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!

August 2025

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ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

Karen Covil - North Star High School, Lincoln NE

In this leadership spotlight we shine a light on Karen Covil. A passionate educator and leader, Karen was honored with the 2025 Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award from the National Science Teaching Association and recognized as a 2019 NSELA VESELS Scholar. Known for her commitment to mentoring the next generation of educators, Karen has served as a dedicated cooperating teacher for numerous pre-service science teachers. 

What advice do you have for those pursuing science leadership?

I encourage aspiring leaders to seek out opportunities to serve, whether on school or district committees, or by attending professional development seminars and conferences that align with their passions and interests. My best advice is: never be afraid to try something new or step outside of your comfort zone. Early in my career, I wasn’t always confident with public speaking or sharing my ideas openly with colleagues. But at some point, I decided to say yes when opportunities arose, even if I felt nervous or unsure. Over time, these experiences helped me build the confidence to speak regularly in front of my science colleagues, lead professional development sessions within my district, and contribute my ideas in a wide variety of settings. You may not feel ready at first, but every new experience helps you learn and grow for the next challenge. And in education, it’s important that those of us with the skills and passion to lead step up and help shape positive change when needed.

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

I am proud of the leadership that Lincoln Public Schools has demonstrated in implementing the NGSS standards for both classroom instruction and district-wide assessment. Science educators across our district have worked diligently to center instruction around the three-dimensional aspects of NGSS and to support sensemaking for all students. I'm especially proud of our efforts to develop NGSS-aligned, 3D assessments that more authentically measure student learning and make students’ thinking visible—with a strong focus on equity and accessibility. Recently, our district has taken a bold and commendable step by prioritizing student feedback and voice in science instruction and assessment. We are actively engaging high school students in conversations about their classroom experiences and using their input to inform the design of instructional materials and assessments.

What do you do for personal enjoyment outside of your professional life?

My hobbies help me maintain a healthy balance between my personal and professional responsibilities. As a teacher, and especially in a leadership role, it's essential to manage stress and workloads by making time for activities I enjoy outside of school. I find joy in gardening, working out at the local YMCA, and spending quality time with my children. These activities allow my mind to rest and recharge, which helps me return to work with renewed clarity and motivation. I’ve also found that this balance makes me more resilient in the face of challenges and better equipped to manage student behavior with patience and perspective.

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

It's Election Time for NSELA!

If you or someone you know is passionate about advancing science education leadership, has innovative ideas, and wants to collaborate with leaders across the U.S., consider nominating yourself or a colleague for the NSELA Board of Directors. Join us in shaping the future of science education leadership!

The NSELA nominations portal is now open on the NSELA web site. This year’s cycle, taking office June 1, 2026, is accepting nominations for

• President-Elect
• Region E Director
• Region F Director

The President-elect must be an NSELA member for 3 years and joins the presidential chain with the President and Retiring President for a 3-year commitment on the board of directors. This chain oversees all operations of NSELA and contributes significantly to the organization’s direction and growth.

An NSELA Regional Director serves a three-year term representing a designated geographic region in which they live or work. Regional Directors are elected by members residing in their region and are responsible for representing the needs of those NSELA members.

Both positions include participating in monthly evening-time virtual meetings and attending a spring face-to-face board meeting (travel/lodging provided), as well as additional tasks assigned by the Board.

Nominations will be accepted through October 31, 2025. Click HERE to submit a nomination.

Please refer to Section 4.00 of the NSELA Operations Manual for more details. If you have further questions, email info@nsela.org.

Write for the Leadership Matters Column - Now in All Three NSTA Publications!

NSELA members now have the opportunity to submit a column for Leadership Matters in Science and Children, NSTA's K-5 science publication, Science Scope, NSTA's 6-8 science publication, and The Science Teacher, NSTA's HS publication. Every NSELA member is a leader and you all have stories to tell about what is happening in K-12 science in your district and how you and others are making science happen.

Reach out to the following individuals for more information and to submit a draft article. The editors will work with you to get your article ready for publication. Any science educator can write for the column. The goal is to share our stories and learn from one another. 

K-5: Kathy Renfrew at krsciencelady@gmail.com

6-8: Lizette Navarrete-Burks at burksl@uhd.edu

HS: Shannon Wachowski at swachowski@edreports.org

Do you want to get more involved with NSELA?

Did you know that NSELA has 3 critical Standing Committees that play crucial roles in the success of the organization?

