NSELA catalyzes leadership to maximize effective science teaching and learning in a complex and changing environment. If you are receiving this email and are not a member, we encourage you to join us and get involved!

January 2025

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EDUCATE
Keeping current with news in science education.

Board Corner

Spencer Martin - NSELA Region E Director

Lead Curriculum Developer for Class CrunchLabs and Independent Consultant for STEM Ed Consulting, Kansas

What is your current NSELA board position? What responsibilities are involved with this position?

Region E Director - I just took over the role, so I am still figuring out what the responsibilities are for this role. If anyone knows, please let me know!

Why did you want to volunteer for your current NSELA board position?

NSELA has been a fantastic organization that has directly supported my growth as an science education leader and the opportunity to help the organization and its members is an exciting prospect.

What is one goal you have for this year in your NSELA board position? How can the NSELA membership support you with this goal?

I am really hoping to learn the ropes of the organization as a board member and not just a member and figure out how I can support teachers and educational leaders in my region.

What is one thing you’d like NSELA members to know about you?

I set the school record for detentions in 4th grade that, as far as I know, still stands today. Something to be proud of right? But seriously that personality conflict with a teacher and the really tough year that I was having outside of school didn't define me. I grew to love learning and school so much that I now eat, sleep, and breathe the education world. Oh, also, I love playing Magic: The Gathering so if you ever see me around, I am almost certainly up for a game. Just say the word!

Welcome to Our Newly Elected NSELA Board Members!

We are thrilled to announce the newest members of the NSELA Board of Directors, who will serve three-year terms from 2025 to 2028. Please join us in welcoming these exceptional leaders to our community:

• Jeremy Blinn, President-elect
• Lisa Kiel, Region A Director
• Khadijah Jones, Region C Director

These individuals bring remarkable expertise and a strong commitment to advancing science education leadership. We are excited about the unique perspectives and valuable contributions they will add to the NSELA Board as we continue to grow and strengthen our community.

Congratulations to Jeremy, Lisa, and Khadijah on their election, and thank you to all NSELA members who participated in the voting process. Together, we are building a brighter future for science education!

The Vernier Emerging Science Education Leader Scholarship (VESELS) Program: Cultivating Success Through Mentorship

VESELS nominations are now open! Apply by February 22, 2025.

Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional and personal growth, especially in a field as dynamic as science education leadership. At NSELA, we recognize the transformative power of mentorship and are committed to fostering these relationships through the VESELS program.

New or novice science education leaders may apply for this program, which is sponsored through the generosity of Vernier.  Those selected as VESEL Scholars are paired with experienced mentors for a calendar year, receive $500 for travel to the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), and join a cohort of peers who support each other during their cohort and beyond.

We invite NSELA members to volunteer as mentors and encourage emerging science leaders to apply for the VESEL Scholarship. For more information, please contact Eric Rhoades (Virginia).

Thank you for your dedication to nurturing the next generation of science education leaders.

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

In this month’s Leadership Spotlight, we explore the mentor-mentee relationship between Drs. Kevin Doyle and Alex Kuziola, two New Jersey-based science educators and district leaders. With decades of experience between them, their dedication to shaping the future of science education and fostering leadership shines through. Here’s a glimpse into their insights as they work together during the VESELS program.

Dr. Alex Kuziola
VESELS Mentee

What was your motivation to be part of the VESELS program?

Alex: A former colleague, Brian Carey, Science Supervisor in Livingston, encouraged me to explore the VESELS program when I transitioned into my supervisory role. Joining NJSELA and the VESELS program has been invaluable—offering a lifeline for answering the “guidebook-free” questions of leadership. I hope to gain insights and strategies from colleagues who’ve tackled the same challenges I’m facing for the first time—be it curriculum, staffing, or morale-building.

Kevin: I've been fortunate to have mentors who guided 

me early in my career, and I feel a responsibility to give back. For me, taking on a mentee is about paying it forward and sharing what I’ve learned. Every mentee I have worked with has taught me something. I am looking forward to learning more from Alex.

What is one of your proudest leadership accomplishments?

Alex: One of my proudest achievements as a formal leader has been successfully transitioning Grades 6–8 to OpenSciEd, rolling out popular new high school STE electives, and starting an award-winning FIRST Robotics Competition team at the high school level.

Kevin: There are several highlights for me. I co-designed and developed the Math & Science Magnet Program 17 years ago, which has grown into a state-recognized initiative open to students across New Jersey. I also launched the state's first Public High School Aviation Program, led the AP STEM Roundtable for science and math teachers, and co-wrote the Science Laboratory 

Dr. Kevin Boyle
VESELS Mentor

Alex and Kevin remind us that leadership is about continuous learning, fostering connections, and paying it forward. Whether through starting groundbreaking programs or mentoring the next generation, their commitment to science education is inspiring. We look forward to seeing how their journey through the VESELS program unfolds.

Do you have someone in mind for the Leadership Spotlight? Self-nominations are welcome! Click the button to access the submission form.

Join Us at the NSELA Annual Conference in Philadelphia on March 26!

