Coming Together to Advance STEM Education

Brought to you by STEMscopes

With the ever-evolving nature of STEM education, STEMposiums are the key to navigating both today’s instructional needs and tomorrow’s new normal in the classroom.

Featuring premier speakers from across the United States, each STEMposium brings together the knowledge of on-the-ground experts and relevant topics that every classroom in America is facing right now.

Most importantly, STEMposiums are not product promotions—they’re offered to address issues affecting all students for a better tomorrow. Because together, we are stronger than we are apart.

VIEW UPCOMING AND RECORDED SESSIONS

SESSIONS

Session Type

Category

Audience

Grade Level

Event

Engaging Student Engineers: Designing Engineering Solutions for Your Science Classroom

STEMscopes Math in a Virtual Setting

Students Can’t Read the Science Articles?

Team Building That Really Works

STEM Teacher Preparation and Retainment: Current Landscape and Outlook

Ratios, Rates, and Percents, Oh My!

A Better Way to Take Notes: Visually Processing Science Content With Sketchnotes

The 2020 National T&E/STEM Safety Study Results & Recommendations

Coaching in Science and Math Classrooms

Let’s Talk Science: Strategies to Encourage Student Voice in Your Classroom

Using Mobile Devices to Support Place Based Learning

The ABCs of Science Notebooking: Digital & Traditional Science Interactive Notebooks

Aligned or Not Aligned...That is the Question

Fostering Science Identities in Elementary

Changing The Game With Girls Who Code: No Cost Inclusive Coding Programs

Taking Care of the Social and Emotional Needs of Students and Teachers

Strategies to Support English Learners in the Science Classroom

Focusing on Social and Emotional Learning with STEMscopes Math

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning: Scientific Explanations to Increase Student Voice

Using Storylines to Enhance Student Voice and Learning

STEM Education and the 4th Industrial Revolution

Teaching Problem Solving to ALL Students

STEMifying Your Lessons

STEM Micro Certificate Programs and Online Professional Learning

Strategies for Empowering Young Women Leaders

Spark and Learn: Problem-Based Learning

Strategies to Encourage Student Voice in Your Classroom

Powerful Partnerships in a Pandemic

Making the Most of Math Workshop

Lesson Plans for ALL Students - the NSTA Daily Do

Giving English Learners Voice in Math

Engaging Students and Supporting STEM Learning with PhET Simulations

Engage Students Personally & Scientifically

Introduction to STEMscopes Coding

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER): Implementing Strategies for Student Success

Engineering Culturally Relevant, Cognitively Demanding Tasks to Empower Students in Mathematics

All Learning is Social and Emotional!

Making the Most of Guided Math Small-Group Lessons

High-Yield Science Strategies for Reaching English Learners

Making Digital Lessons Dynamic

All Students' Ideas Matter

Let STEMscopes Math Support You with Synchronous and Asynchronous Virtual Learning Opportunities

Immersing Students in Science Through Children’s Literature

Classroom Management – Strategies for STEM Student Success

How to Put the “Productive” into the “Struggle” in the Math Classroom

The Future of Teaching: Blending Online and On‑site Instruction

Strengthening the STEM Pipeline through Out‑of‑School Experiences

Formative Assessment Planning that Promotes Student Self-responsibility and Yields Individual Student Success

Coaching Confident, Connected, & Capable Science Learners

Come Construct Meaning through the Inquiry-based 5E + IA Model in Math

Making Science Multilingual: Integrating Science and Language for ALL Students

Building A Community Bridge to STEM Success: STEM Innovation Hubs

STEM Education for All Students, Including English Learners

STEM Ecosystems and Planning for Your Future Campus/District Initiative

A 2020 Vision for STEM Education – Inquiry Programs for All Students

Overcoming Student Misconceptions – Barriers to Understanding Science

Math Talks: Promoting Dialogue and Discourse in the Math Classroom

SWIMAS: A Model for Student-Driven Inquiry-Based Science

Building Literacy through Science with the Five Es

Engaging Student Engineers: Designing Engineering Solutions for Your Science Classroom

Using NGSS STEM Practices to Empower Students\' 21st Century Skills

mini-STEMposiums

Kristan Buckman, MS, MEd

Regional STEMcoach

STEMscopes

Kristan Buckman, MS, MEd is a Regional STEMcoach with STEMscopes, powered by the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE). Kristan works in developing and implementing Stem Instructional Practice Training for audiences across the country, including topics such as Engineering, Project Based Learning, Argumentation, Performance-Based Assessments, and Inquiry. A former biocontrol researcher and secondary science teacher, her specialty is differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

Rodger W. Bybee, PhD

Executive Director Emeritus

Biological Science Curriculum Study (BSCS)

Rodger W. Bybee, PhD is a legendary educator whose leadership with the Biological Science Curriculum Study (BSCS) led to the development of the 5E instructional model. He was a driving architect/advocate of our national science education standards (NSES, 1996; NGSS, 2013) and chair of the international science assessments (PISA, 2006). Dr. Bybee serves on a number of advisory boards and committees, including those for the National Academies, the U.S. Department of Education, The National Science Foundation, and the American Institute of Biological Sciences. His lifelong work continues through his work as a consultant and contributions to education through presentations and publishing (currently 10+ active books). Bybee’s current book (2018) is STEM Education Now More Than Ever. In 2007, Dr. Bybee received the Robert H. Carleton Award, NSTA’s highest honor for national leadership in science education.

Angela Campana, MSEd

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Angela Campana was a skilled elementary educator for eight years before joining the STEMscopes family. Her time as a professional learning developer for STEMscopes Math has sharpened her knowledge of elementary mathematics instruction and philosophy. As an educator, Angela experienced teaching 3rd through 5th grade math and science, and served as a campus instructional coach to kindergarten through 5th grade students. Angela holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in educational technology from the University of Texas at El Paso. She is eager to work with everyone and excited to share her knowledge about STEM Education. When she is not inspiring educators, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 11 years, Gian, their newborn, Walker, and their two dogs.

