Editor’s Note:  In this blog series commemorating NSTA’s 75^th Anniversary we take a look to the past with an eye to the future.

Can you imagine attending an NSTA convention over Thanksgiving weekend?!

Indeed, that was the timing of NSTA’s first regional meetings (in conjunction with NEA and AAAS), in 1944.     

However, NSTA’s first “independent” National Convention was held in 1953 with a registration of about 620 educators, representing 33 different states and 28 commercial exhibits. 

Sixty-six years later, the NSTA National Conferences boasts a registration of more than 10 times that number.  Attendees come from every state in the nation and from more than 25 different countries.  We now have more than 300 exhibiting companies!

According to many attendees, the conferences continue to provide a valuable source of professional development.  NSTA conferences are THE place to be if you want to:

• network with like-minded colleagues;
• obtain professional development that is specific to your grade level/interest or content area;
• become a mentor or mentee;
• find someone who understands and has experienced your classroom challenges;
• hear invited speakers who are relative to what’s happening in STEM education;
• engage, learn, and/or share best practices; or,
• get re-energized and be reminded of the positive impact you have on so many students, every day!

Our conferences are packed with opportunities to meet and engage with other educators and administrators and spend time in an exhibit hall filled with up-to-date technology, software, lab equipment, books, and other resources that will enhance your classroom and teaching skills.

A diverse committee of educators (your peers) come together well in advance of a conference to develop the strands and programming.  As a result, addressing your interests and priorities is always the ultimate goal.

Whether a national, area conference, or the STEM Forum & Expo, there is no better place to get motivated and re-gain pride in being an educator!

If you have never attended an NSTA conference, then I would like to personally invite you to join us for the 8th Annual STEM Forum & Expo in San Francisco this July 24-26.  

The STEM Forum is a unique, focused event that brings together (informal and formal) educators and representatives from exhibiting companies who are interested in, and who have tools and resources to share that will ensure successful implementation of STEM education into our schools and communities. It is intended to provide resources for educators and organizations seeking to learn more about STEM education, associated outreach programs, partnerships, schools, and curricula. .

You will not want to miss this professional development opportunity!  Mark your calendar now for the STEM Forum or any of our conferences this fall, and help us celebrate 75 years of supporting all teachers of science!

Our staff looks forward to seeing you soon!

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

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