Standing Committees

One of the most fulfilling ways to have an impact on science education is to participate at a national level.

Volunteer opportunities are available to NSTA members who would like to lend their skills, talents and passion for science learning to one of NSTA's standing committees, advisory boards, or panels.

Julie Luft

President-Elect

President-Elect, Julie Luft is looking for dynamic and dedicated members who are ready to go beyond presenting at a conference and become engaged with the decision-making processes of the Association.

Serving on NSTA’s committees is a very rewarding experience. By serving NSTA, you are actively engaged in shaping the future of science education. As we are all trying to figure out new ways of thinking about high-quality teaching, this is your chance to be a part of these pivotal conversations by having your voice heard at a national level.

If you are willing and interested, but not sure which committee you’re interested in, take a moment to find descriptions on each committee below. You may apply for up to three committees.

Now accepting volunteers through February 28, 2023.

Apply Today

Additional Leadership Opportunities: NSTA Advisory Boards & Panels

By Level

Level Committees

Preschool-Elementary Science Teaching

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to the teaching of elementary science and see that the interests of preschool and elementary teachers of science are served by the Association. The Committee shall work together with other Division Committees on K–16 coordination. Additional charges may be directed by the President, requested by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

Middle Level Science Teaching

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to the teaching of middle level science and see that the Association serves the interests of teachers at that level. The Committee shall work together with other Division Committees on K–16 coordination. Additional charges may be directed by the President, requested by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

High School Science Teaching

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to the teaching of high school science and see that the interests of high school teachers of science are served by the Association. The Committee shall work together with other Division Committees on K–16 coordination. Additional charges may be directed by the President, requested by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

Post-Secondary Science Teaching

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to the teaching of college science and see that the interests of college teachers of science are served by the Association. The Committee shall work together with other Division Committees on K–16 coordination. Additional charges may be directed by the President, requested by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

By Function

Function Committees

Coordination and Supervision of Science Teaching

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to the supervision and coordination of science teaching, and see that the interests of coordinators and supervisors of science teaching are served by the Association. The Committee shall work together with other Division Committees on K–16 coordination. Additional charges may be directed by the President, requested by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

Informal Science

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to informal science education and see that the interests of informal science educators are served by the Association. The committee shall work together with other Division Committees on K–16 coordination. Additional charges may be directed by the President, requested by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

Multicultural/Equity in Science Education

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to multicultural and equity issues in science education. The Committee shall work together with other Division Committees on K–16 coordination. Additional charges may be directed by the President, requested by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semiannual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

Preservice Teacher Preparation

General Responsibilities: The committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, research and teacher development activities relating to the preparation of science teachers and see that the Association supports the development of highly qualified teachers of science. Additionally, this committee, through the Teacher Accreditation Subcommittee, provides oversight of the NSTA/NCATE accreditation process. Additional charges may be directed by the President, requested by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

Professional Learning in Science Education

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to professional development in science education and see that the Association serves the interests of those involved in the professional development of science educators. The Committee shall work together with other Division Committees on K–16 coordination. Additional charges may be directed by the President, requested by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semiiannual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

Research in Science Teaching

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to research in science education and see that the Association serves the interests of researchers in science education. The Committee shall work together with other Division Committees on K–16 coordination. Additional charges may be directed by the President, requested by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

By Task

Task Committees

Committee on Awards and Recognition

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to awards and recognition. This committee shall: select the recipients of some corporate-sponsored awards, along with other awards or recognitions as approved by the Board of Directors and listed in the NSTA Handbook; review the selection process and recommend changes to the Board of Directors; study any proposals for the termination of existing awards or other recognitions, and make recommendations concerning those proposals to the Board of Directors; review any proposals for new awards or other recognitions, and make recommendations concerning those proposals to the Board of Directors. Additional charges may be directed by the President, recommended by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors

Board Financial Oversight Committee

General Responsibilities: The Board Financial Oversight Committee shall be responsible for serving as the review body for all policies, programs, and activities relating to budget and finance of the Association. Reviewing and recommending to the Board of Directors an annual budget which will be prepared by staff, under the supervision of the Executive Director, and with the advice and guidance of the Treasurer. Studying activities supported by the budget and recommending to the Board of Directors, as appropriate, an order of priorities, including termination of support for budget lines, activities, or programs, based upon costs and effectiveness. Receiving and making recommendations to the Board of Directors related to requests for funding unbudgeted items from the Executive Director, officers, or members of the board. Studying and recommending to the Board of Directors funds to be allocated to the various areas of activity of the Association to include making recommendations on the initiation of new programs or discontinuing programs. Reviewing and recommending proposed new revenue lines. Identifying emerging financial problems and concerns related to the budget. Additional charges as may be directed by the President, recommended by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Board of Directors including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

Committee on Nominations

General Responsibilities: This committee shall review annually all NSTA policies, programs, and activities relating to nominations. This committee shall identify and nominate well-qualified candidates that include a diversity of nominees with regard to distribution of geography, gender, ethnicity, and racial background. Additional charges may be directed by the President, recommended by the Board of Directors, or initiated by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a semi-annual report to the Council including recommendations for action by the Board of Directors.

Audit Committee

General Responsibilities: The committee is responsible for reviewing the terms of the auditor’s engagement; setting the auditor’s compensation; conferring with the auditor to satisfy themselves that the financial affairs of the corporation are in order—the auditor meets with the committee and the committee reports to the full board; reviewing and approving the annual audit; reviewing policies and procedures for “whistle blowers” who report questions about organizational accounting/auditing matters; approving any non-audit services performed by the auditing firm; providing advice and consent for the organization’s response to potentially illegal/unethical practices within the organization, but not limited to fraudulent accounting.