Melissa Niemi (Secondary Science Content Specialist Muscogee County School District, Georgia) and Courtney Toht (Northwest Independent School District Secondary Science Coordinator, Texas)  

In this Leadership Spotlight, we shine a light on the dynamic mentor-mentee relationship between Melissa Niemi and Courtney Toht, two passionate science educators and leaders. Both are participants in the VESEL Scholars program, a prestigious initiative designed to foster leadership in science education. Through a series of reflective questions, Melissa and Courtney share insights into their journeys, successes, and aspirations.

Background as Science Educators and Leaders

Melissa's journey as a science educator began in 2006 when she entered the profession through an alternative teacher preparation program. She dedicated 13 years to teaching middle school science before transitioning into her current role as the Secondary Science Content Specialist in 2019. Throughout her career, Melissa has taken on leadership roles within the science education community, including serving as the President of both the Georgia Science Teachers Association and the Georgia Science Supervisors Association.

Courtney's career in education started in 2007, and like Melissa, she has a deep-rooted passion for science education. In 2019, she transitioned from teaching to become an instructional coach, focusing on secondary science. Her leadership journey continued as she was promoted to the role of Secondary Science Coordinator in 2023, where she played a crucial role in guiding science education in her district.

Motivation to Join the VESSEL Program

Courtney was encouraged to join the VESEL program by Derek McDowell, a board member of the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) and the Texas Science Education Leadership Association (TSELA), along with her elementary counterpart, Kelly Saurez. Their support inspired her to seek mentorship and guidance in her evolving leadership role. Courtney hopes to gain valuable support and advice from the VESEL program, particularly in navigating the multifaceted challenges of her ever-evolving role as a science education leader.

Melissa's motivation to become a mentor in the VESEL program stemmed from her own positive experiences with mentorship. Having benefited greatly from the guidance of a mentor earlier in her career, she felt compelled to offer the same support to someone else.

Proud Leadership Achievements

One of Courtney's proudest achievements as a leader has been the successful training of numerous teachers on campuses throughout the Northwest Independent School District in Texas on 3D learning targets. This approach, which integrates disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science practices, has been pivotal in enhancing science education in her district.

Melissa takes pride in her work to strengthen professional learning communities (PLCs) across her district. She has not only established monthly PLC meetings but also created mentorship roles within these communities to provide ongoing support. This year, her focus is on implementing the 5E lesson plan model, a teaching framework that emphasizes engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation.

Initial Advice from the Mentor

Melissa's advice to Courtney as she embarks on her journey in the VESEL program is to remain open to new ideas and never hesitate to ask questions. This openness and curiosity are essential for growth and success in any leadership role.

In conclusion, the mentor-mentee relationship between Melissa Niemi and Courtney Toht exemplifies the power of collaboration and shared learning in the field of science education. Through their participation in the VESEL program, both are poised to continue making significant contributions to their districts and the broader science education community.