We are currently accepting applications for the 2013–2014 New Science Teacher Academy.
On behalf of NSTA and the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy sponsors, we would like to congratulate and welcome the 2012–2013 Academy fellows!
The NSTA New Science Teacher Academy, cofounded by the Amgen Foundation, is a professional development initiative created to help promote quality science teaching, enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence, and improve teacher content knowledge.
According to a 2003 study by Richard Ingersoll, nearly 50% of beginning teachers leave their jobs in the first five years. The NSTA New Science Teacher Academy endeavors to use mentoring and other professional development resources to support science teachers during the often challenging, initial teaching years and to help them stay in the profession.
Important Link for Academy Members
NSTA New Science Teacher Academy Underwriters
2011–12 Astellas-NSTA Fellow Aoko Omwony Hope writes:
I write to thank you for your generous support of my professional growth this academic year. The exposure to learning resources, scientists, science educators and leaders in the field was an opportunity I could never have found on my own. I am deeply honored to be selected as an NSTA fellow and empowered to share my new knowledge with others in my building and district. As soon as I returned home, I was on my laptop applying for a grant in STEM education. I scoured the catalogs, textbook developer sites and provider links and read everything I had bundled into my NSTA bag. No kidding! I even began planning a lesson on food safety. I am so excited about the ideas I gathered to further engage my students and at last, I feel part of a professional community outside of my school. Your support of my work speaks volumes and I cherish our collaboration. With an eye to the future, I remain optimistic about science and the possibilities for American students because they have committed stewards in education such as yourself. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
2011–12 Amgen-NSTA Fellow Eric Carlson writes:
My time in this Academy has been a time of tremendous professional growth, with access to networking and other resources that otherwise would have been unavailable to me. I also learned more than I currently know what to do with from the Convention. It was something like trying to drink from a fire hose. I'm currently working on digesting the insights I gained from my time here. I will be working to my utmost to show appreciation for your support by applying what I have learned in this time to raise America's next generation of scientist and engineers. Thanks again for your support in this matter.
2011–12 Dow-NSTA Fellow Tim Selgas writes:
The New Science Teacher Academy was an amazing experience. The yearlong program provided many ways to grow as a teacher. The three inquiries allowed me to get expert mentoring form across the country. Older mentors and younger mentees all commented on my lesson plans. It is priceless advice.
The Webinars were a great way for everyone to get together and discuss important topics. I was able to learn where other fellows lived. Then I was able to get in contact with them and discuss topics.
The National Conference was the climax of this story. So many vendors, awesome classes, and other fellows were in one spot. On day one I met a handful of great people at the PDI [Professional Development Institute]. We ended up hanging out together for the entire. My new friends and I attended some of the same classes. We also shared information about the other classes we attended alone.
This year of professional development has helped me set a better direction in my career. I will be increasing my use of the NSTA Learning Center. I will be utilizing all the great materials and ideas I received at the Conference. I will be reaching out to my new friends and picking their brains.
Thanks to the NSTA for jump-starting my Professional Development to the next level. I look forward to more conferences and learning opportunities.
2011–12 Dow-NSTA Fellow Cheryl Perry writes:
It was a fabulous experience and I learned so much.
2011–12 Dow-NSTA Fellow Rob Puskas writes:
Once again thank you for all that you do and have done for me and all fellows in this academy.
This experience was extremely helpful for me as a second year teacher. I feel the greatest part of the academy is the overwhelming amount of support available. The mentor teachers, the NSTA learning center, online inquiries, only to name a few. It really seems endless. I felt that the access to so many materials made it possible for the fellows to individualize their development and that was very accommodating and effective.
Attached is picture of me teaching.
Thank you once again for having me within the academy.