Kelly Price Colley, EdD

Vice Principal

The Villages Charter High School, The Villages, Florida

Kelly Price Colley, EdD is a 29-year veteran to public education and she currently serves as a Vice Principal at The Villages High School located in central Florida. Kelly’s instructional passion is science education and she has promoted effective science instruction throughout her career. During her fourteen years of classroom teaching, she taught grades 8-12 in most areas of science including Physics and AP Physics. She was also a school district administrator for twelve years leading science education programs and other curricular areas. Kelly has served in a variety of elected leadership roles in state and national organizations including the governing board of the Georgia Science Teachers Association and the National Science Teaching Association. She led the Georgia Science Olympiad program for many years and still promotes science engagement through summer programs such as Camp Villages in The Villages, Florida.

Linda Cook, PhD

President-Elect

NSELA

Linda Cook, PhD has been a science educator for 37 years – 22 years as a secondary science teacher followed by 15 years as the K-12 Director of Science for a school district in Texas. She holds of Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, a Masters of Arts in Science Teaching, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction. She has a passion for science education and for developing teacher-leaders. Currently Linda serves as the President-Elect for the National Science Education Leadership Association. She is completing her certification as a North Texas Master Naturalist and designing a course she will be teaching at a university in the fall. When not working on science education-related work, Linda enjoys running, hiking, cycling, traveling, reading, and volunteering in her community.

Michele Cozza, MA

Manager of Professional Development

Accelerate Learning

Michele Cozza, MA holds a degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. She began her career as a middle school science teacher and has been in the educational profession for 20 years. Her specialty is differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners. She has worked alongside scientists at Argonne and Fermi National Laboratories through grants written with the U.S. Department of Energy. She has her STEM certification and has worked closely coaching schools through the STEM certification process. She is currently a Manager of Professional Development.

David T. Crowther, PhD

Professor of Science Education

University of Nevada, Reno, NSTA Past-President

David T. Crowther, PhD is a Professor of Science Education at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Director of the Raggio Research Center for STEM Education at UNR. David has five years of experience teaching at the elementary / middle level as well as summer teaching at the 8–12th grade level in Biology. He received his PhD from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and received both his BS and MEd from Brigham Young University. Dr. Crowther has 23 years of teaching experience at the university level, 20 of which have been at the University of Nevada, Reno. Dr. Crowther is the President-Elect of the National Science Teachers Association and currently serves as an Associate Editor of the Journal of Science Teacher Education (JSTE). His current research interests involve teaching science through inquiry to develop English language acquisition for English Language Learners (ELL), inquiry content instruction at both the K–12 and the university level, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education K–12, and general methods of inquiry science teaching at the graduate and undergraduate level.

Malachi Ewbank, MEd

Teacher

Coppell ISD, Coppell, TX

Malachi Ewbank, MEd has been an educator for 22 years in Coppell, Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education in Educational Administration. His passion for science education has led to the development of an inquiry based model for teaching science in his classroom. When he is not in the classroom, Malachi enjoys running, competitive cycling, traveling, composing music, and learning languages.

Kenn Heydrick, EdD

National STEM Manager

Accelerate Learning

Kenn Heydrick, EdD is the National STEM Manager for Accelerated Learning/National Institute for STEM Education. Heydrick has been a high school science teacher (10 years), district-level science supervisor (15 years), state-level science director (4 years), and university STEM professor (5 years). Heydrick has served in many leadership positions, including president of the National Science Education Leadership Association, and the Science Teachers Association of Texas. He served as Executive Director for the National Science Education Leadership Association and the Texas STEM Coalition. Dr. Heydrick has also been recognized with the Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award from NSELA.

Okhee Lee, PhD

Professor of Childhood Education

New York University – Steinhardt

Okhee Lee, PhD is a professor in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University. She is currently leading collaborative research between New York University and Stanford University to develop instructional materials aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in order to promote science learning and language learning of elementary students, including English learners. She is also leading collaborative research with MIT and Vanderbilt University to integrate computational thinking and modeling in NGSS-aligned instructional materials. She was a member of the NGSS writing team and served as leader for the NGSS Diversity and Equity Team. She was also a member of the Steering Committee for the Understanding Language Initiative at Stanford University.

Jill Lucero, MS

Regional Math Trainer

STEMscopes

Jill Lucero, MS has experience teaching 4th and 5th grade math and science, and providing math interventions to kindergarten through 5th grade students. She taught in the classroom for nine years and served as a Title Math Specialist for three years before becoming a District Elementary Math Instructional Coach. Jill has enjoyed learning and leading through the role of District Content Coach for the past two years. She received her master\’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on science from the University of Texas at Arlington. Jill lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her husband of 15 years, Matt, and two children, Niko (14) and Elena (8), who are very active in basketball and dance.

Kristin Majda, MS, MBA

California Academic Specialist

STEMscopes

Kristin Majda, MS, MBA is a STEM education specialist who, prior to becoming the California Academic Specialist for Accelerate Learning, Inc, taught high school and college level science coursework and led K-8 teachers in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards as a district science coach. She leads professional development for teachers on a regular basis at state and national conferences and in her current role as an academic specialist. She also serves on the board of Gold Coast Science Network, a chapter of the California Science Teachers Association; and is a member of the Ventura County NGSS Leadership Network and the Operating Council for the Discovery Center for Science and Technology. These roles have enabled Kristin to support both formal and informal STEM education; and she was recognized by the Ventura County STEM Network in 2018 with two Golden Gear Awards for her contributions to Ventura County\’s STEM ecosystem, which has been recognized internationally as one of 89 communities selected from across the world to have demonstrated cross-sector collaborations to deliver rigorous, effective preK-16 instruction in STEM learning. Kristin has extensive experience developing NGSS curricula, as well as coordinating STEM programs like family science and math nights, and regional conferences for STEM education. Prior to becoming an educator, Kristin worked as a technical writer in the computer software industry. In addition to her credentials in teaching and administrative leadership, she possesses undergraduate degrees in biological sciences and professional communication, and advanced degrees in biotechnology and business administration.

Ashley Mathis, MEd

Manager of Professional Development

Accelerate Learning

Ashley Mathis, MEd is a Manager of Professional Development for Accelerate Learning Inc. (ALI). Before joining Accelerate Learning Inc., she taught for ten years at the elementary level in Texas. There, she managed the grade level science department and also worked with the district curriculum team to ensure the curriculum materials centered around current best instructional practices. Ms. Mathis’s expertise in science curriculum led her to Accelerate Learning in 2011. As an implementation specialist, she helps develop, coordinate, and provide professional development to science educators around the nation. She has a Master’s degree focused on Science Education from University of North Texas.

