[Originally published October 3, 2019] Recently, I signed up for a two-day introductory training focused on Restorative Practices. I have had previous experiences with restorative circles and, as a result, I can honestly say a part of me was dreading…

Congratulations!! You made it to summer vacation…one more deserved and needed than any other. The last few months have been challenging to say the least. When I was first given the go ahead to work from home, I was ecstatic. I won’t lie and say there…

Over the last six months, I have had the privilege of spearheading the K-12 science adoption in my district. For many people in charge of this process, the word privilege might seem a little too rose-colored glasses; however, the process has been…

“I am just a teacher, there is only so much I can do.” How many times have you heard a colleague say this? Have you said it yourself? For me, the phrase became “I am just a Teacher Specialist.” It wasn’t until I had an opportunity to hear Dr. Stephen…

Every year, July is the beginning of a transition period within CSTA. This year, the transition is a bit more personal for me. Not only has our organization started searching for a new Executive Director, but on July 1st, I dropped the “elect” from…

This is no ordinary President’s message. This June/July issue is special because it marks a clear line in the sand at CSTA – we shift the Presidency. On June 30, 2019, Jill’s presidency ends and on July 1, 2019, Shawna’s begins. In a figurative and…

My colleagues and I have been working with a lot of teachers who are in the early stages of NGSS implementation. Once instruction begins to shift, there are some fascinating student reactions. Students typically become highly engaged very quickly and…

Over the past several months I’ve presented on and heard from others on how the implementation of the NGSS is going both within California and nationally. In the process, I’ve taken away some learnings that I thought I’d share.

As I write this, CSTA’s 2018 California Science Education Conference has just come to a close. More than 3,000 educators joined together as a community in Pasadena, CA. I am always humbled to see the grand effort it takes to make this happen.