Science leaders, educators, and advocates, mark your calendars for the NSELA Annual Conference, taking place in Philadelphia, PA, on March 26, 2025. This premier professional learning opportunity offers a day filled with insightful sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities designed to equip attendees with the tools and strategies needed to elevate science education.  

Explore Innovative Strategies Across Four Strands

Each breakout session offers a unique opportunity to delve into cutting-edge topics shaping science education today. The Data Science strand includes sessions like Using Data Science to Generate Evidence to Support Explanations, where participants will work with tools like CODAP to analyze data and support evidence-based learning.

In the Climate Science Education strand, sessions like Lessons Learned While Developing and Using Climate Education and Climate Justice Resources explore empowering students to tackle climate change within a social justice framework. These sessions will leave you with actionable strategies and the inspiration to transform your science leadership.

The Emerging Technologies strand highlights how AI and technological innovations are revolutionizing education. In Teaching Smarter, Leading Stronger: AI for the Modern Educator, participants will discover how AI-driven tools can streamline tasks and foster personalized instruction. Another standout, Revolutionizing 3D Science Performance Tasks and Assessments with AI, dives into how AI can create innovative, equity-focused assessments. These sessions will provide practical tools to harness technology for both teaching and leadership roles.

The Transformative Leadership strand empowers attendees to drive systemic change. Sessions like Building a Vision for Equitable and Sustained Interactions for Multilingual Learners and Sustaining Teacher Leadership: Practical Strategies for School Leaders focus on fostering inclusivity and supporting teacher leaders. Whether you’re a district administrator or a classroom teacher, this strand equips you with the knowledge and strategies to create equitable, impactful science education environments.

Write for the Leadership Matters Column - Now in Two Publications!

NSELA members now have the opportunity to submit a column for Leadership Matters in Science and Children, NSTA's K-5 science publication, as well as The Science Teacher, the HS publication. Every NSELA member is a leader and you all have stories to tell about what is happening in K-5 and HS science in your district and how you and others are making science happen.

For HS: There is currently a call for papers. Use the link below to submit at article (select Article Commentary as the article type) or email Shannon Wachowski at swachowski@edreports.org for more information. Any science educator can write for the column. The goal is to share our stories and learn from one another. 

For K-5: There is currently a call for papers. View the link below to learn more. Any science educator can write for the column. The tone of the articles is conversational in order to reach the reader of Science and Children, with the goal being that the reader takes the article to their building principal and says “We can do this!”

If writing feels too daunting right now, consider becoming a reviewer. The review team is looking for new members. A great way to prepare to author an article is to serve as a reviewer.

Contact column editor Kathy Renfrew at krsciencelady@gmail.com for more information and submissions.

Join the NSELA Finance Committee: Help Shape Our Financial Future!

NSELA is seeking dedicated members to join our Finance Committee, a vital team that ensures the organization’s financial health and stability. The committee reviews budgets, recommends investment strategies, and supports the Treasurer and Board of Directors in key financial decisions. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise and make a meaningful impact on NSELA’s operations and initiatives.

If you have experience in financial management, budgeting, or investment strategy, we encourage you to apply! Committee members serve a three-year term and meet regularly to provide fiscal oversight and guidance. Join us in shaping NSELA’s financial future! Applications are now open and can be submitted at the link below.

COLLABORATE
Highlighting the work of our members, partners, and other organizations.

Calling All NSELA Members Presenting at the NSTA Conference in Philly!

Are you presenting at the NSTA Conference in Philadelphia? We’d love to celebrate and spotlight your amazing work! Please fill out this quick form to share your session details with us. It’s a great way to get recognized, amplify your impact, and show off the incredible leadership of our NSELA community. Don’t miss out—let us help you shine at the conference!

Celebrating Our 2025 NSELA Partners

We are delighted to welcome and thank our 2025 NSELA Partners for their incredible support in advancing science education leadership. A special thanks to ExploreLearning (Platinum Partner), DataClassroom, Penda Learning, and Vernier Science Education (Gold Partners), PASCO Scientific (Silver Partner), and Kognity and TeachKind Science (Bronze Partners). These organizations play a vital role in empowering educators with innovative tools, resources, and opportunities to inspire the next generation of learners.

Your partnership strengthens our shared mission to provide professional growth, foster collaboration, and build a thriving community of science education leaders. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the future of science education!

Announcements

Arizona State University, Dept. of Physics Arizona State University has three FREE research-informed Modeling Workshops in physics and chemistry (June 2-20) for high school teachers. Courses can lead to an interdisciplinary Master of Natural Science (MNS) degree in physics, for which teachers in 15 western states can apply for 150% of in-state tuition; the deadline is APRIL 1. See this link to learn more or email Jane Jackson.

Advertise in the NSELA Newsletter

Would your organization like to reach the science leadership audience that is NSELA? Or do you know of an organization that would like to advertise? View the link below to learn more! Please pass along to your colleagues.

SAFER LABS: Be Protected!
By Dr. Ken Roy, NSELA Safety Compliance Officer

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