Rita MacDonald, MA

Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Rita MacDonald, MA is the program co-leader of Making Science Multilingual, a joint program between WIDA and the National Science Teaching Association to develop and disseminate resources that support rigorous and equitable science education for multilingual learners. She is an applied linguist working in educational linguistics since 2001, as aK-12 ESL teacher and then teacher educator, then as Associate Researcher at the WIDA Consortium at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison since 2012. She is a frequent presenter at national conferences, disseminating research-based approaches to discourse-centered pedagogy for multilingual learners, equitable inclusion of multilingual learners in rigorous STEM education, and formative language assessment to strengthen students’ language for learning.

Peter McLaren, MA

Executive Director

Next Gen Education LLC

Peter McLaren, MA is the Executive Director of Next Gen Education, LLC and works as a consultant with states and districts in support of the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards and other three-dimensional state science standards. In his previous work Mr. McLaren served in a number of roles pertaining to science education policy at Achieve and the Rhode Island Department of Education. He also has served as President of the Council of State Science Supervisors (CSSS). McLaren also served as a member of the national writing committee for the NGSS, the National Academy of Engineering\’ Guiding Implementation of K-12 Engineering Education committee, and the NAS Committee for Developing Assessments for the NGSS. In 2001 he was recognized with the Milken National Educator Award and in 1995 as the Rhode Island Science Teacher of the Year.

Pam O’Brien, BS

Regional STEMcoach

STEMscopes

Pam O\’Brien, BS has been an educator for over 25 years. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a BA in Psychology, a K-8 Teaching Endorsement, and a passion for learning, she spent eight years in the Adams 12 Five Star School District in Denver, CO. After moving to Richmond, VA in 2001 and taking a few years to be home with her own children, she joined the staff of MathScience Innovation Center; a consortium providing extraordinary STEM experiences for K-12 students and educators in Central Virginia. During her 15years at the center, she developed and presented both face-to-face and virtual learning experiences for K-8 students as well as professional development opportunities for teachers. Since joining STEMscopes as a Regional STEMcoach in 2017, Pam has travelled across the country sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for STEM education.

Mindy Pearson, MA

Regional STEMcoach

STEMscopes

Mindy Pearson, MA is a passionate science education leader and professional development provider with a mission to improve the quality of classroom experiences for students and teachers everywhere. Previously a classroom teacher, site-based science coach, and district science coach for Hillsborough County Public Schools, Mindy presently works in the ed-tech industry as a STEM Implementation Specialist for STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning where she advocates for student needs, champions school improvement, and supports teachers in expert delivery of content and pedagogy. Mindy began her career teaching middle school science in 1998. As a science teacher, Mindy has received various accolades, including Teacher of the Year, Better Educated Students & Teachers Mentor, Research Experience for Teachers (RET) fellowships, and Robert Noyce Master Teacher Fellow. In 2009, Mindy left the classroom to become a site-based, and later, a district-wide, science coach supporting high needs schools. Through mentoring, coaching, customized embedded professional development, and informal observation/feedback, Mindy supported over 500 teachers in accelerating their professional growth. Mindy\’s extensive experience with data analysis, school improvement, professional development, and curriculum design have also been invaluable to school administrators. Mindy is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, National Science Education Leaders Association, the National Association of Biology Teachers, Florida Association of Science Supervisors, and the Florida Association of Science Teachers, where she continues to share her experiences at state and national conferences.

Larry R. Plank, EdS

Director

K-12 STEM Education, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Tampa Bay STEM Network

Larry R. Plank, EdS is the Director of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education for Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, FL, the eighth largest school district in the United States. Mr. Plank began his post-secondary education at Michigan State University, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Florida State University in 1997, and Master’s (Biological Sciences) and Specialist’s degrees (Educational Leadership) from the University of South Florida in 2000 and 2006, respectively. Early in 2016, Mr. Plank championed the Tampa Bay STEM Network, a collaborative of educational and STEM-centric partners focused upon strengthening STEM educational experiences for children and young adults in Tampa Bay. Mr. Plank was nationally recognized in 2014 as one the Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers by the Center for Digital Education. Most recently in 2015, the USF College of Education recognized Mr. Plank as the college’s Partner of the Year, and he received a similar award from the Hillsborough Education Foundation in 2013 for working with partners in the Tampa Bay community.

Shane Woods, MS

Director, STEM Center of Excellence

Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas

Shane Woods, MS is the Director of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas STEM Center of Excellence, a 92-acre living laboratory where girls of all ages can explore and develop their competence and confidence in science, technology, engineering and math – all while cultivating essential skills such as confidence, resilience, leadership, risk taking, and problem solving. She had the pleasure of working in Fort Worth ISD for over 16 years. During her tenure as the K-12 Science Director, she managed a multi-million-dollar budget that ensured every student had access to a properly outfitted science lab and learned a standards-aligned curriculum taught by teachers who were supported with ongoing professional learning. Ms. Woods holds a Master’s degree in Middle Grades Science Education and a Bachelor\’s in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana. She has further extended my learning to include educational administration and project management. She serves the science community as an active member of several local and state educational committees, taking a more active role in the Fort Worth Regional Science & Engineering Fair and Women Leading Technology Sorority as a board member for both. For the Texas Science Education Leadership Association, Ms. Woods served two terms as the President from 2017-2019.

Judy Zimny, EdD

Vice President

National Institute for STEM Education

Judy Zimny, EdD began her career as a special education teacher and later continued to positively influence education as an assistant principal and principal in Dallas at both the elementary and secondary levels. After being recognized for multiple leadership distinctions, Judy transitioned to executive roles developing systems internationally to support online teaching and learning. Through all this work, including her current role as Vice President for the National Institute for STEM Education, Judy has steadfastly focused on the use of data, research and reality to inspire change. This objective holds true as she supports the reflection and growth of educators worldwide. Who wouldn’t want to be coached by an educator who has won both teacher- and principal-of-the-year recognitions multiple times? Judy’s coaching style can best be summarized as personable and approachable, cultivating collaboration and synergy to inspire change. Judy shares that she “likes to build on others’ strengths, helping people discover and grow their own greatness.” Judy earned her EdD in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M, and her MEd in educational administration from the University of Missouri. One of the ways she continues her learning today is through her work with current educators and administrators. She loves working with the people in the trenches, those who actually make learning happen for children and adults! Judy believes teaching and leading are a lot harder than they used to be, and she enjoys problem-solving with educators to discover realistic solutions to their challenges.

