National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)

Description: The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), founded in 1944, is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. The Association publishes five journals, a newspaper, many books, a new children’s magazine called Dragonfly, and many other publications. NSTA conducts national and regional conventions annually. NSTA provides many programs and services for science educators, including awards, professional development workshops, and educational tours. NSTA offers professional certification for science teachers in eight teaching levels and discipline area categories. The Association has a World Wide Web site with links to state, national and international science education organizations, an on-line catalogue of publications, and two ’discussion rooms’ to foster interaction and ongoing conversations about science education. NSTA’s newest and largest initiative to date, ’Building a Presence for Science’, seeks to improve science education and align science teaching to the National Science Education Standards nationwide. The Association serves as an advocate for science educators by keeping members and the general public informed about national issues and trends in science education. NSTA disseminates results from nationwide surveys and reports and offers testimony to Congress on science education-related legislation and other issues. The organization has position statements on issues such as teacher preparation, laboratory science, the use of animals in the classroom, laboratory safety, and elementary and middle level science. NSTA is involved in cooperative working relationships with numerous educational organizations, government agencies and private industries on a variety of projects. Computer type: