As the rush of back-to-school finally dwindles, teachers of all levels now face day-to-day classroom management, assessments, and ongoing professional development. In addition to upcoming in-person conferences, NSTA Members from teachers to administrators need ways to reach out virtually for help from fellow members.

One of the most popular and accessible ways for members to get quick professional development advice and stay abreast of education trends is through the free NSTA’s E-Mail List Server. Members discuss things like middle school science competitions, model-based biology, kitchen chemistry, 23 and Me genetics clubs, academic dishonesty, artifiicial selection, STEM, the Next Generation Science Standards, new technology… the list goes on and on.

1. Anytime answers

With more than 20 categories of discussion, the list server allows members to sign up for specific topics such as early childhood, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and pedagogy. No need to wait until regular working hours to pose a question or vet an idea.

2. Established community

Developed more than 10 years ago, NSTA e-mail lists are stronger than ever. Exclusive to NSTA members, you can know that each voice on the lists is a member in the science education community. With each email, participants are instantly connected to expertise around the world.

3. Etiquette and guidance

Like any professional community, NSTA asks for members to agree to rules for participation. Organic conversations are expected, yet topics should stay on topic. NSTA allows participants to unsubscribe at any time.

It’s not just participants who learn from these discussions. Did you know NSTA E-Mail threads have been considered the “PD gold mine” and have led to articles in NSTA publications such as NSTA Reports? Connect with other educators, connect with members, and connect directly with NSTA through the E-mail List Server.

More time?

Take your e-mail discussion to the next level by joining the NSTA Learning Center to connect with like-minded colleagues at various levels of experience. Join a community forum to learn and to share. You can always ask questions from online advisors, but you might be the one person with the answer for someone else.

Not a member of NSTA? Learn more about how to join.

Laura Berry of Cogberry Creative is our guest blogger for this series. Laura is a communications professional for the education community.