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Exploring Pitt Kits – Introductory Workshop (for Teachers New to the Pitt Kit Program – feel free to share with your colleagues!!)
July 29–30, 2026 | 9am–3pm
Designed specifically for high school biology teachers who are new to Pitt Bio Outreach, this hands-on workshop introduces our classroom-ready, standards-aligned Pitt Kits and support resources. Participants receive a $200 honorarium, breakfast and lunch, free parking on Pitt’s campus, and access to materials they can implement in their classrooms.
➡ Application link for Exploring Pitt Kits workshop
Applications due March 20, 2026.
Aquatic WILD Educator PD Workshop at Bald Eagle State Park, Howard, PA
Friday March 20, 2026 10am to 3pm
Only $15.00 -- Act 48: 4.5 hrs.
Become certified in Aquatic WILD curricula while experiencing hands-on activities related to water quality & aquatic wildlife that help develop awareness, investigative skills, curiosity, & environmental knowledge. Participants will receive the updated "Aquatic WILD K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide" which features 40+ lessons that relate aquatic natural resources to STEM & field investigations. This workshop is open to all educators: schoolteachers, naturalists, homeschool parents, scout leaders, & others!
Attendees will go on an explorative trip to Bald Eagle State Park’s Frog Pond to get firsthand experience with catching & IDing aquatic organisms like tadpoles, insects, and crustaceans!
Register online by Monday, March 16, 2026.
https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/.../aquatic-wild-educator...
Congratulations to the following members on their election to the following positions!
Vice President: Dawn Lipenta Region 2 Representative: Jen Gossert Region 6 Representative: Karianne Chessario Region 8 Representative: Jenn Horodyski Representative-At-large: Debbie Reynolds Representative-At-large: Elyse Turner Representative-At-large: Nicole Hesson Eastern College Representative: Sunny Minelli Weiland
The President appointed and the Board approved the following members to vacant positions.
Region 1 Representative: Dina Dormer Region 3 Representative: Michelle Swarts
An updated list of the PSTA Board can be found under About Us on the Board page.
A Big Thank You to all the members who were nominated for positions. Additional thanks go to everyone who voted in this election. We are excited by the level of interest among our membership. If you are interested in becoming involved, please email the PSTA Board at pstaboard@gmail.com.
PSTA Board 2026
It is an exciting and meaningful time to be a science educator in Pennsylvania. As many school districts across the Commonwealth begin implementing the PA STEELS standards, science education in Pennsylvania is entering a new and dynamic chapter. These standards emphasize scientific practices, real-world applications, and deeper student engagement, an approach that aligns strongly with PSTA’s mission. We are thrilled to be part of this evolving future of science education and to support educators as they bring these changes into their classrooms.
At PSTA, we are committed to empowering science teachers at every level by providing professional learning opportunities, collaboration, and advocacy that strengthens science instruction statewide. Our organization thrives because of educators who are passionate, curious, and dedicated to continuous growth.
Looking ahead, 2026 marks a milestone year as PSTA celebrates its 75th anniversary. Since the adoption of our constitution in 1953, our organization has been built on a strong foundation of service, leadership, and commitment to excellence in science education. As we honor 75 years of tradition, we are excited to embrace innovation, new ideas, and fresh perspectives.
I encourage all science educators, whether you are just beginning your career or bring years of experience to become involved with PSTA. Membership provides opportunities to connect with colleagues, share ideas, grow professionally, and contribute to meaningful work that supports science education across the state.
One of the highlights of our year is our annual fall Conference, where educators from across Pennsylvania come together to learn, collaborate, and celebrate science teaching. We hope you will join us and be part of the energy and inspiration that make PSTA such a vibrant community. Be on the lookout for conference details on the PSTA website, coming this spring!
Together, let’s continue building a strong, innovative, and supportive future for science education in Pennsylvania. I am honored to serve as the 2026 President and welcome you to our science community.
Stephanie M. Klixbull
PSTA President 2026
Applications are open for the 2026 National STEM Scholar Program! This prestigious, professional development experience is designed for middle school science teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders nationwide. Founded 11 years ago through a partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University, the program selects 10 teachers each year from across the country based on a proposed “Big Idea” classroom project.
