Arlington, Va.—September 17, 2008 —The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, announced today that its Center for Science Education (CSE) will be named the John Glenn Center for Science Education to recognize Senator Glenn’s lifelong dedication and commitment to science education.
The formal announcement will be made during the 2008 Center for Science Education Champion Awards ceremony, scheduled for September 17, 2008, in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill. NSTA will present the first year’s CSE Champion Awards to Senator Glenn and two champions of science education in the House of Representatives—Representative Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) and Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ).
In September 2000, the 25-member National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century—led by Senator Glenn—issued its report, Before It’s Too Late. Members of the influential “Glenn Commission” included key leaders from business, industry, education, and the federal government. Before It’s Too Late contained straightforward and powerful recommendations to improve math and science teaching.
The John Glenn Center for Science Education will focus on many of the Glenn Commission’s recommendations, with initiatives designed to develop future science education leaders, promote science literacy, produce the next generation of science education standards, and create a state-of-the-art facility that will allow science educators nationwide to engage in content-based learning opportunities.
“We are deeply honored that Senator Glenn has lent his support to the Center for Science Education, and we look forward to working with him to put many of the Commission’s recommendations into action to support the teaching and learning of science,” said Page Keeley, president, NSTA.
The 2008 CSE Champion Awards to Representatives Holt and Ehlers will honor the two “Congressional physicists” for their work to promote science education in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Representative Ehlers is a member of the Science and Technology Committee and serves as Ranking Republican of the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education. He created and co-chairs the STEM Education Caucus, which works to improve K–12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
Representative Holt served on the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century and is a key advocate for science on the Education and Labor Committee. He co-chairs the House Research and Development Caucus.
“For years Representatives Ehlers and Holt have been tireless advocates for quality science education. Both have spearheaded long-term efforts to increase funding for science and math education programs at the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation and ensure that quality programs for science education are in authorizing legislation such as the America Competes Act and No Child Left Behind,” said Dr. Francis Eberle, executive director, NSTA. “We are proud to present the first Champion Awards to these three outstanding individuals.”
Click here for more information on the John Glenn Center for Science Education.
About NSTA
The Arlington, Virginia-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA’s current membership includes more than 57,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
About the John Glenn Center for Science Education
Inspired by Senator Glenn’s leadership and vision, the National Science Teachers Association created the Center for Science Education (CSE) in March 2008. CSE initiatives include the NSTA Learning Center, a state-of the-art internet portal that provides teachers with professional development resources and support; the CSE Leadership Institute, which will identify and develop future leaders and houses two national initiatives: Science Matters, an advocacy campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of science education, and Science Anchors, a national outreach initiative designed to help educators learn about and teach core science standards; the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy, which provides mentoring, resources, and professional development for hundreds of new middle and high school science educators; and the Center for Science Education building, a LEED Gold-certified green building that will serve as a home base for promoting leadership, learning, and advocacy in science education.
Contact Information
Kate Meyer
National Science Teachers Association
kmeyer@nsta.org
(703) 312-9211