Welcome Back!

1. When will you complete your professional development plans for this year? Do it now and don’t forget to include the Regional NSTA Conference in Charlotte this October. The North Carolina Science Teachers Association will host NSTA year and so be sure join us there. NCSTA members will have the benefit of attending all sessions with speakers and presenters from across the nation. I am so excited about the variety it provides for science teachers of all levels. Personally, I cannot wait to hear forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs speak. I have read her books and am a vivid Bones fan! I am also sure that as you examine the program guide you will discover other interesting and informative sessions.

2. Ask now for professional development funds for the conference. Since the conference is in October rather than November, ask now for funding and substitutes. You did this already? OK, now make sure you write for one of the NCSTA’s Study and Curriculum Grants. This is one way to get those innovative ideas into action this year.

3. Did you get around to nominating someone for an office or for an award? It’s as easy as going to our website. Don’t let another year pass without recognizing all the wonderful teachers out there. You know who they are!

4.Also don’t forget that with your NCSTA membership you are entitled to a free entrance to the Nature and Science Centers here in North Carolina. What a perfect way to relax with others on a nippy fall weekend!

If you have accomplished these four resolutions, congratulations, you are one organized and dedicated science teacher this New Year! One more resolution, commit now to connect with other science teachers at your school and within your district. As busy as we all are, spending a Friday afternoon drinking coffee with other science teachers helps us to decompress from a whirlwind week and has us walking away thinking we have solved all the science teaching problems of the world. Don’t forget as the year progresses, if you have suggestions or concerns for NCSTA feel free to contact any officer, district director or committee chair.

As always, enjoy the journey!
Fanette Hines Entzminger
NCSTA President