|
Name:
<#FULL_NAME#> Email: <#EMAIL#> In a recent
study of hiring practices in four urban school districts, 31 to
60 percent of all prospective hires withdrew their applications
from consideration before the districts were prepared to hire them.
These teachers often accepted positions in nearby suburban schools
that offered them employment earlier. The study, titled Missed
Opportunities: How We Keep High-Quality Teachers Out of Urban Classrooms,
showed that of the prospective teachers who withdrew their applications,
almost 50 percent would have accepted a position in an urban school
if it had been offered earlier. The study also found that candidates
who withdrew from the application process were better qualified
than those who did not. District policies for retiring teachers,
union contract requirements, and state budget approval timelines
were cited as the three main contributors to lengthy hiring processes.
To read an article about the study, click here: http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2003_09_29_extra.htm.
Initiative to Bring Nobel Laureates to Schools, Funding to Teachers A program co-sponsored
by the philanthropic NEC Foundation of America and the education
advocacy organization Science Service will bring hundreds of Nobel
Laureates and other distinguished scientists into middle school
classrooms during the 2003–2004 school year and will award
thousands of dollars to teachers seeking funds to realize their
vision of a perfect classroom. The first component of the NEC Extreme
Science program, titled Give a Day, Make a Difference, will enlist
distinguished scientists to volunteer a portion of their day to
working one-on-one with a middle school class in their local community.
The second segment of the NEC Extreme Science program, the NEC Perfect
Classroom Competition, will award grants to three teachers who submit—via
video essay—the most creative ideas for an ideal classroom.
First- through third-place winners will each receive $5,000; $3,000;
and $1,000 respectively. Read more about the NEC Extreme Science
program by clicking on http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2003_09_29_extra.htm#2 This Friday, Oct. 3, is the final day to capture maximum savings on registration for NSTA's Nov. 13–15 Kansas City, MO, convention. Browse the convention agenda of professional development workshops, short courses and presentations, and our exciting array of guests, led by featured speakers including TV documentary producer Bill Kurtis and Bob Ballard, leader of deep-sea discovery expeditions of RMS Titanic, and the German gunship Bismarck, among many famous finds… just click on http://www.nsta.org/conventiondetail&Meeting_Code=2003KAN. NSTA has arranged block housing at several hotels
for attendees of the Minneapolis convention, Oct. 30–Nov.
1. The deadline for making advance reservations is October 3,
so act now! To make your housing arrangements for the Minneapolis
convention, visit http://www.nsta.org/conventionsupport&record_id=75&Meeting_Code=2003MIN.
To explore the exciting agenda and register for the convention,
go to http://www.nsta.org/conventiondetail&Meeting_Code=2003MIN.
And to check out all the amenities and attractions Minneapolis
has to offer, visit http://www.minneapolis.org/. How do you teach subjects
your students can't see, touch, or hear? With models—newly
important since the National Science Education Standards
specifically recommended using them as an organizing framework for
teaching and understanding science. Just released by NSTA Press,
Understanding Models in Earth and Space Science offers practical
guidance for teachers of grades 6–12, whether your lessons
concern molecules or Mars. The book provides an in-depth
look at specific kinds of models—what they are, how they can
be designed, the best ways to use them, and possible shortcomings.
To browse the book online and to order, go to http://store.nsta.org/showItem.asp?product=PB178X.
Been to an NSTA Convention? Loved It? Can We Quote You? If you've been to an NSTA convention and found the
experience to be professionally rewarding, enlightening and a good
investment of your and your district's investment of time and money…
we'd like to hear from you. Telling the nation's science educators
about our annual convention and inviting them to attend carries
much more meaning when the words come from our members and friends.
Tell us in 25–35 words what you found best about an NSTA convention
experience, give us your name, grade level, convention you attended
and your city and state, and we may use your comments in upcoming
promotional materials. Just e-mail us at marketing@nsta.org If you're thinking about retiring or are already enjoying the good life, then you won't want to miss the latest thought-provoking article from the members of the NSTA Retired Members Advisory Board—Retirement Is Only a Few Years Away. Read it at http://www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/nsta_story.php?news_story_ID=48597. The Advisory Board has produced a number of interesting articles on the subject that appear on the NSTA website, including: So You're Thinking About Retirement www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/nsta_story.php?news_story_ID=46424; What to Expect as You Prepare for Retirement www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/nsta_story.php?news_story_ID=46852; and What to Expect After Retirement www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/nsta_story.php?news_story_ID=48028. Still need more information about retiring or simply want to get your questions answered? Then plan to attend the information-packed session Before and After Retirement/Practicalities and Possibilities, which will be held at each of the upcoming NSTA fall conventions. Check your Onsite Program Guide for details, or visit www.nsta.org/conventions. For information on the Retired Members Advisory Board, contact Jay Hackett, chairperson, at Jkh6736@msn.com. Not a member
and want to join? Visit https://ecommerce.nsta.org/membership/apply.asp! If you would rather use email to send suggestions, please send them here: nstaexpress@nsta.org Hope you found
this Monday’s edition of NSTA Express an interesting, quick
read and a worthwhile update on the latest news and information
from the National Science Teachers Association. Our goal is to save
you time by delivering information each week in short "news
bites," so if you'd like to know more, simply select the headline
quick link. NSTA continues to create resources and improve services
for science educators. If you're not already a member, we invite
you to join the crowd by going to www.nsta.org/whyjoin!
THE
FINE PRINT
This e-newsletter is brought to you by the National Science Teachers Association 1840 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201-3000 Phone: (703) 243-7100 http://www.nsta.org
If you want to receive NSTA Express by e-mail, please follow this
link: http://www.nsta.org/newsletters |