We are nearing the end of the school year and I’m sure this message finds you immersed in your job and busy as ever. There is a good feeling that comes with this time of year – it’s almost over, your accomplishments are paying off, and there is excitement in the air as the students realize they are moving on.

On May 5th your NCSTA Board met at the Greensboro Natural Science Center. If you’ve never been to the center please visit it some day. You’ll be pleased to see the outdoor wildlife habitats they maintain in their zoo as well as their educational activities indoors. I was so impressed! We accomplished a lot in the planning of our 39th annual Professional Development Institute scheduled for November 15-16, 2007, Earth: A Good Planet is Hard to Find. NASA will be our main attraction providing speakers for our General Sessions, breakout sessions, and exhibit hall features. Our awards program is strong and we are actively searching for exceptional teachers who deserve to be recognized at the PDI. If you are one of these teachers or know a teacher that has done an outstanding job this year please nominate him or her using our website awards form. We are encouraging you to also apply for our research and curriculum grants that NCSTA awards every year (up to $1000.00 per person). These awardees must be NCSTA members and if they aren’t this would be a good time for you to be their sponsor.

If you are one of our members that want to get actively involved in NCSTA there are several ways you can participate. In the fall we will vote on new district directors in District 2, ,4, 6, and 8. Check our website map to locate your district and consider running for an office. I also encourage you to attend next November’s PDI and participate in the Share-A-Thon. Teachers like you will be bringing their favorite must do activities to share with each other and any member that visits the conference.

Some of you are asking the question “What does NCSTA do for me?”. Besides our grants and awards program,check out our website for a vast number of professional development opportunities. Also, your district directors are available to connect you to resources within your district and state that will enhance your classroom curriculum. Feel free to notify them at any time. They are here to work for you. Now, if you still feel like there should be more I charge you to email me personally (beverlylyon@gmail.com) with your ideas and suggestions and we’ll get things rolling to make this organization what you want. I am anxiously waiting to hear from you!

Pretty soon, a sigh of relief will come to you and I hope you’ll find some down time this summer to feed your soul and rejuvenate your spirit. Maybe you’ll venture out to enrich yourselves by being involved with a professional development opportunity or two. Or maybe it’s your summer to just kick back and rekindle the relationships you’ve missed during the past school year. Whether you visit friends, family, or commune with nature, have fun and enjoy!

Beverly Lyons
NCSTA President