Leadership Lounge

The Great Science Chase: Week-Long Scavenger Hunt

Ready for a little friendly competition? All week long, we’re running an interactive Goosechase scavenger hunt designed exclusively for science leaders! Complete creative missions, snap photos, and network with your peers as you navigate the conference. Stop by the Leaders Lounge to grab the join code, and keep checking back to see who is dominating the live leaderboard. Let the games begin!

The Leader’s Itinerary: Coffee, Conversation, and Conference Strategy

Thursday, April 16 • 8:00 - 9:00 AM

The conference is just getting started, and the Leaders Lounge is officially open. Grab some caffeine and join us to map out your week. Whether it's your first time attending or you're a seasoned veteran, come swap schedules, discuss your goals, and build your network before diving into the main events.

Meet the Author: Rodger Bybee Book Signing

Thursday, April 16 • 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Connect with educational leader Rodger Bybee as he signs copies of his latest work, Navigating an Era of Science Denial Using the 5E Instructional Model. This is a great chance to chat about leveraging the 5E model to support your teachers and combat misinformation.

Purchasing Information: Please note the two-step process for this event. Grab your copy at the NSTA Science Store prior to the session, and bring it with you to the Leaders Lounge for the signing!

Picture Perfect Friday: Professional Leader Headshots

Friday, April 17 • All Day

Trade in that outdated selfie for a high-quality portrait! Award-winning photographer and videographer Shiggy Ichinomiya is setting up a studio right here in the Leaders Lounge. He’ll be available on Friday to capture professional headshots for attendees. Take a few minutes to step in front of the lens in a relaxed, convenient setting.

Please note: More details to come on how to sign up!

Coffee & Conversation: Pathways from Teacher to Leader

Friday, April 17 • 8:00 - 9:00 AM

Looking to expand your impact beyond the classroom? Start your morning in the Leaders Lounge with an informal networking session just for educators interested in leadership roles. Connect with peers navigating similar transitions, share your career goals, and learn about the true power of teacher leadership over a great cup of coffee.

Meet the Editor: Dr. Deb Morrison & The Science Educator Journal

Friday, April 17 • 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Join us in the Leaders Lounge for a casual meet and greet with Dr. Deb Morrison, the new Editor of the Science Educator journal. This is a great opportunity to discuss how we can bridge the gap between academic research and everyday science leadership. Whether you're curious about the publication process, have ideas for future articles, or just want to connect over food and conversation, stop by and say hello!

Science Trivia Hour: Curiosity & Camaraderie

Friday, April 17 • 12:00 - 1:00 PM

You came for the cookies, now stay for the trivia! Join us for a lively hour where we put your science knowledge to the test. Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere as we team up, learn fascinating facts, and share a few laughs. Whether you’re a trivia master or just in it for the fun, there’s a seat waiting for you!

Open Space Saturday: Your Ideas, Our Community

Saturday, April 18 • 10:20 - 11:20 AM

What's the one conversation you still need to have before the conference ends? Throughout the week, the Leaders Lounge has been collecting your most pressing topics. Today, we turn the agenda over to you. In this open-format session, we'll form small discussion groups based on the ideas you posted. Come grab a seat, share your expertise, and build meaningful connections around the issues that matter most to you.