mountains in search of her passion. She often struggles to find the confidence to step out into the unknown, but has found inspiration and encouragement from others along the way as she pursues her passion to make a difference.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Embry Mohr (Olympia High School: Stanford, IL)

Supporting the teacher as the “designer” of science instruction is essential to cultivating a learning environment in the science classroom that leverages sense-making. Participants will learn about “look for’s” for high quality instruction, their implications for evaluation and the value of giving teachers both confidence and inspiration to innovate.

TAKEAWAYS:
Administrators will learn practical ways to support teachers in shifting instructional practices that support the demands of the NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Fumagalli (Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning: Glen Ellyn, IL)