Selected Scholars receive:
The Program supports educators who spark curiosity, expand access to STEM careers, and inspire students at a pivotal point in their learning. If you—or a colleague—have a bold idea and a passion for middle school science, you are encouraged you to apply for and share this opportunity!
Applications are open through February 1, 2026.
STEM Pioneers: Elementary Teachers at the Frontier of early STEM Learnings
K-5 teachers in NJ, PA, and WV can apply to be part of this prestigious National STEM Teacher Corps
Application Portal Now Live!
Application Deadline 2/16/2026.
Three STEM Education Centers are leading a National STEM Teacher Corps Regional Alliance Pilot Program—an investment in elementary STEM education across the Mid-Atlantic—and are seeking qualified teachers to apply.
The National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to elevate the STEM teaching profession and support outstanding educators. Penn State's Center for Science and the Schools (CSATS) has secured a $5 million grant to launch the STEM Pioneers initiative, which will empower elementary teachers in the Mid-Atlantic.
Read the full CSATS articleHERE.
Read the Tech Ed Magazine articleHERE.
Read the article from The College of New Jersey HERE.
This program aims to:
● Elevate elementary teachers as foundational/frontier STEM educators
● Evidence of the critical importance of K-5 years for developing STEM proficiencies and identities
● Emphasize learning through authentic practices and innovative teaching strategies
● Connect early learning to long-term workforce development and scientific literacy
● Recognize K-5 teachers as essential STEM professionals
Teacher Benefits—STEM Pioneers Corps
● $12,000 annual stipend (three payments of $4,000 over the year)
● Professional development in curriculum related to current STEM and in educational leadership
● Paid travel to the summer professional development, which will rotate between the three HEIs
● Paid travel to the state science teachers association conferences and NSTA
● Paid web-based tools for STEM curriculum design and social media dissemination
● Paid travel to hold a 1-day workshop with other teachers, if needed.
● Materials for teachers who participate in the 1-day workshop that they lead… and more…
All materials must be submitted by 8:00 AM on February 16, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Visit FAQ Page.
For more information and to apply, click the button below. Questions? jeff_remington@psu.edu
For more information and to apply, click HERE
It's time to vote in the PSTA election!
Please complete your election ballot no later than Friday, December 5, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
Election notices were sent to all members with a membership renewal date today or after. Thank you for your participation! We will announce the new board members after the deadline!
If you did not receive an email with your ballot or if you run into any issues, please contact the PSTA Board at pstaboard@gmail.com.
Nominations are open!
Do you have ideas to improve science education in Pennsylvania?
Become part of the board!
We have vacancies on our board of directors and would love to have other science educators join us! Please consider running for one of the following positions that are currently vacant on the PSTA Board of Directors:
**For more information about the open positions and the responsibilities, please see this informational document or click the link below. You must either live or work in the region of which you are applying. See the informational document for a map of the IUs if you are not sure.
If you are interested in running for any of these positions or have questions regarding a position, please email our Board of Directors at pstaboard@gmail.com.
When you reply, please include the following and your bio will be added to the ballot:
Nominations must be submitted by November 7, 2025.
Click here for more on the responsibilities of the representatives
Do you have ideas to improve science education in Pennsylvania? Become part of the board!
We have vacancies on our board of directors and would love to have other science educators join us! Please consider running for one of the following positions on the PSTA Board of Directors:
**You must either live or work in the region of which you are applying.
If you are interested in running for any of these positions or have questions regarding a position, please email our Board of Directors at pstaboard@gmail.com .
Please include the following and your bio will be added to the ballot:
Nominations must be submitted by Friday November 7th, 2025.
Please be sure to congratulate all of our 2024 and 2025 PSTA Awardees. If you head to the Awards Page, you can read about each award and the recipients for the past two years. Take a look at the slide show to see the recipients as well. Nominations for the 2026 awards will open late spring, so be sure to keep an eye out for that email.
© PA Science Teachers Association
