Be Part of the 2012 California Science Education Conference!
by Lisa Hegdahl
Planning for the 2012 California Science Education Conference, to be held October 19-21, 2012 in San Jose is well under way. Reviews of Short Course proposals, communications with prospective guest speakers, and contracts with host hotels are all near completion. Now it is your turn to get involved in the planning.
Instead of simply attending the California Science Education Conference, why not present a workshop? It’s easy! Think of all the amazing teaching that happens daily in your classroom, then share just one grade level specific lesson or strategy with fellow educators. Teachers, informal educators, university professors, professional developers, and other members of the science education community are invited to submit workshop proposals.
Not only do workshop presenters receive the fulfillment that comes from inspiring classroom teachers, CSTA provides one complimentary conference registration to the lead presenter of a workshop who is a member in good standing of CSTA through November 1, 2012. (See the CSTA website for information regarding non-CSTA members and co-presenters). The CSTA website also contains details regarding the workshop proposal review process, tips for writing a successful proposal, and information on how workshop presenters will be notified. But don’t wait – workshop proposals are due March 6. To submit a proposal, log on to the CSTA website here.
Think you can’t afford to attend the conference??? Because of contracts CSTA negotiates with local hotels, the California Science Educators Conference is incredibly affordable. Additional funding for the conference can often be acquired from School Site Councils, PTAs, and Professional Development Grants. In addition, many administrators recognize the value of your involvement and are more likely to approve and support your conference attendance if you are presenting. See you in October!!!
Lisa Hegdahl is an 8th grade science teacher at McCaffrey Middle School in Galt, CA and CSTA’s middle school director.
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