Communications and Publications Committee

This committee’s purpose is to support NSELA with all things related to communications and publications. While the most visible part of this committee is the newsletter, which the committee chair edits, several subcommittees contribute to its success as well as other aspects of communications and publications.

Subcommittees:

• Leadership Spotlight - supports recruiting nominees as well as editing the submissions; not responsible for nominations, but supports submissions.
• Partnership Feature - supports NSELA Partners who qualify for a feature in the newsletter not responsible for securing Partners, but reaches out and supports submissions.
• Publications - maintains the publication arm of NSTA including the Science Educator journal and the Leadership Matters column in the NSTA journals, which involves recruiting and supporting authors and shepherding the submissions through the process.
• Social Media - supports all other committees with social media support in the form of establishing guidelines for social media use; does not involve crafting all posts for all committees but creates and manages social media posts as related to the Communications and Publications committee.

Membership Committee

This committee’s purpose is to serve the membership of the organization. In addition to member engagement, this committee consists of several subcommittees that focus on growing, serving and awarding NSELA members.

Subcommittees:

• Mentoring - identifies and supports a cadre of science leadership mentors with professional learning and oversees the VESELS program which promotes the development of emerging science leaders.
• Awards - oversees the OLISE award and explores various ways to recognize more NSELA members.
• Affiliates - manages the outreach to bring more science leaders across the country to NSELA.
• Elections and Nominations - ensures a pipeline of talented members to lead the organization; not responsible for nominations, rathers seeks them and conducts NSELA elections.

Professional Learning Committee

The Professional Learning Committee is a vital and highly visible representation of NSELA, serving as a primary interface between the organization and its members through dynamic, impactful professional learning opportunities. Committee members serve on yearly established working groups based on the goals of the association.

Subcommittees:

• Virtual Professional Learning Working Group - collaborates to establish the webinar calendar and to determine other potential online learning opportunities
• In-Person Working Group - facilitates the planning and preparation of the Annual Conference and Summer Leadership Institute
• NSTA Pathway Working Group - establishes the focus of the series of workshops offered at both the Fall and Spring NSTA Conferences

On any of the NSELA Standing Committees there are opportunities to join a small team of members to contribute to specific tasks, thus joining a committee provides several ways to leverage your interests and skills and get more involved as an NSELA member.

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

Partnership Feature

This month we feature a Gold Level Partner, Vernier Science Education.

We are thankful to Vernier for sponsoring the Vernier Emerging Science Education Leadership Scholarship

(VESELS). VESELS scholars receive funds to assist with travel to an NSELA event, a chance to work with a mentor, and the opportunity to be part of the VESELS scholars cohort. Look for VESELS scholars and their mentors to be featured in future Leadership Spotlights!

What is a specific success story where your organization helped science education leaders overcome a challenge?

Through our multi-year University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) GEAR UP partnership in South Texas, Vernier has empowered district science leaders by pairing STEM technology with regular, educator-focused services and professional development. Teachers from across the region receive Vernier sensors and targeted training aligned with upcoming lessons. This approach, which spans biology, chemistry, physics, and more, builds teacher confidence, ensures consistent implementation, and fosters cross-campus collaboration.  

How does your organization define and measure the success of science education leadership?

For Vernier, successful science leadership means creating conditions where teachers thrive and students remain engaged in learning. That requires investing in professional development, trusting teachers to lead, and supporting real-world, hands-on learning. We measure success not only by test scores, but by confident educators, curious students, and classrooms where science feels relevant and empowering.

What innovative approaches has your organization taken to empower science education leaders in K-12 settings?

One of our most innovative approaches is Vernier Connections®, powered by Penda—a digital platform for grades 3–12 that supports high-quality, standards-aligned STEM instruction. It features engaging activities and hands-on high school investigations using Vernier sensors, delivering personalized learning in ways that traditional curricula cannot. Built-in assessment and progress monitoring provide educators with real-time insight into student learning, making it easier for teachers and school leaders to target interventions, scale impact, drive adoption, and evaluate outcomes.

What advice would you give to district and state science supervisors looking to strengthen science education leadership in their schools?

Prioritize time and space for educator collaboration—both within schools and across them. Create professional learning opportunities where experienced teachers mentor those with less experience, and encourage cross-pollination among science, math, and even ELA departments. Strong science leadership grows from a culture of shared learning, thoughtful support, and connections that extend beyond individual classrooms.

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

Instructional Space Health and Safety Cleaning Protocols for the Beginning of the New School Year

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