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!

February 2025

Contribute to the Newsletter!

Do you have an announcement you'd like to share in the newsletter? You can also use the form to submit a short announcement.

EDUCATE
Keeping current with news in science education.

Board Corner

Candace Penrod - NSELA President Elect

K-12 Science Supervisor in Salt Lake City School District

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

My current position is President-Elect. The President-Elect represents NSELA at the direction of the President, promotes NSELA in various capacities, and provides continuity to the NSELA Executive Committee and the NSELA Board. The Executive Board duties include serving as a voting member of the committee; reviewing information requiring Board approval; preparing articles for the association newsletter; and other duties as assigned by the President. The President-Elect also advises the President and assists in matters aligned with areas of expertise and interest. The NSELA President-Elect position covers the first year of the three-year tenure of an NSELA President. This individual assumes the role of the NSELA President during the second year of tenure, and then serves as the Retiring President during the third and final year as a member of the Presidential Chain. This three-year commitment provides continuity and strength to the organization and allows an in-coming president to "hit the ground running," as they have been well-informed of the needs, operations, and direction of the organization through the first year of service.

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

I am a strong advocate for science education leadership and welcomed the opportunity to make an impact at a national level. I served as the Membership Committee Chair for 3+ years prior to my current role and have been grateful for the connections, networking, and opportunities NSELA has provided that have enhanced and improved my work. I also wanted to give back to the organization that has helped me grow as a science leader and to help ensure the vitality of NSELA for future leaders.

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

One goal is to increase collaborations across our NSELA membership. I met a member of NSELA at the Summer Leadership Institute who has served as a partner in completing an educational project I am engaged in. This has helped me to see what great members we have in our organization and how willing they are to support us in our endeavors! I want to invite the NSELA membership to attend our face to face events and on-line webinars, and make it a goal to find a new colleague that will support you in your work!

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

I enjoy being outdoors and paying attention to birds and rocks wherever I go. Rocks tell us about the past history of the land, while birds indicate the current well-being of the locale. There is always so much to learn from wherever we wander, so let's get going!

Dr. Arthur Eisenkraft Named 2025 NSELA Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award Winner

The National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) is thrilled to announce Dr. Arthur Eisenkraft as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Leadership in Science Education (OLISE) Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in science education at school, district, regional, national, or international levels. Dr. Eisenkraft will receive a $1,000 award and plaque during the NSELA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

Apply for the 2025 VESELS Scholarship

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

Are you a passionate science educator ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? The Vernier Emerging Science Education Leader Scholarship (VESELS) is your chance to connect, grow, and lead! This unique opportunity is designed for new and emerging science leaders who have been in leadership roles for five years or less. As a VESELS scholar, you’ll receive:

• $500 travel support to attend the NSELA Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) in Salt Lake City, UT (July 14, 2025).
• A dedicated mentor to guide your leadership journey.
• A powerful network of science leaders working to make an impact.
• A platform to share your voice, including writing for the NSELA Navigator and engaging with other scholars online.

Who Should Apply:

If you’re an educator leading at the school, district, state, or informal level and want to build your leadership skills, this scholarship is for you! Don’t let the title “leader” intimidate you—if you’re working to shape science education, this is your moment.

How to Apply:

• Visit www.nsela.org/vesels and click on Apply Today
• Submit a resume (max 2 pages).
• Write a personal letter showing how you’re growing as a science leader.
• Include a support letter from a supervisor or colleague who sees your leadership potential.

Key Dates:

• Applications Open: January 14, 2025
• Deadline to Apply: February 22, 2025
• Winners Announced: March 11, 2025

Why Apply:

Past recipients describe VESELS as a game changer—providing confidence, knowledge, and connections that last far beyond the Summer Leadership Institute. For more information and/or questions, please contact Eric Rhoades (Membership Committee).

Shape NSELA's Future: Strategic Planning Underway!

The NSELA board is excited to announce that we've partnered with Mulkerrin Strategic Solutions, LLC to develop a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for our organization! Your voice is crucial in shaping this plan, which will guide NSELA's priorities and direction for the coming years. We urge you to take a few minutes to complete the member survey and share your valuable insights on key focus areas and areas for improvement. Your feedback will directly inform the strategic plan and will be presented at the March 2025 board meeting. Help us build a stronger NSELA for the future – access the survey here below.

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

Rocco Williams

K-12 Science Curriculum Coordinator for Fort Worth ISD, TX

What’s the best advice anyone has given you as a science leader?

The best advice I have received as a science leader is to never lose track of what’s going on in the classroom. In leadership roles, it’s easy to get sucked into “desk work” like curating documents, answers e-mails, and developing PD. However, it is imperative that we dedicate time to being in classrooms working directly with teachers who are utilizing the very documents we are in charge of creating!

I couldn’t be successful in science leadership without ____. Why?

My network of amazing colleagues. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with some of the finest educators in the world. As a classroom teacher, I had the privilege of learning from an outstanding instructional coach. Later when I transitioned into instructional coaching myself, my teammates played a crucial role in helping me make that transition.Now, as a curriculum writer and leader, having a group of peers to collaborate with, share ideas, and tackle projects together has been instrumental to my success.

What has been a success of your leadership in your district that you are proud of? What are you most proud of?

One of my most unique accomplishments was organizing a year-long citizen science project that engaged multiple stakeholders and had meaningful community and civic impact. As our district implemented a new science instructional framework, I wanted to create an opportunity for the entire community to experience this new approach to learning in a tangible, engaging way. Inspired by Paul Anderson’s session at the June 2023 TSELA training, where we explored the movements of Texas’s state bird, the mockingbird, I thought it would be impactful if our local community could have an officially recognized bird of its own. I developed the idea of having students convince the community that Fort Worth should have an officially recognized bird.

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!

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

Instructional Space Eyewash Station Safety Protocols

Thank you to our Partners!

This message was sent to you by {Organization_Name}

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe at any time

152 Oak Hills Drive Mabank, Texas 75156

+1 (816) 866-7352  {Organization_URL}