VCSU Hosting ND Science Teacher Association Fall Conference
VALLEY CITY, N.D. – Valley City State University is hosting the return of the North Dakota Science Teacher Association (NDSTA) Fall Conference in October.
After a 7-year hiatus, the NDSTA is reorganized and hosting a one-day fall conference at VCSU on Saturday, Oct. 24. The conference is open to K-12 science teachers and preservice teachers. Attendees are invited to spend a day at VCSU engaging, learning and reigniting the NDSTA across the state. Conference registration is just $10, and attendees can also earn Cafeteria Credit to meet their continuing education requirements.
Whether they’re a veteran teacher or brand new to the classroom this fall, the NDSTA conference offers teachers a chance to re-establish the network of ND science teachers.
“Our goal in offering this conference almost free of charge is to make it easier for more teachers to attend with as few barriers to that as possible,” said Lindsey Kiecker, VCSU assistant professor in chemistry and science education. “NDSTA has been sadly dormant since the beginning of the pandemic, and we believe it is vital that this group begins again to strengthen the network of science teachers across ND, from K-12 through higher education. It is so important for our new science teachers to have a support network, make connections, and learn from others that teach the same subject. I welcome everyone to our campus with open arms and am thrilled to be able to support reigniting this effort.”
Sessions held will emphasize laboratory and hands-on activities, presented by science teachers and organizations from across the state. From elementary to high school, in the classroom or out, there is something for everyone. With plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues from around the state in various subject areas and all experience levels, attendees can expect to leave the conference with ideas to bring back to their classrooms.
“I am going into my 26th year of teaching and have been involved with NDSTA since I was a college student,” said Ryan Bleth, NDSTA treasurer and chemistry teacher at Legacy High School. “I went to my first conference in Grand Forks and was greeted by some veteran teachers at the time. From the very beginning I felt very welcomed and supported by NDSTA. We want younger folks to stick around, to learn what’s great about this job, and understand what’s kept a lot of us here for a long time. We invite veteran teachers to network and pass along knowledge that was passed along to them.”
Helpful Links
Register to Attend NDSTA – Email emily.schaefer@k12.nd.us for more info.
Register to Present at NDSTA – Email lindsey.kiecker@vcsu.edu for more info.