Now that fall is almost here it is time for you and our colleagues to apply to be an NSTA board or council member. The web portal to apply – or nominate someone else – is now open at https://www.nsta.org/about/governance/nominations.aspx. Applications are due October 17, 2019.

I am on my 5^th year on the board, first as the Informal Science Director and currently as President. The experience has been one of the most fulfilling of my career. I appreciate the opportunity to engage with thoughtful people who believe passionately in the value and importance of science education for the future of our children, society and even human civilization.  It has also been a great learning experience, as I now better understand the science education landscape across the country and Canada.

But don’t just take my word for it:

“Being a member of council and liaison to science educators in District XIV (Arizona, Colorado and Utah) has showed how NSTA involvement can create on ramps to teacher leadership. Before I discovered teaching as a career, I was a meeting planner and being a part of the planning teams for the National Congress on Science Education, and the Phoenix Regional Conference, has made me so happy as my two careers have intersected and I have met so many amazing people working to make a difference in education.”

– Wendi Laurence, District XIV District, NSTA Council

“Being a part of the NSTA governance has been rewarding in so many ways! I continue to grow and learn as a science educator and I also get to meet and work with so many incredible people who are passionate about ensuring a quality science education for all students. I love to encourage others to participate in NSTA leadership roles as part of their science education journey.”

– Jen Gutierrez, Division Director Professional Learning in Science Education, NSTA Board of Directors

The Board is comprised of three (3) NSTA Presidents and ten (10) Division Directors. The Council is comprised of the NSTA President and eighteen (18) District Directors.

Board of Director Offices to be filled in the 2020 election are:

• President—Term of office: 3-year commitment beginning June 2020 through May 2023 (Year 1 as President-elect; Year 2 as President; Year 3 as Retiring President)
• Division Directors—Term of office: 3-year commitment beginning June 2020 through May 2023
  • Multicultural/Equity in Science Education
  • Preservice Teacher Preparation
  • Research in Science Education

Council Offices to be filled in the 2020 election are:

• District Directors—Term of office: 3-year commitment beginning June 2020 through May 2023
  • District I: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
  • District VI: North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
  • District VII: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi
  • District XII: Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin
  • District XIII: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
  • District XVIII: Canada

The NSTA Board of Directors and Council work together to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all, and NSTA is only as strong as the people who volunteer to be active on our board, council, and committees. Please encourage all strong leaders in the field to apply.

Don’t forget the application deadline is October 17, 2019 and you can apply at https://www.nsta.org/about/governance/nominations.aspx.

Dennis Schatz is the president of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). He began serving his one-year term on June 1, 2019. Schatz is currently Senior Advisor at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Washington and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Learning Innovation. He was the founding field editor for the journal Connected Science Learning, a joint effort of NSTA and ASTC (Association of Science Technology Centers).

The mission of NSTA is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.