How can we use high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) to design more equitable systems? Join us to consider how leaders rally interest and build internal capacity for the selection and effective implementation of high-quality instructional materials. Work with other leaders to consider strategies to make the case for change toward more equitable systems that support all learners in the system and the role of HQIM in leading ongoing science improvement efforts.
Ticketed event - register here: https://my.nsta.org/event/2024NEW_LEADERSHIP

TAKEAWAYS:
Consider how high-quality instructional materials can be used to design more equitable systems. Discuss how to share the vision, support implementation, and build internal capacity for ongoing support for curriculum implementation.

SPEAKERS:
Janna Mahfoud (BSCS Science Learning: Laveen, AZ), Susan Gomez Zwiep (BSCS Science Learning: Long Beach, CA), Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Bianca Deliberto (Central Community School System: Baton Rouge, LA), Jim Short (BSCS Science Learning: Ridgefield, NY), Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Waldorf, MD)

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 (BSCS Science Learning: Waldorf, MD)

Come to this engaging, hands-on session where we will use science activities to demonstrate effective professional learning practices! If you present at NSTA, facilitate professional learning, or just want to learn, this session is for you!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn specific practices they can incorporate into their NSTA presentations or professional learning experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Deanna Taylor (Interactive Learning Solutions LLC: Columbia, SC), Leah Litz (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium: Omaha, NE), Jesse Wilcox (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

Sponsoring Company: Science Bits

Learn to double student learning gains by increasing fidelity to the 5E instructional model in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Charlene Wetzel (Archbishop Rummel High School: Metairie, LA)

Far too often, equity efforts are relegated to the sidelines instead of being 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:
Susan Gomez Zwiep (BSCS Science Learning: Long Beach, CA), Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Waldorf, MD), Janna Mahfoud (BSCS Science Learning: Laveen, AZ)

Many schools need high-quality units to meet their state standards, especially if they vary significantly from the NGSS. BSCS Science Learning has extensive experience with designing, and adapting Storylines units. Come to this session to apply a BSCS design tool that can be used for adaptation.

Please note: space is limited.

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

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Klein (BSCS Science Learning: Houston, TX), Jean Flanagan (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

Learn how the Central Indiana Educational Service Center provided Indiana educators an opportunity to elevate their teaching and ignite their creativity with Teacher Industry Experiences in Indiana (TIE-IN), an exclusive initiative designed to bridge the classroom with the dynamic world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain insights into how they can create their own teacher industry experiences in their communities.

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

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 (BSCS Science Learning: Steamboat Springs, CO)

Join members of NSTA’s Professional Learning Committee for a discussion regarding professional learning! We will explore NSTA’s new professional learning statement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave the discussion with a framework for professional learning and strategies to implement professional learning!

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Deanna Taylor (Interactive Learning Solutions LLC: Columbia, SC), Leah Litz (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium: Omaha, NE), Jesse Wilcox (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

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. NSTA membership included.

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

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Clarksville, TN), Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Owings Mills, MD)

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 (EdReports.org: Lander, WY)

This interactive session is designed specifically for science educators looking to prioritize their well-being while managing the demands of teaching. The session incorporates guided meditations, walking practices, and mindful movements to help participants cultivate joy and equanimity.

TAKEAWAYS:
One key takeaway from this session for participants, supported by research, is the effectiveness of mindfulness practices in reducing stress and enhancing well-being among educators. Studies have shown that engaging in mindfulness activities improve relationships with colleagues and students.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Munoz (STEM4Real: Carlsbad, CA)

In this dynamic session, we delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of establishing a thriving STEM program in small, nonpublic schools. With limited resources and varying student backgrounds, the task may seem daunting, but it's entirely achievable with the right approach.

TAKEAWAYS:
Establishing a thriving STEM program in small, nonpublic schools is challenging but achievable. Limited resources and diverse student backgrounds require resilience, creativity, and collaboration. We will share experiences and best practices to foster growth in STEM programs (K-8th).

SPEAKERS:
Selena Scott (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN), Rachel Plunkett (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN), Michelle Boyd (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN), Elizabeth Ahlgrim (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Whether you are brand new in education or just not as experienced with teaching science, this workshop is for you. Lifelong educators and science textbook authors Dr. Zipporah Miller and Dr. Mike Padilla will show you how you can be successful teaching Elementary or Middle School Science and love it

SPEAKERS:
Michael Padilla (retired: Athens, GA), Zipporah Miller (Educational Consultant: Bowie, MD)

Sponsoring Company: Science Bits

Learn why pre-assessment, summative assessment and formative assessments should form part of your lessons and how to make DQs, retrieval practice and formative assessment work for you and your students. This workshop includes roleplay and an internet enabled device is required.

