National Science Teachers Association
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The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), founded in 1944 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is an association of science teachers in the United States and is the largest organization of science teachers worldiwide. NSTA's current membership of more than 55,000 includes science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in and committed to science education. The organization's mission is to "to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all."
The Association publishes a professional journal for each level of science teaching; a newspaper, NSTA Reports; and many other educational books and professional publications. Each year NSTA conducts a national conference and a series of area conferences. These events attract over 30,000 attendees annually. The Association serves as an advocate for science educators by keeping its members and the general public informed about national issues and trends in science education.
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[edit] Position statements
NSTA is engaged in an ongoing effort to "identify the qualities and standards of good science education," publishing its findings in the form of position statements.[1] These position statements are developed by science educators, scientists, and other national experts in science education, and the input of NSTA's membership is solicited before final approval by the board of directors. Over 35 topics are covered, including The Nature of Science, Safety and Science Instruction, The Teaching of Evolution, Environmental Education, Responsible Use of Live Animals and Dissection in the Science Classroom, Gender Equity in Science Education, and Use of the Metric System.
[edit] Building a Presence for Science
NSTA runs a number of professional development programs.[2] The program Building a Presence for Science operates state by state and is intended to create a national network of science teachers (one point of contact in each school) and give them professional support and resource materials so they can be a visible representative for science by helping their colleagues.[3]
[edit] Inconvenient Truth declined
The producers of a film about climate change, An Inconvenient Truth (which was released on DVD by Paramount Home Entertainment on November 21 2006), offered 50,000 free copies to the National Science Teachers Association for educators to use in their classrooms. However, film producer Laurie David claimed NSTA refused to accept them due to fear of "special interests," which included ExxonMobil.[4] NSTA claims it chose not to distribute the DVD because of the cost involved and a non-endorsement policy it has had since 2001.[5]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ NSTA. NSTA Position Statements. Retrieved on 2007-12-12.
- ^ NSTA. NSTA Professional Development Opportunities. Retrieved on 2007-12-12.
- ^ Building a Presence for Science - Frequently Asked Questions (1996-2006). Retrieved on 2006-11-26.
- ^ Laurie David. "Science a la Joe Camel", The Washington Post, 26 November 2006. Retrieved on 2006-11-26.
- ^ NSTA. "NSTA Statement on the Distribution of "An Inconvenient Truth"", NSTA, 30 November 2006. Retrieved on 2006-11-30.
