Part II: SPA Exploration

National Science Teachers of America

 Identification of national SPA
o National Science Teachers of America (NSTA) – national
o Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) – state
 Overview of history of NSTA
o Founded in 1944 in Arlington, Virginia
o Current membership: 50,000
o Committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for
all.
 The Mission, Vision, Standards;
o There seven guide principles that NSTA try to abide by. They want to: model excellence;
champion science literacy; value scientific excellence; embrace diversity, equity, and
respect, enhance teaching and learning through research; collaborate with partners; and
exemplify a dynamic professional organization.
 Membership process, cost and benefits
o Membership for teachers and student range from $39-$79
 New teacher/preservice -- $39 for the first five years of teaching
o Membership for libraries and Schools -- $99
o NSTA members receive:
 A NSTA journal of your choice
 NSTA Reports (quick-read newspaper)
 On Email list that provides 20 topic areas
 Admissions to NSTA Learning Center and other resources
 200 other products and services
 Conferences associated with NSTA
o The aim of the NSTA conferences is to provide teachers with the latest science content,
teaching strategy, and research so science teacher can expand their knowledge.
o NSTA hosts a national conference in the spring on science education and three area
conferences in the fall, plus a STEM Forum and Expo.
o Upcoming Conferences:
 Reno: October 11-13
 National Harbor: November 15-17
 Science Education: A National Priority
 Price:
o $200 full registration (on-line NSTA member)
o $110 full registration (Full-time student)
 Keynote Speaker: Mireya Mayor
o Primatologist and National Geographic Explorer
 Sessions
o Facilitating Student-Created Field Studies in Your Local Environment
 o Is This Your First NSTA Conference? First-Timer Conference Attendees'
Orientation
o Building Global Citizens, One STEAM Challenge at a Time
o Exploring Climate Change in the Polar Regions
o Phenomenal Classroom Critters
 Charlotte: Nov. 29-1
 St. Louis (National): April 11-14
 Publication that are associated with the SPA
o NSTA publishes several different journals
 Science and Children – for elementary school teachers
 Science Scope – for middle school teachers
 The Science Teacher – for high school teachers
 Journal of College Science Teaching – for college professors
o NSTA publish a free of charge e-Newsletter to members and nonmembers
o Podcasts
 Lab Out Loud
 Blick on Flicks
 Behind the Books