Christine Anne Royce, EdD

NSTA Past President (18-19), Professor/CO-Director MAT in STEM Education

Shippensburg University, PA

Christine Anne Royce, EdD is a Professor in the Department of Teacher Education and co-directs the MAT in STEM Education Program at Shippensburg University (PA). Royce has also served the university in the Professional, Continuing, & Distance Education Division, where she focused on teaching in online environments. She has served as the 2018-19 president for the National Science Teaching Association and the treasurer for the National Science Education Leadership Association; she is active in her state as well. Her scholarly focus is on science education, STEM instruction, the integration of children’s literature into science, and integration of digital tools and technology into classrooms for sensemaking. She is an NSTA Press author for Teaching Science through Trade Books; serves as the column author for Teaching through Trade Books, which appears in Science and Children; and has recently had chapters published related to immersing pre-service teachers in blended learning; using digital tools and practices to construct meaning; and literacy integration in science through the use of biographical narratives.

Page Keeley, MEd

Author/Consultant

Page Keeley, MEd, is a prolific author of 22 books and over 60 journal articles. She works with school districts, universities, and organizations throughout the US and internationally to build capacity for formative assessment and understanding students\’ thinking. She formerly taught middle and high school science and received the Presidential Award for Secondary Science Teaching (1992) and the Milken National Educator Award (1993). Before retiring, she was the Science Program Director at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance for 16 years. In recognition of her leadership work in science education, she received the Susan Loucks-Horsley Award from Learning Forward in 2009, the Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award from NSELA in 2013, and the NSTA Distinguished Service to Science Education Award in 2017. Page is also a past president of the National Science Teaching Association.

Emily Hayes, MA

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes

Emily Hayes, MA is currently a STEMscopes Regional Coach with more than 15 years\’ classroom teaching experience. Prior to joining STEMscopes, she created and led an interdisciplinary program that focused on technology integration and Project-Based Learning in a Top 20 Best STEM High School (US News). In her classroom as well as in her conference sessions, people learn the most—and have the most fun learning—when they take content apart and put it back together in novel and meaningful ways.

Jessica Morse, MBA

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes

Jessica Morse, MBA is currently a STEMscopes Regional School Success Consultant with more than 17 years in the field of education. Jessica has a STEM certificate from the National Institute of STEM Education. She has presented at CAST, NSTA, and many other conferences around the nation. Jessica has been a clinical supervisor for university students and has worked with the ESUs in the DFW region.

Stephen Fleenor, PhD

Educational Consultant

Seidlitz Education

Stephen Fleenor, PhD is a scientist-turned-educator who is inspired by the principles of sheltered instruction and growth mindset, particularly in the service of English learners. In 2014, Stephen earned his PhD in Developmental Neurobiology and sought to empower the next generation of thinkers as a high school science teacher at a Title I school in San Antonio. He has developed innovative approaches to working with ELs and economically disadvantaged students, and has presented his ideas across various districts, as well as at regional conferences. A central component of Stephen’s pedagogy is student ownership of personal growth throughout the school year. This approach has been particularly effective in promoting language and content acquisition for ELs, and under his leadership his department closed the gap in EL performance on the science STAAR. In 2017, Stephen was awarded the Edgewood ISD District Teacher of the Year Award and the KENS5 ExCEL Award, and went on to serve as a science instructional coach for Edgewood ISD. In addition to his PhD from Oxford, Stephen holds an MEd in School Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word and a BS in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Laney Sammons, MLS

Author and Consultant

Laney Sammons Consulting LLC

Laney Sammons, MLS was a classroom teacher and instructional coach for 21 years before becoming an author and educational consultant. She has written numerous books, including Guided Math: A Framework for Mathematics Instruction, Strategies for Implementing Guided Math, Building Mathematical Comprehension: Using Literacy Strategies to Make Meaning, and Teaching Students to Communicate Mathematically. She has worked with teachers of all grade levels throughout the United States and Canada to help them improve their mathematics instruction.

Cathy Gassenheimer, MS

Exec. VP for the Alabama Best Practices Center, A+ Education Partnership

Cathy Gassenheimer, MS is the A+ Education Partnership’s Executive Vice President for the Alabama Best Practices Center. She has been with A+ since August 1991. The Alabama Best Practices Center’s purpose is to help teachers and administrators develop the competence, commitment, and courage to do whatever it takes to improve student learning. It manages professional learning networks of educators in Alabama ranging from district teams, school teams, and instructional coaches. Cathy blogs regularly on the ABPC website (www.bestpracticescenter.org) and regularly presents at state, regional, and national conferences. The work of the Alabama Best Practices Center has been featured in Learning Forward publications and the Kappan.

Shelly M. Jones, PhD

Professor of Mathematics Education

Central Connecticut State University

Shelly M. Jones, PhD is a Professor of Mathematics Education at Central Connecticut State University with degrees from Spelman College, the University of Bridgeport, and Illinois State University. With more than 25 years of experience in education, she currently teaches courses in mathematics content, curriculum, and methods to pre-service and practicing teachers. Before joining the CCSU faculty, Dr. Jones was a middle school mathematics teacher and a mathematics supervisor in K–12 education. Her research interest about culturally relevant pedagogy led to her contribution in The Brilliance of Black Children in Mathematics: Beyond the Numbers and Toward a New Discourse. Her most recent publication is a best-selling children’s activity book, Women Who Count: Honoring African American Women Mathematicians, highlighting the important contributions of 29 African American women in mathematics. Dr. Jones is the president-elect of the Benjamin Banneker Association, Incorporated, a national education organization.

