• NSTA Establishes John Glenn Tribute Fund
• News Roundup
• Deadline Fast Approaching for Cincinnati Savings

NSTA Establishes John Glenn Tribute Fund

In recognition of Senator Glenn’s outstanding life achievements; his dedication to the advancement of the teaching of science; his concern for the future well-being of our nation; and his enduring faith in the ability of new generations to meet new responsibilities, the NSTA Board of Directors has established The John Glenn Tribute Fund.

Watch Senator Glenn’s video address to the 2008 NSTA Conference on Science Education.

The John Glenn Tribute Fund will support NSTA’s Center for Science Education Campaign. NSTA’s goal is to raise a minimum of $10 million in honor of Senator Glenn by September 27, 2010—the 10th anniversary of the release of his commission’s groundbreaking report Before It's Too Late: A Report to the Nation From the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century.

To further honor Senator Glenn’s commitment to the future of our nation’s children and to his enduring support for all teachers of science, the NSTA Board of Directors has announced that it will name its new facility The John Glenn Center for Science Education. This extraordinary center will develop into a national gathering place for all stakeholders dedicated to the future of science education and sustain the vision originally outlined in the 2000 Glenn Commission report.

Click here to make a contribution the John Glenn Tribute Fund.

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News Roundup

Science and education in the news: According to USA Today, a growing number of school districts, especially those in poor urban and rural districts, are hiring teachers from foreign countries to fill shortages in science, math, and special education. Associated Press reports that a new study from Education Trust claims that the United States is now the only industrialized country where young people are less likely than their parents to earn a diploma. And an October 21 USA Today article highlights how school districts in at least eight states are moving away from a traditional pay model for teachers and experimenting with teacher-pay packages that front-load higher salaries and offer bonuses.

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Science educators: consider NSTA’s Conference on Science Education in Cincinnati, Ohio, for brushing up on content knowledge, learning teaching techniques, gathering lesson plans to stimulate students, attending sessions on topics like literacy, assessment, inquiry—and more. It’s planned for December 2–4, 2008, and includes sessions for every grade band and discipline. There is only one week until our earlybird deadline, Oct. 31, to save $109 off registration.

Check out a sampling:

• Teachers of young learners—Discover innovative resources and best practices designed to lay the foundation for lifelong science learning by attending Elementary Science Day.
• Elementary school teachers—Learn to use data as a tool to properly highlight strengths in student learning and improve instruction through presentations such as Hop into Mathematics and Science Connections and Helping Students Analyze Field Data.
• Middle school teachers—Experience activities that encourage student participation. Hands-on-sessions include Activities in Air Quality for the Secondary Classroom, Stop Faking It! Finally Understand LIGHT AND SOUND So You Can Teach It, and Nature of Science in Hands-On Physical Science Activities.
• High school teachers—Encourage students to recognize the presence of science in their every day lives by Teaching Science Through Real-World Events the NSF Way, and Bring the Science of Cars into the Classroom.
• Visit more than 140 companies in the Exhibit Hall to learn about new products, sign up for exhibitor workshops, and pick up giveaways. Bring an extra tote!
• Make your conference experience count! Earn one graduate credit through Xavier University for attending 12 hours of programs at the conference.

Visit www.nsta.org/cincinnati for more information and to register for the conference.

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And Don’t Forget…

Visit our member services web page to ensure that NSTA has your current contact information.

Visit the NSTA Science Store for an outstanding array of bestselling books and teaching resources. Receive 30% off the price of the October featured book, Help! I'm Teaching Middle School Science.

NSTA is offering more Web Seminars through the autumn months. Visit the website for more information and to register to attend these FREE professional development opportunities.