SPEAKERS:
Paul Banti (Learning Bits Inc.: Miami, FL)

This immersive and engaging workshop is designed to empower and cultivate teacher leaders in science education. It will provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective leaders in their schools and communities, driving positive change in science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
One key takeaway related to leadership in science is the importance of raising awareness of implicit bias in science education. Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that influence our perceptions and actions, often leading to inequities in educational settings.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kay Williams (KEDE Educational Business, LLC: Woodstock, GA)

Transdisciplinary STEM learning that positions students in the context of real-life scenarios and to problem solve authentic issues can increase students' conceptual understanding of content area knowledge, inspire community connections, as well as increase student engagement in their learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn why transdisciplinary and convergence education matters for the twenty-first century and how this type of learning can be framed and developed, with an overall understanding of how this type of learning and teaching could transform our country and world.

SPEAKERS:
Stefanie Holloway (Greater Oregon STEM Hub: La Grande, OR)

Join us for a hands-on session tailored for educators/coaches to discover what inquiry-based learning SHOULD look like in the classroom! Discover how to recognize best practices and evaluate 3D learning in action. Equip yourself with tools and insights needed to conduct exceptional investigations!

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will evaluate their own teach practices in the context of inquiry-based learning to determine what exception science instruction looks like, sounds like, and feels like for students in a 3D learning environment.

SPEAKERS:
Leah Pinto (Director of professional development: Gilmer, TX)

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 teacher leaders and create the conditions for equitable opportunities for 3D phenomena-based science in K-5 classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take away ideas and next steps for building the capacity of educators in their own school or district context, including how teacher leadership fits within a broader set of conditions that support the teaching and learning of science in that context.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Leslie Stenger (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Santa Rosa, CA), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

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:
Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jim Short (BSCS Science Learning: Ridgefield, NY)

Sponsoring Company: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Did you know the federal government offers numerous internships, fellowships, and institutes for teachers? Join us as Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) recipients share their own experiences working with federal agencies like NASA, NSF, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will hear from presidential award-winning teachers that excelled in their careers through professional development opportunities. These opportunities could be correlated to winning a PAEMST and been recognized by the National Science Foundation and Office of White House Technology Policy.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Alfred Hall (National Science Foundation: Alexandria, VA)

Want to learn how LSTA is representing science educators in our state? Interested in being involved in science education in your region and/or at the state level? Join us for the annual LSTA meeting! Hosted by BrainPOP Science, LSTA members will mix and mingle with regional representatives, other members of the board and network with both formal and informal science educators to get the inside scoop on upcoming LSTA events, science opportunities and much more. During the meeting we will also take a closer look at the BrainPOP Science platform and get a peek at the new engineering projects. You don’t want to miss this special LSTA members only event. If you aren’t an LSTA member, you can join at the door! See you there!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will mix and mingle with regional representatives, other members of the board and network with both formal and informal science educators to get the inside scoop on upcoming LSTA events, science opportunities and get a sneak peek of the new BrainPop engineering projects.

SPEAKERS:
Bianca Deliberto (Central Community School System: Baton Rouge, LA)

Once you’ve adopted high-quality instructional materials, how do leaders ensure effective and sustained implementation, especially at high school? Join us to explore features of transformative professional learning that address a range of concerns teachers may have about implementation and change.

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 (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jim Short (BSCS Science Learning: Ridgefield, NY), Cynthia Gay (BSCS Science Learning: Steamboat Springs, CO)

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 leaders in science and support understanding of rigorous science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will develop a plan for using K-12 curriculum adoptions to develop teacher leadership, support deep professional learning around the NGSS/Framework, and increase stakeholder buy-in.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Wachowski (EdReports.org: Lander, WY), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

Students in upper school engineering classes were challenged to solve the big, small, exciting, and mundane problems that teachers face. From a traffic study to nature miniature golf to a guinea pig habitat fit for royalty, creativity shone in this collaborative effort.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience the breadth and depth of some of the problems solved by upper-school engineering students. We will teach you what we learned about organizing problems, meeting with teachers and facilities, collaborative design, and manufacturing.

SPEAKERS:
Matilde Robbe (Savannah Country Day School: Pooler, GA), Carrie Vetrovsky (Savannah Country Day School: Savannah, GA)

Learn how students have revolutionized cultrually and linguistically sustaining teaching and learning in Denver Public Schools. Engage with student stories, research, and district leaders to understand how one district is changing the narrative of how to select high quality instructional materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with knowledge and resources to determine what science instructional materials are culturally and linguistically sustaining.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Johnston (Denver Public Schools: Denver, CO), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

This session will focus on one district's approach to building a comprehensive K-5 science curriculum by piecing together high quality resources. Participants in this session will learn about the district plan for this change, as well as get access to all resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees in this session will learn about how to begin implementation when shifting curricular resources at the elementary level, as well as resources for supporting this change.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Rolater (pK-12 District Science Coordinator: Aurora, CO)