Stoney Beavers, PhD

Assistant Director for the Alabama Best Practices Center

Dr. Stoney M. Beavers is currently serving as the Assistant Director for the Alabama Best Practices Center after working in K-12 public education for over 25 years. He is Nationally Board-Certified and holds a Ph.D. in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction/Teaching and Learning from the University of Alabama. Dr. Beavers has worked with students and educators from all levels pre-K through junior college. Before retiring from his role as the assistant superintendent for Blount County Schools, he was instrumental in installing STEM labs for students in grades 4-8 throughout the system’s middle grade sites.

Martin Cardenas, MA

Secondary Math Facilitator

Grand Prairie Independent School District (TX)

MARTIN CARDENAS, MA, is the secondary math facilitator at Grand Prairie ISD in Grand Prairie, TX. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics at the University of Texas in Arlington. He has served in the educational community as a secondary math strategist, secondary math teacher, College Board item reviewer, math adjunct professor, and as an elementary teacher’s aide. In his most current work as secondary math facilitator, he supports administration, district personnel, and secondary educators in Grand Prairie ISD to promote high quality math instruction. Martin serves as a Texas Association of Supervisors of Mathematics (TASM) board member, Northeast Regional director for Texas Council of Teachers of Mathematics (TCTM), and the Conference for the Advancement of Mathematics Teaching (CAMT) board member. In these roles he plans, coordinates, and communicates between math educators from across Texas.

Whitney Dove, PhD

Senior Manager

National Institute for STEM Education

WHITNEY DOVE, PhD, is Senior Manager of Professional Learning Design with the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE), a division of Accelerate Learning, Inc. In this role, Whitney is responsible for the design, delivery, and management of a suite of online professional learning programs for educators. Before moving to NISE, she worked as a curriculum manager for STEMscopes and was instrumental in the development of many of the quality-defining components of that product. Whitney’s perspectives are influenced by many variables including her work as an eighth grade science teacher and instructional coach in Texas. Whitney earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Tech. Her dissertation explored the degree to which a known theory of action for teacher professional development could be used to predict the outcomes of online teacher professional development on teachers’ self-efficacy and use of STEM best practices in the classroom. She also holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Texas — Arlington and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Austin College. She has attended and presented at local, regional, state, and national conferences on a variety of STEM topics.

Tricia Shelton, MAT

Chief Learning Officer

National Science Teaching Association

TRICIA SHELTON, MAT, worked with Kentucky students for 22 years as a middle school and high school science teacher and teacher leader. Tricia is a 2014 NSTA Distinguished Teaching Award winner for her contributions to and demonstrated excellence in science teaching. Tricia served as an EQuIP Trainer for Achieve and a Professional Learning Designer and Facilitator for many organizations before joining the NSTA team. At NSTA, Tricia is the Director of Professional Learning and Standards Implementation, and works to support educators and students across the county as they work to integrate contemporary research in science education into classroom teaching and learning.

Amanda McGarry, MA

PhET Math Specialist

University of Colorado Boulder

AMANDA McGARRY leads University of Colorado Boulder’s PhET math simulation design and teacher partnership initiative. She leads simulation design for new math simulations, works with teachers to design sim-based activities, and provides teacher resources such as sim-specific tips and teacher preparation videos. Amanda brings 6 years of math teaching experience, primarily in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a MA in Math Education and a BA in Mathematics.

Kathy Perkins, PhD

Director of PhET Interactive Simulations

University of Colorado Boulder

KATHY PERKINS, PhD, directs PhET Interactive Simulations at University of Colorado Boulder, and is a faculty member in Physics Education Research. Her work focuses on advancing the design and classroom use of interactive simulations to increase engagement and learning in STEM, and on scaling impact with open educational resources. She holds a BA in physics (1992), MA in chemistry (2000), and PhD in atmospheric science (2000), all from Harvard University. She has authored over 60 articles on STEM education. Under her leadership, PhET has received international recognition, including the 2011 Tech Award, 2014 Reimagine Education Award, and 2017 WISE Award, and has grown usage to over 200 million simulation runs/year worldwide.

Kelly Dyer, PhD

Professor

The University of Texas at Tyler

Cynthia Ontiveros, PhD

Principal

Young Women’s STEAM Research and Preparatory Academy (TX)

CYNTHIA ONTIVEROS, PhD, is the founding Principal of Young Women’s STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy and is also the Principal of Armendariz Middle School in the El Paso Independent School District (TX). She has 21 years of service spanning roles such as Science Teacher, Science Instructional Specialist, and Campus/District leadership roles. Cynthia is passionate about providing students the opportunities to participate in STEAM related experiences connecting her students at the local level. She believes that students should have early access and exposure to college and career settings, especially to non-traditional career fields. She believes that every student, no matter their learning level, language, or background has the right to experience a first-class educational experience surrounded by teachers who genuinely care and support them. Cynthia has participated in several regional, state, and national educational committees.

Donna Acosta, BS

Math/Science Instr. Coach

Ysleta Independent School District (TX)

DONNA ACOSTA, BS, has been an educator for over 34 years with a Bachelors degree from Sul Ross State University. She has taught Kindergarten- 2nd grade, was a Reading Recovery Teacher, Dyslexia Reading Teacher, Early Literacy Coach, ELAR Instructional Coach, and is currently a Math/Science Instructional Coach for grades K-6th for Ysleta ISD in El Paso, Texas. When she is not inspiring educators, she enjoys sewing, cooking and spending time with her family.

Sara Corral, MEd

Ysleta Independent School District (TX)

SARA CORRAL, MEd, an elementary and middle school bilingual educator with 24 years of teaching experience. She has taught Kinder through 5th grade and middle school science. Sara has been a campus instructional coach for the past 7 years in El Paso ISD and Ysleta ISD. She currently serves as a proud campus math/science instructional coach to pre-kindergarten through 6th grade students in Ysleta ISD. Sara holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in dual language education from the University of Texas at El Paso. She enjoys spending time with her family and loves to travel.

Sindy Garcia, MEd

Math/Science Instr. Coach

Ysleta Independent School District (TX)

SINDY GARCIA, MEd, is an elementary bilingual educator with 15 years of teaching experience. She has taught 4th through 6th grade self-contained and departmentalized. Sindy currently serves as a campus instructional coach to pre-kindergarten through 6th grade student for Ysleta ISD. Sindy holds a master’s degree of Reading Specialist from St. Thomas University of Texas in Houston. When she is not inspiring educators she enjoys exercising and spending time with her family.

