In this session, participants will explore ecology, conservation, and the cultural significance of the diamondback terrapin in the Chesapeake Region through an integrated Indigenous and Western scientific curricular framework that was designed for, and tested in, science education methods courses.

TAKEAWAYS:
Integrating Indigenous Knowledges into science teacher education reframes science and science education to highlight scientific practices that prioritize ecocentrism, ethics, and interconnectedness and fosters culturally responsive and inclusive environmental literacies among science teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Green (University of Maryland, College Park: Arnold, MD)

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Owings Mills, MD)

Wondering how to reach your neurodivergent students? Come listen to a teacher who is neurodivergent herself provide information on the innerworkings of the ASD and ADHD mind in relation to the classroom. Learn simple ways to create a classroom environment that is equitable for all brains!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave with information on the mind of students with ASD and ADHD. Teachers will acquire simple, low cost ways of making their classroom environment more accessible to neurodivergent students.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Goodwin (Olive Branch H.S.: Southaven, MS)

Are you a preservice teachers’ instructor? Learn how NSTA's digital resources, web seminars, and online community can help students become the BEST teachers they can be. We will discuss what’s available in the NSTA and how to easily access it from your own Class Landing Page. Membership is included.

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

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Owings Mills, MD)

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:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Owings Mills, MD), Lisa Brown (Sam Houston State University: College Station, TX)

Join our discussion on equitable science education, integrating sense-making pillars into culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. Engage with phenomena, student ideas, and disciplinary core ideas for meaningful learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
We offer a glimpse of science classrooms that are engaged in authentic, culturally sustainable experiences that foster sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Johanna Esparza (Assistant Professor of Practice: Brownsville, TX), Miriam Ortiz (Assistant Professor of Practice: San Benito, TX), Uma Ganesan (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: Brownsville, TX), Zulema Williams (Assistant Professor of Practice: Brownsville, TX), Patricia Ramirez (UTRGV)

This presentation revitalizes studies exploring student perceptions of scientists through AI-drive, text-to-image technology. Results show potential to reshape stereotypes and inspire diverse STEM participation.

TAKEAWAYS:
AI text-to-image breaks stereotypes, portraying scientists diversely. Enhancing inclusivity, it fosters broader STEM engagement and equitable representation especially in the "Design a Scientist" activity.

SPEAKERS:
Terri Hebert (Indiana University South Bend: Harbert, MI)

An undergraduate leadership team was developed to serve during an experiential learning initiative with community partners and across disciplines to create place-based learning experiences for elementary students at nature sites in the community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to utilize student leadership teams for major initiatives or projects in their classes.

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Engle (Assistant Professor of Education; Director of Teacher Education: Upland, IN)

Discover innovative methods and practical tips to elevate teacher excellence and effectiveness. Explore strategies for optimizing learning experiences and engaging students fully in every classroom interaction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Access advanced pedagogical methods and actionable insights to boost teacher efficacy. Dive into strategies for maximizing learning outcomes and cultivating strong student engagement in every classroom interaction.

SPEAKERS:
Terri Hebert (Indiana University South Bend: Harbert, MI)

The purpose of our research is to investigate how educators’ experiences in field studies with community partners can inform a transdisciplinary STEAM educational program based on a curriculum of place. Our project considers varying perspectives of place and land as it informs STEAM TEd programming.

TAKEAWAYS:
This research has the potential to inform future STEAM teacher education and K-12 teaching and learning that integrates STEAM pedagogies, Indigenous knowledges and place/land-based transdisciplinary curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin O'Connor (Mount Royal University: Calgary, AB)

This induction program for Noyce scholars focused on public science projects, classroom planning, and classroom management. Common themes noted included (a) employing small group learning, especially for projects; (b) all students being capable of learning; and (c) building strong relationships.

TAKEAWAYS:
Based upon Danielson’s Framework for Teaching, the scholars believed their area of strength was learning environment due to their confidence in relationship building, while an area of weakness was planning and preparation due to a lack of experience.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Lynberg (University of Tennessee at Chattanooga: Chattanooga, TN), Jason Gordon (Assistant Professor: Chattanooga,, TN), Deborah McAllister (The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga: Chattanooga, TN)

An NSF proposal in the LSU GeauxTeach undergraduate secondary STEM-teacher preparation program. We propose upgrades to the undergraduate curriculum, new experiential learning opportunities, and an enhanced mentorship model to improve the production of secondary STEM teachers in Louisiana.

TAKEAWAYS:
The GeauxTeach STEM secondary STEM educator program proposes a research-based vision for improving human relationships and mentoring in our current preservice science and mathematics preservice teacher program.

SPEAKERS:
Zane Whittington (Louisiana State University: Baton Rouge, LA)