I had an email from a former colleague who said that the conference must be a science teacher’s paradise. She’s right. Where else can you

• update your content knowledge
• get new teaching ideas and interact with the presenters
• meet thousands of science teachers
• have your picture taken with Bill Nye
• get the latest information on lab equipment and technology
• gather lots of classroom materials
• get free shipping on books

And where else can you wear a t-shirt with the word “mycology” on it and have people know what the word means!

I have talked to conference attendees and presenters who have come to San Francisco from all over the country. California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and everywhere in between. Some are here for their first conference, others are attending their first conference in several years. But they all seem eager to get the most out of the experience!
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It’s not quite 7 a.m. here in San Francisco, but it looks like a number of people are getting an early start. When I arrived at the conference center a few minutes ago, I saw several people headed in, apparently on their way to some early sessions—many with coffee in hand. Talk about dedication!

I went to a session this morning for conference first-timers, as a veteran conference-attender.  NSTA staff and office holders welcomed the “newbies” and guided them through a discussion of the many options for sessions and events. Each table had a conference veteran to offer advice and answer questions. At my table, there were teachers from Delaware, Tennessee, New York, and Ghana!
The first-timers were treated to refreshments and door prizes, including NSTA books, gift certificates to the NSTA store, vendor coupons, and NSTA shirts and mugs. Welcome to all!

A panel discussion on the Next Generation of Science Education Standards with NSTA executive director Francis Eberle; Helen Quinn, chair of the board on Science Education, The National Academies in Menlo Park, California; and Stephen Pruitt, vice president, Achieve, Inc., wrapped up a few minutes ago.
The trio shared an overview of how the draft framework was created and talked about the next steps.
Interest was evident—the room was full with many people standing around the periphery and several sitting on the floor. When microphone was opened for questions, several people quickly lined up.
The framework is expected to service as the basis for new K–12 science education standards.

It’s been a busy morning at the national conference. Although the exhibit hall didn’t open until 10 a.m., many sessions started much earlier. I had to chance to talk to some attendees between sessions and it sounds like everyone is looking for something a little bit different, but all with the same goal—to be a better educator.

Whether from the East Coast or the West, attendees are looking for ways to fill gaps in their own knowledge and excite their students about science education.

I just had the honor of being a guest at the NSELA breakfast—a star-studded event if I ever saw one in the science education community! At the breakfast, Jason Painter of North Carolina was named this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award, given by Pearson Publishing Company and the National Science Education Leadership Association. Painter was unable to attend, but was recognized by Dr. Thomasena Woods of NASA’s Langley Research Center. As I was peeking at the program, I noticed that Dr. Woods herself was the winner of an NSTA award. What a testimonial to the importance of collaboration among our members. Congratulations to both Jason and Thomasena!