Jamie Flemmer, MEd

PK-5 Science Coordinator

Frisco Independent School District (TX)

JAMIE FLEMMER, MEd, is the PreK-5 Science Coordinator at Frisco ISD in Frisco, Tx. She has served on the Texas Council of Elementary Science as President for the past 3 years. Jamie enjoys networking with other science professionals and continues to glean information that can enhance learning for all students.

Laura Lee McLeod, MEd

PK-5 Science Coordinator

Frisco Independent School District (TX)

LAURA LEE McLEOD, MEd, is the PreK-5 Science Coordinator at Frisco ISD in Frisco, Tx. She has served on the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) board, being named President in 2017-18. Laura Lee is an experienced educator who is passionate about science education and student science literacy.

Steve Rich, EdD

Independent Science Author and Consultant

STEVE RICH, EdD, taught K-8 science for 15 years, establishing award-winning outdoor classrooms at elementary and middle schools. He documented the outdoor classrooms in his books for teachers Outdoor Science, and Bringing Outdoor Science In. He continued his career as director of the West Georgia Youth Science & Technology Center, and at the Georgia Dept. of Education as elementary science specialist and as the Math Science Partnership consultant. He served as the president of the Georgia Science Teachers Association, and has been an active member of NSTA serving on the board, council, and numerous committees. He has received two teaching awards from NSTA, National Board Certification, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. He is known for helping former first lady Rosalynn Carter establish a butterfly garden at her home in Plains, Georgia. His subsequent book, Mrs. Carter’s Butterfly Garden, was named an Outstanding Science Trade Book for children in 2015.

Staci Bain, EdD

Assistant Executive Director of Learning and Teaching

Wenatchee Sch. Dist. (WA)

STACI BAIN, EdD, is thrilled about the opportunity to connect with educators and unpack reading across the content areas. In 2013, Staci began working across the country as a literacy, assessment, and MTSS professional learning provider. She has since supported educators in 49 of the 50 states. Staci was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, completing a BA in Psychology at the University of Washington. Staci went on to receive her Master’s, national board certification, and administration credential. In 2019, Staci completed her doctorate and superintendent credential from the University of Washington with a published dissertation in online learning. Staci currently works at a district level in public education, serves as a university associate professor, and volunteers her time as an executive board member for the International Dyslexia Association (WA, ID, MT branch). Staci is resolute in her belief that literacy is a civil right that must be afforded to every individual. Her newly published book is entitled, “Thrive: Teaching with Virtual and Reading Science Best Practices.”

Elizabeth Esparza, BS

Regional Math Trainer

STEMscopes

ELIZABETH (LIZ) ESPARZA is a retired teacher with 32 years experience in education before joining STEMscopes. Her work in education includes research for the Texas A&M University System, being a K-5 Special Education Teacher, Math Interventionist, Math Teacher Leader and Instructional Coach, and most recently a campus Active Learning Leader. She has experience training at the campus and district level, participating in district curriculum writing, and has also been part of the product development team with STEMscopes. She is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Biomedical Science who enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, their 2 sons, and their 3 dogs.

Aidan Chopra, MArch

Co-founder

Bitsbox

AIDAN CHOPRA is Chief Creative Officer and a co-founder at Bitsbox. After earning an undergraduate degree in fine arts, he moved on to a Master of Architecture, where his thesis dealt with the intersection between children’s play, learning, and physical space. Aidan then joined SketchUp in Boulder, where he launched an education program that made SketchUp free for educators and their students. When SketchUp was acquired by Google in 2006, Aidan became the product evangelist, writing Google SketchUp For Dummies and traveling the world to spread the word about 3D modeling for everyone. Aidan co-founded Bitsbox in 2014 with the idea that the best way to teach coding is to encourage independent exploration and experimentation. Bitsbox provides hundreds of inspiring app examples, thousands of high-quality graphic and media resources, and the ability to make apps that work in any browser, on any device. As a new coder himself, Aidan is proud to be helping kids—and their parents and teachers—discover the magic of bringing their ideas to life with code. At Bitsbox, Aidan can be found doing everything from designing materials to giving talks and teaching workshops. He is the father of two young sons, neither of whom are programmers—yet.

Myles Vandegrift, MA

Science Educator, Adjunct Professor

Ramona Unified Sch. Dist. (CA), Point Loma Nazarene University

MYLES VANDEGRIFT, MA, is a passionate middle school science teacher who has been engaging students with his enthusiasm and genuine curiosity about the natural world for more than 28 years. He is deeply driven to connect with students and make science meaningful and relevant to them. He cherishes the opportunity to inspire young people to reach their full potential and believes every student can learn and achieve at high levels with enough time, support, and the right learning environment. Outside of the classroom, Myles connects with students through his work coaching skateboarding and the science olympiad team, and has taken students on expeditions to Catalina Island, Beijing China, Tambopata Research Center in the Amazonian Rainforest of Southeastern Peru, the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu, and Gabon Africa (Operation Canopy distance learning project). Myles also inspires future science teachers as an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, which is where he earned his undergraduate degree in biology and MA in Teaching and Learning. Myles grew up in the small town of Ojai, California, currently resides in San Diego with his wife Stella and two children, Samuel (19) and Zoe (15), and teaches in Olive Peirce Middle School in the Ramona Unified School District.

Kyndra J. Johnson MEd

Executive Director of STEM and Innovation

Richardson I.S.D. (TX)

Kyndra Johnson is a STEMINIST whose career spans 22 years and shows no signs of stopping. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, privileged with a mother who was a science teacher, she recognized early on that she had a passion and interest in science. Throughout her school years, Kyndra furthered her love for science, participating in numerous science and engineering clubs, competitions and fairs. One particular club, Southeastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering (SECME), increased her engagement in engineering and would be the catalyst for her academic endeavors. Kyndra shares her affinity for science with the arts. It’s no surprise then that she graduated #5 in her class from John L. LeFlore Magnet High School for Communication and Arts, where she concentrated in engineering, dance and gymnastics. Leading up to her freshman year in college, she participated in an engineering program at Auburn University called the Minority Introduction to Engineering (MITE). Kyndra received a full scholarship to pursue a dual degree in Pre-Medical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She credits her mother and high school chemistry teacher for influencing her career path. Kyndra earned her degree and began the journey to her destiny.

