As we prepare the turkey and brave the elements (some of us) for those last minute ingredients we forgot, this time of the year we give thanks for family and friends. NSTA is no different – we are very thankful for our members and here are just a few reasons why:

1. There’s work to be done and our members help us get things done. Our volunteer leaders are second to none. From our board of directors, council members and standing committees to our advisory boards, task forces and ad hoc workgroups, NSTA may have the hardest working, most engaged members of any professional organization. NSTA would not be the organization is it without the strong foundation we have in our leadership.
2. Our members are dedicated. They care about the future of science education and their profession. When it seems as though no one else cares about the content we create or the events and activities we plan, our members continue to be engaged. They are smart and they share that knowledge in our online communities, on listserves and as presenters during our conferences. Whatever it takes to move science education forward, NSTA members go the extra mile to deliver.
3. NSTA members really do believe in the mission “…to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.”  While it’s true that members join NSTA for different reasons and not all members join to give back to their profession, in the end they renew their membership and continue to do so because of what this organization represents and its value. And that is why we create content-rich, peer-reviewed journals, award-winning publications, five premier science education conferences, web seminars and a host of other products, benefits and services.

NSTA is grateful for our members every day!

On behalf of NSTA, I want to wish everyone a happy and joyous Thanksgiving.