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Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award (OLISE)

Recognizing and honoring NSELA members who demonstrate exceptional leadership and build capacity in science education at the school, district, regional, state, and national levels.

Dr. Rebecca Hite
Sponsored By

2026 OLISE Award Recipient

Dr. Rebecca Hite

The National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) is proud to recognize Dr. Rebecca Hite as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Leadership in Science Education (OLISE) Award. Dr. Hite exemplifies these qualities through a career that bridges classroom teaching, research, policy, and professional leadership, with impact at the state, national, and international levels.

Nominations Are Open

Application & Nomination Details

Application Deadline: Friday, November 16, 2026 by 5:00 pm (EST) Submit Application

Eligibility

Nominations and self-nominations of NSELA members in good standing are invited to apply. Nominees must demonstrate leadership that impacts K-12 students and science teachers.

Note: Current NSELA Officers and Awards Committee Members are not eligible.

Selection Criteria

Outstanding contributions in leadership are the main criteria, including:

  • Exceptional contributions at school, district, regional, state, and national levels.
  • Unique accomplishments advancing science education.
  • Significant achievements through the professional learning of others.
  • Strengthening community engagement.

Recognition

The OLISE Award recipient will be recognized in the following manner:

  • Acknowledged at the NSELA luncheon held at the NSELA Annual conference.
  • Presented with a commemorative plaque.
  • Presented with a check for $1,000.

Application Directions

As the nominee, it is your responsibility to assemble and submit the application requirements as ONE PDF file to the NSELA OLISE Application Form.

1. Resume (Max 2 pages)

Include your educational record, positions held in science education, professional memberships, special awards, and publications related to science education that directly or indirectly support the award criteria.

2. Evidence of Leadership Statements

Compose three separate statements addressing the following prompts:

  • Contributions as a Science Education Leader (1000 word limit): Describe your efforts to advance science education, exceptional accomplishments (e.g., data-based results, leading influential committees), and how you build leadership capacity in others.
  • Contributions to Professional Learning (500 word limit): Describe how your work has been disseminated via workshops, conferences, or publications, and significant contributions in research on science education leadership.
  • Contributions to Building Community (500 word limit): Describe your efforts to engage, involve and collaborate with colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders in promoting science education.
3. Three Letters of Support

Submit three letters (max 2 pages each) from individuals who can provide insight into your contributions (e.g., subordinates, supervisors, or colleagues).

Legacy of Leadership

Past OLISE Award Recipients

Explore the distinguished leaders who have shaped science education since 1979. Click on a highlighted state in the map below to filter the award recipients.

2026Rebecca HiteTX
2025Arthur EisenkraftMA
2024Mary StarrMI
2023Kenneth HuffNY
2022Christine Anne RoycePA
2021Meredith BellTX
2020Joyce Baldridge TugelNH
2019Mary Margaret WelchWA
2018Chris SchabenNE
2017Sara TorresAZ
2016Cathi Cox-BoniolLA
2015Kathy DiRannaCA
2014Joanne VasquezAZ
2013Page KeeleyME
2012Robert YagerIA
2011Jason PainterNC
2010Thomas T. PetersSC
2009Sandra WestTX
2008Nancy KelloggCO
2007Marjorie KingLA
2006Jack RhotonTN
2005Kenn HeydrickTX
2004Jean May-BrettLA
2003Kenneth RoyCT
2002Pam T. HensonAL
2001Gerard PutzMI
2000Pat ShaneNC
1999Kathleen SparrowOH
1998LaMoine L. MotzMI
1997Tom FangmanNJ
1996Susan CoryTX
1995Thomasena WoodsVA
1994Larry SmallIL
1993Susan SpragueAZ
1992Dallas MaddronFL
1991Merik AaronNY
1990Ron ConverseTX
1989Jeane DughiVA
1988Garland JohnsonCA
1987Gerry MadrazoNC
1986Charles BeehlerPA
1985Gabrielle EdwardNY
1984Joseph G. KrajkovichNJ
1983Leroy LeeWI
1982Jerry ResnickNY
1981Charles HardyWA
1980Francis X. FiniganMA
1979Harold PrattCO

Dr. Rebecca Hite

2026 OLISE Award Recipient

The National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) is proud to recognize Dr. Rebecca Hite as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Leadership in Science Education (OLISE) Award. Dr. Hite will receive a $1,000 award and plaque during the NSELA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA.

The OLISE Award honors science education leaders whose sustained contributions strengthen systems, expand access, and build leadership capacity in others. Dr. Hite exemplifies these qualities through a career that bridges classroom teaching, research, policy, and professional leadership, with impact at the state, national, and international levels. Dr. Hite brings more than two decades of experience as a middle school science teacher, teacher educator, researcher, and advocate for science educators.

As a professor of science education, she has authored over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and practitioner publications focused on science teacher leadership, educational policy, technology integration, and equitable learning environments. Her scholarship is widely cited and used by science educators and leaders to inform instructional practice, leadership development, and decision-making at multiple levels.

A defining feature of Dr. Hite's work is her commitment to elevating teacher voice in policy and leadership spaces. Her research examines how science teachers navigate educational policy, develop leadership identities, and advocate for their students and communities. Through this work, she has helped illuminate the ways teacher leaders influence reform efforts and contribute meaningfully to science education systems.

Dr. Hite is also deeply engaged in mentoring and leadership development. She has supported preservice teachers, graduate students, and early-career faculty through formal mentoring, research collaborations, and professional service. Many of those she has mentored now serve as science teacher leaders, faculty members, and contributors to professional organizations, extending the reach of her leadership well beyond her own institution.

In addition to her scholarly work, Dr. Hite has held significant leadership roles within state and national science education organizations, served on editorial boards for major science education journals, and contributed to professional learning communities that connect researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

Across these roles, she consistently advocates for inclusive, research-informed, and teacher-centered approaches to science education leadership. Dr. Rebecca Hite's sustained impact, through research, mentorship, advocacy, and professional leadership, reflects the values at the heart of NSELA's mission. Her work has strengthened science education systems, amplified educator voices, and supported the development of current and future science education leaders. NSELA is honored to recognize her as the 2026 Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award recipient.

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