No Teacher Left Unsupported
With the emphasis on the No Child Left Behind legislation, we in the arena of education are feeling the impact in the classroom as well as in professional organizations. To avoid this effect teachers have to educate themselves about NCLB information and be proactive in their own educational plan. Teachers can take an active role in professional development by working with their school and district to create the needs assessment, then using the results of the needs assessment to chart a personal education plan (PEP). The teacher's PEP should be consulted in developing the School Improvement Plan. When writing the PEP, teachers should consider multiple opportunities and activities to learn, practice and share with other professionals in the science community. Such activities and experiences are workshops, conferences and seminars that present methods in science inquiry, research experiences, mentoring and collaboration with peers and scientists.

To understand the new laws that govern the NCLB Title II money, Jodie Peterson from NSTA has put together a collection of resources for science teachers including a PowerPoint presentation to help teachers better understand this legislation. The PowerPoint presentation outlines key provisions of interest to teachers, detailed information on the federal grant that replaces the Eisenhower program, and much more. Under NCLB, all teachers must be "highly qualified" by 2005-06. A flow chart was also developed by the National Education Association to determine if you meet the "highly qualified" definition under the new federal law.

As president of NCSTA I implore you to include the national and state conventions as a part of your professional education plan. By including these events into your plan, it then becomes a signed, legal document that your administration will have to honor as a part of your professional growth. NCSTA conventions are powerful teacher professional development opportunities that provide science teachers with strands that focus on science literacy, technology skills, safety and inquiry.

This year's conference will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers flight at Kitty Hawk. NASA will have a huge presence at the conference by have numerous booths and presenting at least one workshop per session. Thanks go to Carolyn Elliott and Jayson Duncan for working hard to make this a truly memorable conference. Jayson Duncan has traveled to Langley Research Center in Virginia to ensure NASA's attendance at the conference. Mark your calendars for the conference and be sure to sign up to be a presenter. By stating your intentions to present at the conference and writing it into your PEP will help guarantee your attendance at the NCSTA State Conference this fall. Please go to our website and download a form today.

In April, NCSTA held the annual State Science Fair at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC. I would like to personally thank Meredith College and Dr. Mecham, Chairman of the Biology and Health Sciences Department for allowing us use of the brand new science wing. Parents, science teachers and students raved over the new facilities and the fair provided a great recruiting opportunity for Meredith College. Many thanks need to be extended to Judy Day, Misti Anderson and Linda James for their valiant efforts in chairing the science fair. It was a tremendous success and the quality of projects were the best seen at this level. These ladies have really gone beyond the call of duty and it showed in the success of the fair. Please be sure to thank these ladies the next time you see them!

My challenge to the board and membership of NCSTA is to go out and voice the benefits and features of our organization. I believe in professional growth and developing collaboration with fellow science teachers. In order to provide serves to our novice and experienced teachers we must continue to support the organization and encourage the pre-service and ILT's to become valuable members. Throughout my term as president, I will work on marketing strategies and informative packets that will serve our current members and encourage future science teachers to join at this crucial time. Please contact me if you have any ideas for benefits or features that would be advantageous to our membership. Together we can make a difference and make NCSTA the best organization in North Carolina.