By Debbie Gordon, CASE President

Welcome to our September issue of California Classroom Science.  As I start my 25th year of teaching it seems to me that every year there are more and more trainings to attend, new adoptions to implement, and new obstacles to overcome. Teaching, as rewarding as it is, never gets easier.

Just the other day, I was talking with a new teacher on my campus and she was expressing her concern that she doesn’t feel she has time to teach science or connect with other science professionals. She wondered, how can she grow her ability as a teacher? Where can she find connection and encouragement?  

“Well,” I said, “the California Science Education Conference, November 8-10, 2024 in Sacramento is a good place to start.”

Attending The California Science Education Conference can be highly beneficial for several reasons:

1. Professional Development: The Science Education Conference offers workshops, field courses, and speakers that focus on the latest trends, research, and teaching strategies in science education. Teachers can learn new techniques to enhance their classroom practices, Next Generation Science Standards, assessments and more. 
2. Networking Opportunities: These events provide a platform for teachers to connect with peers, share experiences, and exchange ideas. Networking with other educators can lead to collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and support systems that extend beyond the conference.
3. Resource Sharing: Teachers can discover new resources, including  digital tools, lab equipment, and teaching aids. Exhibitors often showcase the latest educational products, and many sessions offer practical takeaways that can be directly applied in the classroom.
4. Inspiration and Motivation: Listening to keynote speakers (this year we have two fantastic keynote speakers:  Victor Minces and Christopher Emdin and attending sessions led by experts can reignite your  passion for science education. It can also provide fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to teaching, helping to overcome challenges and improve student engagement.
5. Advocacy and Influence: Conferences often include discussions on education policy and advocacy efforts. Teachers can learn about the latest policy changes, contribute to discussions, and advocate for their needs and the needs of their students.  CASE membership supports advocacy for the issues that affect science education and science teachers in California. 
6. Recognition and Leadership: Participating in the Science Education Conference can enhance a teacher’s professional reputation. Presenting at a conference, if given the opportunity, allows teachers to showcase their expertise and can lead to leadership roles within the education community.
7. Renewal of Certification: In some cases, attending the conference can contribute to the continuing education credits required for renewing a teaching license or certification.

As always, this issue of CCS contains timely articles and insights for new and established educators such as Balancing Professional Learning and Planning Time for Science Teachers: Navigating the Tensions Between Collaboration and Growth and Mentoring Practices for Working with Beginning Teachers by Megan M. Bettis, CASE 4 Year College Director.

Have something you’d like to share?  A great classroom practice?  An issue that you want to discuss? Consider writing an article yourself! Submit your article to ccs@cascience.org. 

And don’t forget the California Science Education Conference in November.  Early Bird registration closes September 23.

See you in Sacramento! 
 

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