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November 2025

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EDUCATE
Keeping current with news in science education.

Board Corner

Khadijah Gaskins-Jones, Region C Director

“Hello, friends!” While at the NSTA conference in Philadelphia, I walked up to a group of ladies in the NSTA Store and introduced myself. I have a bad habit of forcing strangers to be my friend! The ladies shared they were from the Bahamas. As the Region C Directors (which

serves the Deep South and the Caribbean) I immediately asked them if they were members of NSELA! We talked, laughed (like we were long lost friends), and eagerly exchanged our information with each other.

During our chat, Ms. Lettia Storr shared that she was the President of the Bahamas Association of Science Educators (BASE) and extended an invitation to me to present at their conference in October. As I’ve continued to nurture a new found friendship and science partnership, I’ve asked what the science needs are of our Bahamian neighbors and had the opportunity to do a virtual tour of C.H. Reeves Junior High School. During my tour, Ms. Store introduced me to several of her colleagues and the Principal of the school. We are all so excited to met each other face to face!

I’m incredibly honored to be invited to share, learn, and lead with our Bahamian brothers and sisters at the BASE conference on October 22nd and 23rd at BCPOU Hall in New Providence. Connecting with new communities, sharing our collective passion, joy (and sometimes our struggles) in science leadership, and introducing NSELA to others has been the most meaningful part of being the Region C Director thus far.

Policy Brief

The Education Report is a weekly publication on education policy news from the Bose Public Affairs Group. The Nov. 7 issue has several items that may be of interest to NSELA members, including:

• A senate committee’s examination of how federal initiatives are impacting apprenticeships and vocational training.
• A senate hearing on the importance of increased transparency around college costs and the outcomes of post-secondary programs.
• Key news stories impacting education from a variety of sources.

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

This month’s National Science Education Leadership Association Leadership Spotlight features a VESELS mentor–mentee duo: Shannon Wachowski (Mentor) and Sara Hill (Mentee). The VESELS program supports emerging leaders in the science education community by providing a $500 scholarship to the Summer Leadership Institute along with sustained mentorship to guide them on their leadership journey.

In the reflections that follow, Shannon and Sara share their perspectives on mentorship, science education, and leadership, offering valuable insight into their experiences within the 2025 VESELS cohort. Their responses highlight the impact of strong mentor–mentee relationships and the importance of cultivating leadership in science education.

Shannon Wachowski - Mentor

What initial advice do you have for your mentee as they begin the VESELS program?

Shannon: As a new teacher, I received advice from a veteran teacher to present at a local conference. While I was nervous to do so (who wanted to hear what I had to say?) I submitted a proposal and it got accepted! That first presentation helped me realize how much I love learning about, talking about, and connecting with others around science education. It helped me develop confidence and opened doors to several other opportunities. My advice would be to put yourself out there. Trying something new or talking to someone new will always result in learning.

What do you hope to gain from the VESEL program?

Sara: It might sound simple, but I'd like to feel more connected. I am a team of one in my district, and sometimes the stakes feel very high. I know the decisions I make are grounded in research and what's best for students, but I hope to also feel more a part of the greater science leadership community.

Can you share a success of  your leadership role that you are particularly proud of?

Shannon: While at the Wyoming Department of Education I, along with other new colleagues from other states, formed the Interstate Science Collaborative. One purpose of this group was to provide us with the support  we needed in our new roles. The other purpose was to be

Sara Hill - Mentee

able to pool our resources to provide free professional learning opportunities for the educators in our states. Through this collaboration, we were able to provide free programming in book study format that created spaces for educators from across states to connect and support one another.

Sara: I am trying to build connections with other science leaders in my region and my state. I used the blueprint from another district to develop a cohort of teachers to dive deep into 3D learning. Teachers participated in multiple days of PD over the summer and school year, observed one another, and most importantly, got recognized for their efforts. This tight knit group of teachers now have the confidence to lead at their schools and build capacity in others. I was successful thanks to other science leaders' willingness to share ideas and their experiences.

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

Talking Leadership Tuesday: Your Weekly Forum for Science Education Solutions

Are you facing complex challenges in implementing new science standards, ensuring equitable access to science instruction, or developing leadership skills with teachers and coaches? Then join your peers every week for Talking Leadership Tuesday on the NSELA CommUnity member portal! 

The CommUnity Hub discussion forum is designed to move beyond simply identifying obstacles, creating a dedicated space for leaders like you to crowdsource ideas and solutions from other NSELA members from around the country. Each week, we launch a targeted conversation starter on a current issue in science education, allowing you to share your successful strategies, ask important how-to questions, and build your professional network with other science leaders that can impact your science program.

Don't lead in isolation: log in and contribute your voice to the conversation shaping the future of science education leadership! Your username and password for the CommUnity Hub is the same email address and password you use to access your membership profile on the main NSELA page.

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.

Use the link (button) below to learn more about submitting an article AND/OR applying to be a reviewer. The column 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. 

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

Announcements

CAESART: The Center to Advance Elementary Science through Assessment, Research, and Technology (CAESART) at Education Development Center (EDC), a non-profit research organization, invites your district to participate in a federally funded research study to better understand the effect of literacy-integrated science curriculum on children’s science learning. View this flyer to learn more.

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

Safety Protocols for Microwave Use in Science/STEM Instructional Spaces

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