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 2026

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EDUCATE
Keeping current with news in science education.

Board Corner

Starting in 2026 the Board Corner will feature new board members as they rotate onto the board as well as current board members. It will include different questions for each year a board member is on the board in order to support the membership with learning more about board members' leadership roles and reflections throughout their three years of service.

Beth Zigmont - Secretary (Year 2)

Assistant Director of Teaching, Learning, & Equity; PA SEED STEM Convening Co-Chair

What has been most rewarding about your experience so far?

The most rewarding aspect of my experience has been the networking and connections I have made throughout the process that support my leadership development, as well as  

foster opportunities for me to further develop leadership capacity in others. As a result of my service on the NSELA board, I have met science leaders from across the country who have acted as thought partners, provided resources to support leadership efforts in my local context, and collaborated with to provide professional learning opportunities for other science leaders in my state.

How has being part of the NSELA board influenced your view of science education leadership?

Reflecting on your first year, what advice would you offer to new board members starting their term? 

I would encourage new board members to connect with more veteran NSELA board members to learn from their experiences. In addition, I would encourage new board members to speak up and share their ideas because these ideas will bring a fresh perspective to the organization to help NSELA continue to grow stronger and adapt to the changing needs of science leaders across the country.

Policy Brief

The Education Report is a weekly publication on education policy news from the Bose Public Affairs Group. The Jan. 16 issue has several items that may be of interest to NSELA members, including:

• Passage of Minibus Package: On January 16, the Senate passed a bipartisan three-bill minibus (Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior and Environment), which is expected to be signed by the President. This package rejects deep cuts proposed by the Trump administration, maintaining National Science Foundation funding at approximately $7.18 billion and preserving the STEM Education directorate.
• Upcoming Education Spending Debate: Attention has shifted to the Labor-HHS-Education (LHHS) appropriations bill, with text expected to be released as early as January 18. Negotiations are anticipated to reject White House requests to dismantle the Department of Education or cut major programs like Title I and IDEA.
• Bipartisan Leadership: Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are leading the LHHS negotiations, signaling a shared commitment to a responsible, bipartisan bill that protects core health and education investments without unsustainable spending growth.
• Timeline and Deadlines: The successful enactment of the LHHS bill and the recent minibus would mark significant progress toward completing the FY 2026 appropriations cycle before the January 30 government funding deadline, aiming to avoid another continuing resolution.

NSELA members can read the full issue at the link below.

Dr. Rebecca Hite Receives the 2026 NSELA Outstanding Leadership in Science Education (OLISE) Award

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.

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

Correction: In December's Leadership Spotlight, Dr. Celebre's name was spelled incorrectly. We apologize for the mistake!

The January Leadership Spotlight shines on the Venier Emerging Science Education Leadership Scholarship (VESELS) mentor-mentee pair, Daniel Alcazar-Roman and Kathleen Stynen. The VESEL scholar program connects emerging and experienced science education leaders. Throughout the VESELS year, mentors provide guidance and support to help their mentees grow in their leadership roles. In the column, Daniel and Kathy share their responses to a few questions, offering NSELA members a glimpse into their leadership journeys, insights, experiences, their challenges, and achievements.

Daniel Alcazar-Roman - Mentor

Executive Director of Instructional Materials at the University of California, Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science

What led you to apply as a Mentor/Mentee in the VESELS program?

Daniel: I applied to be a VESEL program mentor because I am passionate about supporting the next generation of science education leaders. Throughout my career, I have benefited greatly from mentors and colleagues who took the time to listen to me, share their experiences and offer guidance. Serving as a mentor is a meaningful way to give back to our community. I have already learned a great deal from my mentee, Kathleen, and the experience has been truly reciprocal.

Kathy: As a seasoned veteran teacher hired into a new district level position for a large school district helping over 200 science teachers, I was overwhelmed. I sought out programs that might assist in networking and giving guidance as a new science leader. Much of the feedback so far has been verifying that the work I have done is right on track and now we are addressing budget concerns from my teachers and will be working on larger scale issues like grants, funding, and instructional materials implementation.

Daniel: The science education community is supportive and generous. Look for opportunities to connect, ask questions, explore your interests, get involved, embrace your unique perspective and expertise, and invite a colleague to join us. We have much to learn from one another, and together we can better support teachers and strengthen science education for all students.

What do you hope to gain from the VESEL program?

Kathy: I am looking forward to gaining Insight into leadership practices, ways to support science educators, and networking with other science leaders throughout the US.

Kathleen Stynen - Mentee

Science Coordinator, Washoe County School District, NV

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

The VESELS Program: Cultivating Success Through Mentorship

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 Vernier Emerging Science Educator Leadership Scholarship (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 NSELA Annual Conference, and join a cohort of peers who support each other during their cohort and beyond.

We are grateful for the Mentor and VESEL Scholar partnerships that develop each year. You can read more about these partnerships in the Leadership Spotlight! Mentor/mentee relationships can lead to network expansion as well as increased career satisfaction and retention.

Program Timeline

• January 13: VESELS Scholarship Application Opens
• February 22: VESELS Applications Due
• February 23-March 1: Application Review and Selection
• March 12: Scholarship Announcement
• April 15: NSELA Annual Conference (virtual meeting for those unable to attend in person)

For more information, please contact Eric Rhoades.

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.

Affiliate Highlight

This month we would like to highlight the work being done at the Michigan Science Education Leadership Association (MSELA). 

Each year, MSELA provides opportunities for science education leaders to gather and learn together. MSELA’s science network, MiSCIPLN (the Michigan Science Professional Learning Network), meets online quarterly throughout the year to support science education leaders. MSELA invites researchers, as well as highlights local leadership experts at each meeting. This year the themes are:

• AI
• Assessment and Grading
• Data
• Climate

Much like NSELA, MSELA has a diverse membership consisting of science education consultants, researchers, higher education, state department representation, and department chairs/leaders. As an NSELA Affiliate, MSELA members benefit from NSELA publications, professional learning, and technology support on NSELA’s website utilizing an NSELA/MSELA liaison position on the MSELA Board. NSELA Members are welcome to join MiSCIPLN and the web series each year!

Find out more about MSELA at https://mselanow.weebly.com/ or on the NSELA Affiliate Page!

MSELA is a Dual Member Affiliate with NSELA. To learn more about affiliates within NSELA, visit the Affiliates page.

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

Electrical Safety Hazards and Protocols in Science Instructional Spaces

Thank you to our Partners!

A Big Thank You to Our 2026 Partners!

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