By Melissa Marcucci, President

Dear CASE Members,

I am honored to serve as your new President of the California Association of Science Educators (CASE). For the past 19 years, I have taught high school science and now serve as a Teacher on Special Assignment supporting access and opportunity for students’ futures. Within CASE, I’ve had the privilege of serving as High School Director, President-Elect, and on multiple committees. These roles have given me a deep appreciation for the passion and expertise of our members and the impact we can make together.

As I begin this presidency, I do so with a deep and optimistic belief: science matters, not only as a core academic subject, but as a critical driver of student engagement, academic achievement, workforce readiness, and responsible citizenship.

When science is optional, equity is optional. Whether advocating in Sacramento for funding and dashboard accountability, or ensuring that students in rural, suburban, and urban communities all have meaningful science experiences, CASE is committed to equity and excellence. Science learning empowers students to ask questions, solve problems, make informed decisions, and engage with the challenges of our time, including climate justice and environmental stewardship.

This year, we are excited to share our white paper, Strategic Implementation for TK–12 Science, which highlights stories from classrooms across the state. These examples show how science learning not only builds curiosity but also strengthens outcomes in math and ELA, accelerates language development, and improves student engagement and attendance. At the same time, our committees remain at the heart of CASE’s work, producing resources, advocacy tools, and professional learning. I encourage you to get involved by joining a committee and lending your voice to our “Science for All” campaign. Together, we can make a lasting impact on classrooms, schools, districts, and communities.

It’s also important to remember that science extends beyond the classroom. It thrives in museums, aquariums, zoos, parks, and in the everyday questions our students bring with them. By working alongside informal science educators and organizations, we can broaden the reach and power of science education, creating connections that inspire lifelong curiosity.

Thank you for your commitment to students and to our profession. I’m excited to partner with you to ensure that every student in California experiences the wonder, relevance, and opportunity that science provides.  

I look forward to seeing you at the Conference in Palm Springs this October! Be sure to stop by the CASE Booth during our special, “Chat with the President" time - I’d love to connect with you there. 
 

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