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BRAND NEW LOGO FOR ASTA!
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Learn New Science Standards for Alaska through this WEBINAR SERIES Available as free recordings Note: Recordings have transcription attached Introduction Recording Grades 3-5 Recording Grades 9-12 Recording
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No one can miss the feeling that public education is in a bit of turmoil these days. The challenges in the wake of the pandemic closures, huge teacher turnover and dissatisfaction, shortages of teachers across the board and in particular fields, new rigid standards for certain fundamental subjects, book bans and unhappy parents, and lack of financial support to close the learning gaps and entice teachers to come to Alaska, or stay in Alaska, and do this important work.
I believe that now more than ever, relevance has to be at the forefront of what we do. Instead of wringing our hands about the storms and fires and ocean warming brought about by climate change, let's learn and teach about
the systems and feedback loops that are operating. We can integrate geography in the context of why Alaska has a front row seat for some of the impacts. There are some ingenious ideas coming forward that can help us thwart disaster and we can blend social sciences in learning about a path toward solutions.
This year K-3 teachers, in particular, are under extra pressure to meet Alaska's new reading goals. I am afraid that some in leadership believe that means there is no time to teach science. Yes. There is time to encourage the engineers of the future.
Time to let students exploreand discuss and invent together.
Time to discover what is living and growing in their neighborhood, their village, their beaches and rivers. Time to fan the flames of curiosity, the very fuel for all creativity and wonder and achievements of humanity. We can't stop now.
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. The 2024 nomination period will open this fall and will be just for K-6 teachers. 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. Past Alaskan winners include Marily Asicksik of Shaktoolik (1996 K-6) Jennifer Childress of Diamond High School (2017 7-12), Jason Daniels of Kalifornsky Beach Elementary (2020 K-6), Rebecca Himschoot of Sitka (2012 K-6), and Joanna Hubbard of Nicholas Begich Middle School (2011 7-12). More awardees are listed on PAEMST web site. Past Awardees |