I’ve been teaching middle school science for 15 years, and I love my job. But I’m wondering what other opportunities there might be for sharing and expanding my experiences and knowledge. I don’t think I want to be an administrator, but I’m open to suggestions for a new challenge.
—Brita, Virginia Beach, VA
I’d be interested in seeing any formal research on the topic, but I’ve observed many teachers with 10 to 15 years of experience develop the same feelings. They have a good repertoire of teaching strategies, and they are comfortable with their content knowledge. Although they are very confident in their classroom role, they feel a need to explore additional ways to contribute to the teaching and learning processes.
Moving beyond the comfort zone of the classroom requires risk-taking and a willingness to take on additional challenges. The term “teacher leadership” covers a variety of roles teachers can play in their schools. You might investigate opportunities to serve as a science advocate on school committees and task forces, a department chair, instructional coach, mentor, advisory board member, grantwriter, team leader, or project director.
You could become more active in NSTA or your state affiliate by volunteering for committees or running for a leadership office. Consider sharing your experience, expertise, and enthusiasm by writing articles for NSTA journals or NSTA Reports, or presenting at NSTA’s regional or national conferences. Connect with others through the NSTA email lists and the NSTA Communities. You’ll meet interesting people who share your passion for science and will invigorate your intellect.
Read more
If you are planning on attending the Philadelphia conference, don’t forget to “look up” … specifically at night. NSTA conference attendees will be welcomed to the city of brotherly love by having a scrolling message across the “Crown Lights” on the PECO building. This is a Philadelphia tradition that started on the bicentennial—July 4, 1976. The display utilizes more than 2 million new, energy-efficient LED lights which helps all “Go Green.”
There children are planning and designing structures every day with little teacher direction. Measuring is easy too, especially if the blocks are unit blocks where every two make one of the next size up. Add the experience of recording the process by asking children open-ended questions (Tell me what you are working on now. If you don’t like the tipping, what can you do to stop it? What else can you use since all the long blocks are being used?) and writing down their thoughts. Put paper on clipboards or trays in the block area and invite children to draw their structure, or just the “best” part of it.
Exemplary science program monograph series
NSTA members are invited to use these monographs and to volunteer to help as members of the National Review Team for the future ESPs.
In addition, plans for ESP 8 are in the works. It is to focus on NSES Goal 4, which seeks to identify exemplary situations that illustrate preparation of students for science- and technology-related careers. Your nomination of potential authors (teachers) in your state would be of great help! In addition, you are invited to assist some of your outstanding teachers in preparing an outline, and it would be great if you were not only encouraging, but also if you would consider being a co-author.
Please direct questions, suggestions, or ready-to-be contributors to Bob Yager, who coordinates the national efforts. E-mail robert-yager@uiowa.edu; call (cell) 319-541-2857 or (office) 319-335-1189; or write to Room 769 VAN, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.