In New Brunswick, NJ, district leaders and educators engaged in collaborative spaces to design placed-based learning involving multiple disciplines. We gained a "River of Insights" while engaging in equitable, inquiry-based learning, and designing innovative solutions for climate-related problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will explore a placed-based instructional approach to addressing local environmental challenges, and will collaboratively reflect on how we can naturally integrate multiple disciplines to design innovative solutions and promote equitable practices for addressing Climate Change.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Nunez (New Brunswick Public Schools: Passaic, NJ)

Whether you are a new educator looking to incorporate AI into your teaching practice or a veteran administrator seeking innovative solutions, this presentation will provide valuable insights and practical advice for integrating AI into a variety of educational settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn practical strategies for using AI to enhance curriculum and instruction, communication, and productivity within their classrooms and school communities, leading to improved performance and success.

SPEAKERS:
Kirsten Redmond (Lower School Administrator: Tulsa, OK), Kirsten Redmond (Lower School Administrator: Tulsa, OK), Jesse Wren (Riverfield Country Day School: Tulsa, OK)

30 years of teacher leadership development have generated impressive results in Wisconsin. Three iterations of summer institutes shaped the science education field, formed lifelong professional networks of educators, and cultivated teacher leaders that steer our state science teachers' association.

TAKEAWAYS:
Fueling educator’s passion and building strong professional networks can work hand-in-hand to develop leadership in your region or state. This session will provide a recipe for a leadership development program certain to transform careers and invigorate your state science teacher association.

SPEAKERS:
Sue Whitsett (NSTA: Waupaca, WI), Chad Janowski (The Einstein Project: Green Bay, WI), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY), Dennis Rohr (Seymour Community High School: Seymour, WI)

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Jenn Brown-Whale (Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): Randallstown, MD), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA), Simone Nance (University of Southern Indiana: Newburgh, IN)

Sustaining the use of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) requires monitoring progress throughout implementation. Join us to consider how leaders from one district gathered and analyzed data to inform decisions and how lessons learned can help refine your plan for the sustained use of HQIM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Deepen understanding of data collection tools and how to use them to inform planning to support the sustained and effective use of high-quality instructional materials.

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

Elementary level teachers can be both learners and leaders who collaborate with colleagues to improve their science instruction. Learn strategies to lighten the load of siloed science teaching. Brainstorm and envision processes of collaboration for your own setting. We are strongest together!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn a protocol that improves their science content knowledge and teaching practices via group study. They will develop ideas to leverage their collective teaching experiences/skills and thus improve student engagement, student achievement, and teacher satisfaction.

SPEAKERS:
Carmen King (Mercy Center for STEM Education: Bronx, NY)

Learn how we grew a comprehensive STEM education program. From our state of the art STEM lab, tailored lessons, and STEM teacher support cultivate 24 engineering experiences for students. See how our STEM vision grew roots and flourished!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore steps to develop a comprehensive STEM program from scratch—our journey from inception to fruition.

SPEAKERS:
Rod'ree Carlile (Kings Manor Elementary School: Kingwood, TX), Heather Tyler LaBrot (Kings Manor Elementary School: Kingwood, TX)

What criteria do you use to select supplemental lessons and activities? Participants will explore using a checklist for evaluating resources from online marketplaces. The checklist features five criteria based on recommendations for developing high-quality science instructional materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to evaluate resources from online marketplaces (e.g., TPT, Pinterest) using the SMART Shopping Checklist.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Stark (University of West Florida: Pensacola, FL)

I will review the process, give tips and advice, and answer questions about the Fund for Teachers Fellowship. I have received three Fund for Teachers Fellowship grants (2012, 2018, and 2023). I've also scored grants in years that I haven't applied.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will feel confident writing and submitting their Fund for Teachers grant proposal. This is still highly selective, so no promises can be made about people getting awarded the grants, but they will be able to make a strong application.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Maier (Skinner North Classical School: Chicago, IL)

Join us to master the art of leading interactive and impactful workshops with facilitation checklists and planning templates.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will use a facilitation checklist and planning template to plan, deliver, and receive feedback on a mock professional learning activity for disseminating best practices for NGSS instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Kayla Cherry (Loyola University Chicago: Chicago, IL), Sarah Stults (Loyola University Chicago: Chicago, IL)

The Power of Perception, when educators demonstrate an understanding of students' perspectives, fosters trust and rapport. Students feel valued and respected when their experiences and perceptions are acknowledged, which strengthens the student-teacher relationship and is conducive for learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
The intrinsic value of understanding how students perceive their environment is imperative for their future selves. Helping students and teachers understand their perceptions empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey, and navigate complexities with confidence.

SPEAKERS:
Autumn Nowlin (Autumn's Academy: Jacksonville, FL)