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

Matt Christiansen, Ed.D.
Professional Learning Director (Year 3)

K-12 Director of Science, Engineering, Technology, and Enrichment Programs - Oceanside Schools, NY

It is a privilege to serve as your Director of Professional Learning, a position on our Board of Directors that is fueled by the belief that strong science leadership is the catalyst for changing what is truly possible for both teachers and students. Throughout my time with NSELA, I have been inspired by this dynamic community of professionals who don’t just talk about leading change but actively make it  

happen. By sharing ideas and building one 

another's capacity to serve our districts and states, we create a powerful network of support. That sense of purpose and belonging is what makes NSELA so special, and it is what drives my commitment to our shared mission.

Over the past two and a half years, I have aimed to create spaces where science leaders can learn from one another and collaborate toward equitable, Framework-based instruction. Whether through supporting the planning of our last two annual conferences or coordinating webinar opportunities that connect members to timely best practices, my goal has been to ensure our members have the tools they need to succeed and grow as leaders. These experiences have reinforced how vital it is to elevate new voices and perspectives by providing consistent, high-quality professional learning that resonates across the leadership landscape.

As I look toward the future, I am humbled that I will be transitioning into the role of President-Elect this June. This next step is both an honor and a serious responsibility, and I hope to maintain my commitment to the diverse perspectives of our board and membership. While my title will change, my focus remains the same: to work side-by-side with my fellow Board members to keep NSELA’s mission at the center. Together, we will continue to educate, collaborate, and advocate for the leaders who shape science learning every single day.

Policy Brief

The Education Report is a weekly publication on education policy news from the Bose Public Affairs Group. The Feb. 13 issue has several items that may be of interest to NSELA members, including:

• Update on budget appropriations for the federal Department of Education
• Guidance from the Department on Education on flexibility in how Title II funds can be used
• A webinar on how states can support career-connected learning
• A House Appropriations hearing on the science of reading
• A House hearing on the implications of a 2025 Supreme Court decision requiring a means for parents to opt their child out of instruction that conflicts with their religious beliefs
• A lawsuit from Minnesota public school districts and Education Minnesota, the state teachers’ union, seeking to force the Department of Homeland Security to end immigration enforcement near schools

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

CASTL-K12 Update

NSELA is excited to be a part of the Collaborative for Advancing Science Teaching and Learning in K-12 (CASTL-K12), an action collaborative directed by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. CASTL-K12 "brings together a diverse cadre of invested cross-sector organizations to collaboratively work toward and share targeted, evidence-based action to support equitable implementation of Framework-inspired state-level science standards.” The CASTL-K12 organizations meet twice a year face to face, and four additional times in 3-hour online working group meetings. NSELA is part of the Empowering School and Instructional Leaders working group.

The CASTL-K12 member organizations first convened one year ago, and have since been thinking together about ways to continue to advance the implementation of A Framework for K-12 Science Education (Framework). This fall, the CASTL-K12 teams were encouraged to think about actions that could be taken by their organizations in the short term, that will advance long term goals for implementing the vision of the Framework. As a result, the NSELA Board will consider expanding the VESEL Scholars mentoring program, as well as developing a leadership academy to advance a science leadership pipeline. Both are ideas that support the current NSELA Strategic Plan. Action plans developed and utilized by the CASTL-K12 member organizations will contribute to further implementing the vision of the Framework and will be evaluated, revised, and reconsidered as we move forward.

At the most recent CASTL-K12 meeting, participating organizations focused their thinking around Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the implications for science education. AI will be an ongoing conversation in our field, and there is much to learn and consider along the way. Through the CASTL-K12 network, NSELA is developing powerful connections to organizations with similar goals. Look for additional information in the year to come about the National Academies CASTL-K12 initiative!

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

Stephanie Alderman-Oler - STEM-Science Program Manager, Kansas Department of Education

What has been a challenge for you as a leader?

Competing priorities. My own competing priorities and needing to manage time and energy. But, also navigating the competing priorities in education, in schools, and in policies.

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

As a state leader I am most proud of the work I do with our cohort of teacher leaders. We have teacher leader consultants, who are classroom teachers that work part time for the state department of education and field educators who work on a contract basis. These classroom teachers have really grown into leaders in our state and have developed some strong support for other teachers.

What advice do you have for those pursuing science leadership?

It's ok to not be the expert in the room. Surround yourself with people with different experiences than you, who can provide perspectives different than yours, and who can help you continue to grow.

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

Upcoming Professional Learning Events

The next few months leading up to the annual conference are filled with opportunities to connect and learn. Check out these virtual learning options:

• Guidance for Administrators: What to Look for in a 3-Dimensional Science Classroom
• Partner Webinar - Leading Safe Science Programs: From Intention to Infrastructure (Flinn Scientific)
• Partner Webinar - Inclusive and Accessible Science Solutions for your Classroom (LEGO® Education Science)

And don't forget to register for the 2026 NSELA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA taking place April 15. You will have the opportunity to engage with four focused learning strands: Designing for Place (Community-Centered Learning), Designing for People (Cultivating Professional Growth), Designing for Impact (Data-Informed Systems), and Designing for Tomorrow (Harnessing Innovation). See you there!

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

Arizona State University - ASU has three free research-informed Modeling Workshops in physics and chemistry (June 1 to 19) 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; that deadline is April 1. View this link to learn more.

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

Managing Noise Exposure in Laboratory Instructional Spaces

The STEELS Safety Guide

The STEELS Safety Guide developed by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education provides a convenient reference for Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) educators. The guide includes recommended safety practices for classroom, laboratory, and field experiences. The Guide authors were Dr. Ken Roy and Dr. Tyler Love.

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