Alaska science teachers association

Motivate Celebrate Collaborate Advocate

for effective and engaging science education

Remember professional conferences in person? They're baaaacck! Come to Juneau this fall and join colleagues from around the state who are sharing their successes and challenges and want to hear yours.. Also learn about the enriching science and cultural education resources Juneau teachers have at their fingertips.

You can even come early and join JSD at their in-service on October 13.

Field trips, keynote speakers, social events, breakout sessions, vendors...

FOR MORE ON THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY Click here

Learn New Science Standards for Alaska

through this WEBINAR SERIES

Available as free recordings
Awareness of Science Standards for Alaska
Introduction with Dept. of Ed and ED staff
By Teachers for Teachers

Note: Recordings have transcription attached

Introduction Recording

Grades K-2 Recording Grades 6-8 Recording

Grades 3-5 Recording Grades 9-12 Recording

Link for Description

PAST PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE, Summer 2022

It is my sincere hope that all Alaska teachers have had a chance to rest and recharge this summer. I have heard from members and others who have participated or led some highly engaging professional development opportunities, many of them outdoors. The first Place-Based Institute sponsored by ASTA was a success and plans are being considered to hold another. With many districts developing plans to build in protection from the virus while minimizing disruptions, perhaps this year will feel a little smoother.

To celebrate the return of a full lineup of content in districts across the state, including science and integration of STEAM and cultural elements, the postponed conference has been revived and is sure to be energizing for all participants and presenters. (see link above) Be sure to register and arrange lodging and transportation and time away from your classroom as soon as you can commit.

Closely following that will be an effort to ensure that the goals of increased and improved science education is a part of all district plans. So many of the challenges faced in our country can best be met if ALL people understand how science works, why it matters, and how it applies to dealing with wildfire, landslides, disease spread, and making our communities safe. Maybe you are one of those who has been advocating for more and better science and supporting your peers in developing their competencies. If you ARE one of the voices advocating for stronger science education in your school, your district, your community, we could use you in the leadership of ASTA. Some of us are more than ready to pass the baton to younger teachers and are willing to mentor people for a smooth transition. There will be a couple of sessions to talk about organizational leadership at the October 2022 AK STEAM Conference, "Leveraging Learning and Equity through STEAM." Please join us there if you are attending, and feel free to reach out to me to talk about this through another means if you cannot. Click for conversation.

Please strongly consider joining ASTA this year, and NSTA (national), too, so we can strengthen our voices to build opportunities in science. ASTA wants to know what you need to put your best foot forward for your students and to enjoy the journey with them.

Sincerely,

Patty Brown, ASTA Past (and Acting) President 2021-2022

Click this link for membership options

For more information on how to apply for the PRESIDENTIAL

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHING

or nominate someone else, go to PAEMST or contact Joey Jigliotti for science or Sandy Schoff for math. There are mentors available to help guide you in the intricate process.

Did you miss the 2022 nomination deadline of March 1 and application deadline of April 1? Watch this space for information for the next round which will be for grade 6-12 teachers.

The 2022 nomination period will open this fall. The process of applying is itself professional development in its purest form, away from the oversight of administrators or actual instructors. It is a time for self-reflection and celebrating your intrinsic gifts as a teacher. Keep science and math education moving forward and in the news!

If you have applied before, please note that there have been some changes made. These include the allowance of up to one break in their video, opportunity to respond to state-level reviews through an addendum in early June, more detail provided in instructions related to responding to the Five Dimensions of Outstanding Teaching prompts.

THE NEWEST PRESIDENTIAL AWARDEE COMES FROM THE KENAI