The NSTA Board of Directors took a bold step to usher in a new, exciting future for NSTA by voting in February in favor of changing the association’s name from the National Science Teachers Association to the National Science Teaching Association. The board believes this represents a major shift in NSTA’s vision to better connect with a science teaching community that has grown to include many who do not have the formal title of “teacher.”

According to NSTA bylaws, the proposed name change requires the approval of the NSTA membership. An electronic ballot will be e-mailed to all members on May 20. Voting closes on June 20 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Members who want to receive the ballot, but have opted out of receiving e-mails from NSTA should visit the My Account page  no later than May 2 and uncheck the opt out box. For answers to questions about opting out or about your membership status, send an e-mail to membership@nsta.org.

NSTA members can engage in a members-only community forum to connect with colleagues to share ideas, express opinions, and ask questions about the proposed name change. Visit www.nsta.org/namechange from April 11 through June 20 to join the conversation.

“The new name reflects a broader view of the science teaching community and the many places where science learning takes place,” said NSTA President Christine A. Royce. “We support all teachers—including those at the elementary level—as well as curriculum developers; science and STEM administrators; preservice educators; parents; youth science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) coordinators; museum educators; homeschoolers; and more. By bringing together all stakeholders, we are better able to advocate for science education.”

NSTA’s transformation includes more than a name change. The association is refocusing its programs, services, and products to be more collaborative, personal, interactive, and responsive.

Throughout the year, NSTA will unveil new ways it will support science teaching and learning with enhanced content, exciting new digital products, more personalized services, and dynamic resources ranging from the printed page to social media and virtual learning opportunities.

The association will launch a new website using technology in innovative ways to better meet the needs of the science teaching community. Efforts are also underway to make finding the right resources simple, easy, and user friendly and deliver targeted, personalized teaching content, including lesson plans and vetted grade-level, subject-specific resources. A new logo that reflects our new direction and vision will also be unveiled.

“The mission of NSTA is an important one,” said NSTA Executive Director David E. Evans. “Now, more than ever, we need to support excellence in science teaching and learning for all. We are excited about the new digital environment we are building that will allow all those involved in science teaching to better connect, collaborate, and grow professionally. At the same time, NSTA will continue to provide trusted, high-quality teaching resources and will continue our advocacy work in science so that all students will be prepared to succeed in the workplace and in society.”

This article originally appeared in the May 2019 issue of NSTA Reports, the member newspaper of the National Science Teachers Association. Each month, NSTA members receive NSTA Reports, featuring news on science education, the association, and more. Not a member? Learn how NSTA can help you become the best science teacher you can be.

The mission of NSTA is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

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