Many educators use summer break to reevaluate career goals. Volunteering is often considered a valuable asset on a resume or CV for almost any profession, including educators. Professionals of any age can develop new skills, expand professional networks, and open doors to opportunities for career growth through volunteering.
Get involved in shaping the future of NSTA by participating in one of the following three options: standing committees, advisory boards, or award review panels. With more than 30 different topics, you are sure to find an opportunity to spark your interest. Take some time to review your options before online applications go live on September 1.

Standing Committees

Standing Committee volunteers review NSTA policies, programs, and activities on an annual basis. Although there are 14 different committee topics, these committees are further broken into three subsets:

• Level: Volunteers review and report on whether the organization serves the interests of educators at four levels of science teaching: preschool/elementary; middle level; high school; and college.
• Function: Volunteers review the impact of NSTA’s work on roles outside the classroom, such as coordination and supervision; informal science; multicultural and equity issues; preservice teacher preparation; and professional development.
• Task: Volunteers review internal and external NSTA tasks and processes behind activities such as awards and recognition; budget and finance; nominations; and organizational auditing.

Committee members work directly with members of the Board of Directors and can have a positive impact on science education at the national level.

Advisory Boards

Have you ever wanted to submit an idea for improvement to an NSTA journal, conference, or program? Do you have a great inkling for innovation in urban science or special education? Advisory Board members have the opportunity to give direct input, guidance, and advice to members of the NSTA staff and the Board of Directors.
More than 15 different Advisory Boards cover the breadth of the organization:
Publication Advisory Boards

• Science and Children Advisory Board
• Science Scope Advisory Board
• The Science Teacher Advisory Board
• Journal of College Science Teaching Advisory Board

NSTA Reports Advisory Board
Aerospace Programs Advisory Board
Conference Advisory Board
Development Advisory Board
International Advisory Board
Investment Advisory Board
John Glenn Center for Science Education Advisory Board
Retired Members Advisory Board
Science Matters Advisory Board
Science Safety Advisory Board
Special Education Advisory Board
Technology Advisory Board
Urban Science Education Advisory Board

Review Panels

Members who volunteer on Review Panels are charged with joint selection for specific NSTA programs, including the following:

• Children’s Book Council (which selects the annual “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children” list)
• New Science Teachers Academy
• Shell Science Teaching Award

Volunteers bring outside perspectives and professional experience to NSTA programs, products, and activities, so consider taking your membership beyond reading your journal or attending a conference. Volunteers are essential to the success of NSTA. Join our team of volunteers by applying this fall!

More Time?

The best volunteers love to be part of a team—and they are always looking for passionate new volunteers. Learn more about the current Board of Directors and the newest leaders selected for Standing Committees, Advisory Boards, and Review Panels. Reach out to learn more about these opportunities!
Laura Berry of Cogberry Creative is our guest blogger for this series. Laura is a communications professional for the education community.