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BRAND NEW LOGO FOR ASTA!
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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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Learn New Science Standards for Alaska
PAST PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Fall 2024
The school year has just begun and already dramatic
displays of the power of nature have occurred. Since I
live in southeast in another town that has experienced
the losses from a landslide, the news from Ketchikan on August 25 hit hard. Our climate has been changing and we are hard pressed to respond and adapt. This summer a new tsunami warning system was installed in my community of Haines. Some people asked "why?" and others asked "what are we supposed to do when it goes off?" Just a couple more reasons that it would be so good for all of us to become more knowledgeable about
science. In some schools earth science is rarely taught if at all. "Why should I learn about that? I am not going to be a scientist." Science is a way to explore and explain our world. It is not really a specialty. It is the network our natural curiosity streams every day.
All classroom teachers have opportunity to develop lifelong learners. As fast as our world is changing, helping students understand themselves as learners and celebrate all the ways they pose questions
and seek answers are the best skills we can promote.
ASTA would like to become a strong resource for all teachers. In order to do that, we need to build our membership and make the shift to new ways to communicate and network. You are invited to take advantage of the "Jump Start" membership option and join ASTA for free through January 15. At the tool bar above scroll to Membership and click the appropriate button. We want to reach out and get to know you!
And if you are on Facebook, you can visit the Alaska Science Teachers page anytime. There are lots of interesting posts there. I hope you will join the network and think about the interests and skills you could share with your peers in a great state for teaching and learning about science!
Have a terrific year!
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 |