Stephen Pruitt, PhD

President

Southern Regional Education Board (GA)

STEPHEN L. PRUITT, PhD, took office as the sixth president of the Southern Regional Education Board in July 2018. He started his education career as a high school chemistry teacher in Fayette County, Georgia. During his career, Pruitt has amassed education policy, assessment, and instructional background at the local, state and national levels. Before coming to SREB, Pruitt was Kentucky’s state commissioner of education. At the national level, he had worked closely with state agencies and educators around the country to improve policy and practice in science education. In Georgia, Pruitt served as science and mathematics program manager, director of academic standards, associate state superintendent for assessment and accountability and chief of staff for the Georgia Department of Education. Pruitt currently serves on national boards of the National Research Council’s Board on Science Education, Center for Assessment, Data Quality Campaign, Auburn University College of Education Advisory. He has served on the National Academies of Science Committee on Conceptual Framework for New Science Education Standards that developed the Framework for K-12 Science Education setting the vision for science education in the country. A native of Georgia, Pruitt holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from North Georgia College and State University, a master’s degree in science education from the University of West Georgia and a Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry education from Auburn University. Pruitt and his wife are the parents of two children. His wife and son are educators in the Georgia and their daughter attends the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Mindy Stroup

Regional STEM Trainer

STEMscopes

Mindy Stroup, EdD, currently works as a Regional STEM Coach for Accelerate Learning/ STEMscopes. Dr. Stroup worked in the public school system for over 30 years as a teacher, a curriculum specialist, an administrator, and a K-5 science lab teacher. Dr. Stroup earned her undergraduate and masters degree from Ball State University in Indiana and her Education Specialist and Doctorate in Supervision and Educational Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University in Florida. She has presented at numerous state and regional conferences as well as a national STEMposium. As an Implementation Specialist for Accelerate Learning STEMscopes, she helps develop, coordinate and provide professional development along with coaching sessions, across the country using best practices. Dr. Stroup knows that the teacher is the determining factor in the classroom for student success, which is why she is so passionate about bringing STEM best practices to teachers whether in face to face or virtual training. She also assists teachers via coaching sessions to help them produce students able to solve problems and develop innovative solutions.

Susan Arnette, MEd

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Susan Arnette is an experienced National STEM Certified Educator with more than 40 years of involvement in education. After 25 years in the classroom, she transitioned to regional and statewide professional development and coaching for teachers. Upon retiring from public education, she remained active in professional learning and coaching with her own consulting business. Susan knows that the teacher is the determining factor in the classroom for student success and continues her lifelong passion of providing the best educational experiences for students as a Regional Manager of Professional Learning with Accelerate Learning, Inc./STEMscopes.

Veronica Burnett

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Veronica Burnett has a life-long passion for science and the investigative process and seeks every opportunity to transfer that passion to other Educators. She worked for the El Paso Independent School District for 18 years as a dual language classroom teacher, campus science coach, and district science coach. Mrs. Burnett provided support to 56 elementary campuses by meeting with principals and teachers to help them with planning and modeling science lessons, and to perform detailed data analysis. She also wrote science curriculum and conducted science curriculum training at the district level for 8 years. Mrs. Burnett has been a STEMscopes Coach for the last 6 years, using her experience and enthusiasm to impact both teachers and students, thus promoting an adequate learning environment that addresses the individual needs of all students.

Anthony Aranico

Regional STEM Trainer

STEMscopes

Anthony Aranico is a regional STEMcoach for Southern California. He received his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and has taught using STEMscopes at La Mesa K-8 school in La Mesa, California. He has created and presented workshops at the California Science Teachers Association conference as well as coached teachers in implementing best practice instructional strategies across the state of California.

Stephanie Shield, MEd

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes

Stephanie Shield has utilized her masters degree in cross cultural education to teach K-5 in both California and Alabama, and also worked for the Orange County Department of Education teaching at-risk high school students. Prior to becoming a credentialed teacher, Stephanie worked for more than a decade teaching life skills to disabled youth. She is a proud CSTA member and experienced leader in professional development. For the past four years, Stephanie has provided instructional coaching to teachers throughout the state of California, helping them learn to use STEMscopes to teach NGSS and currently works as a Regional STEM Coach for Accelerate Learning, Inc. Stephanie loves engaging kids with phenomena and sharing her strategies with teachers!

Suzan Morris, MA

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Suzan Morris spent 19 years as a classroom teacher and three years as a Campus Math and Science Specialist. After retiring from the AMSTI Department of the Alabama State Department of Education, Suzan Morris worked with the Mobile Area Education Foundation (MAEF), where she was active in the STEM Education community in Mobile County, Alabama. Suzan Morris earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of South Alabama and a master’s degree in elementary education from Springhill College. She is also a STEM Certified Teacher through the National Institute for STEM Education

Lisa Dentler, MA

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Lisa Dentler is an experienced presenter and trainer that presents at state, regional, and national conferences. She is passionate about STEM education and provides professional development to show that hands-on, cooperative learning gives any student the opportunity to grow and succeed, regardless of their learning style or abilities. She has 19 years of teaching experience and has certifications in Early Childhood, ELL, and Gifted and Talented. These certifications have broadened the base of students and teachers she has the ability to impact.

Katey Arrington, PhD

Associate Director of the UTeach, Southern 2 Regional Director (and next president-elect) National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM)

Dr. Arrington is the Associate Director for the UTeach Institute. She directs the implementation and evaluation of program initiatives to expand and strengthen secondary STEM education, supporting the national expansion of the UTeach secondary STEM teacher preparation program and UTeach networks and supports. She contributes to strategic planning and development for the Institute and manages the daily operations, grants, and contracts that support the implementation of programs and initiatives. Katey also serves as the Southern 2 Regional Director Board Representative for NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education. In this role she represents her region (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas) at all board meetings and for the Council, attends and provide assistance during NCSM events in the region, supports local affiliates and conferences, and offers local assistance, support, and publicity within the region. She will take office as President-Elect for NCSM in September 2022. Previously, Katey led the K-12 system services work at the Charles A. Dana Center for nearly a decade. She has developed and facilitated system level change innovations and professional learning for educators at the national level, with multiple states and many districts. Her prior work includes instructional leadership roles at the campus and district level, including serving five years as the mathematics coordinator for a diverse district in Texas. Katey has extensive experience in educator support and as a classroom teacher in the K—12 system and at the community college level. Katey earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Policy and Planning through the Educational Leadership and Policy department at the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Mathematics Education and her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a Teaching Option through the UTeach program at the University of Texas.

Pamela Richards, MEd

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Pamela Richards is a Regional STEM coach serving the Midwest Region. She is an expert in K-12 Math and Science content and Master Teacher with 30+ years of educational content development, academic team leadership, and teaching history. Team-oriented motivator with demonstrated reputation for training and developing multi-disciplinary teaching professionals, bridging organizational communications, introducing innovative teaching models, and improving teaching and program quality and instructional delivery. Accomplished technology leader and innovator with proven capacity for developing/implementing reflective practice teaching strategies, inspiring team engagement, and improving teacher and student achievement levels. Pamela holds a master’s in education from Hamline University, St Paul MN. Pamela’s classroom and district level experience make her approachable and relatable to the education field. Her knowledge of best practices in STEM instruction and standards understanding help provide flexibility in professional learning sessions to meet participants where they are.

Alicia Chiasson, MEd

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Alicia Chiasson is currently a Northeast regional STEM coach for Accelerate Learning, Inc. She is a retired public educator, having taught grades 4-6 for 27 years at Newbury Elementary School in Massachusetts. She has eight years of experience writing mathematics curriculum. Her most recent curriculum development work has been with the STEMscopes K-5 and 6-8 mathematics curriculum, and with the Maximizing STEMscopes Math NISE certification course. She is passionate about standards-aligned and inquiry-based instructional practices. In her free time, Alicia enjoys family Italian traditions and cooking, nature walks, the arts, and yoga.

Jennifer Weibert, MEd

Science Coordinator, Business Owner

Fresno County of Education, Weibert Science

Jennifer Weibert has been in science education for 23 years. She started out as a science teacher and for the last 12 years has trained and supported science teachers all around the world as a science coordinator. She is an expert in science notebooking and training teachers on strategies that engage all students in science. Weibert has trained thousands of secondary science teachers over her career, emphasizing the best science teaching strategies.

Kenneth R. Roy, PhD

Director of Environmental Health & Safety, Glastonbury Public Schools (CT), NSTA Chief Safety Compliance Advisor, NSELA Safety Compliance Officer

Dr. Kenneth Russell Roy has been a science/mathematics educator, K—12 administrator, and safety compliance officer/specialist for more than 50 years. In addition, he has a large number of experiences as an author and editor, with more than 800 published articles and 12 books addressing K-12 science education and laboratory safety. He has served in numerous leadership positions for state, national, and international science education organizations. He presently serves as the Director of Environmental Health and Safety for Glastonbury Public Schools (Glastonbury, Connecticut). He concurrently serves as Chief Science Safety Compliance Adviser and Chief Safety Blogger for the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and Safety Compliance Officer for the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA). Dr. Roy is also an independent safety compliance consultant and advisor working for professional organizations, school districts, magnet schools, insurance companies, textbook publishers, state departments of education and other organizations dealing with safety and science/technology and engineering education issues. He specializes in working with science, technology and engineering education departments in K—12 schools relative to science labs, STEM labs, Fab Labs and makerspaces safety compliance issues (site designs, mock OSHA inspections for existing facilities, safety plan development, employee safety training, etc.). He serves as an expert witness in legal cases involving K—12 laboratory accidents. Dr. Roy earned a bachelor’s degree in science education in 1968 and a master’s degree in 1974, both from Central Connecticut State University, and doctorate in 1985 from the University of Connecticut. In addition, he received a diploma in professional education from the University of Connecticut in 1981 and a Certificate of Instruction as an authorized OSHA instructor from the Keene State College OSHA Extension School. Dr. Roy is a past chairperson of the NSTA Safety Advisory Board. He is an NSTA author and chief safety blog columnist. He has served as president and executive director of NSELA. He also was the North American Representative for eight years and chairperson of the safety committee for the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE).

Tyler Love, PhD

Assistant Professor of elementary/middle grades STEM education and the Director of the Capital Area Institute for Mathematics and Science (CAIMS)

The Pennsylvania State University (PA)

Dr. Tyler Love is an Assistant Professor of elementary/middle grades STEM education and the Director of the Capital Area Institute for Mathematics and Science (CAIMS) at The Pennsylvania State University’s Capital Campus in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was previously an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Technology and Engineering Education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in Princess Anne, MD. From 2016-2021 he served as editor of the Safety Spotlight articles for the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA). He was named the CareerSafe® Safety Educator of the year at the 2018 Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) CareerTech Vision conference. Since 2016 he has served on the National Science Teaching Association’s (NSTA) Science Safety Advisory Board. He received his doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, with a concentration in Integrative STEM Education from Virginia Tech in 2015. Additionally, he earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and graduate certificates in Integrative STEM Education and Higher Education Administration from Virginia Tech. His bachelor’s degree is in Technology Education from UMES. Upon graduation from UMES, he taught Technology Education in the Maryland Public School System. Tyler has presented at various conferences and published numerous peer-reviewed resources regarding tort law, liability, and safer practices within science, technology, and engineering education laboratories, makerspaces, and Fab Labs. He is an authorized OSHA outreach trainer for general industry. In 2022 he received the distinction of Distinguished Technology Educator (DTE), one of the highest honors awarded by ITEEA.

Leslie Spaeny, BSEd

Regional STEM Professional Development Manager

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Leslie Spaeny has been in education for 20 years as a K-8 science educator and science specialist for various districts in Texas. During this time, she also managed school and grade level science department needs and worked with the curriculum team to write and develop curriculum centered around best practices in science education for one of the top performing science districts in the state. Leslie currently works as a Regional STEM Manager for Accelerate Learning/STEMscopes.

Heather McIntyre, BA

Regional STEM Coach

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Heather McIntyre is a regional STEM Coach for Northern California. She has worked in education for 17 years and has enjoyed being a general education teacher. Her primary goal now is to help teachers become comfortable, confident and enjoy learning and teaching science through STEM.

Eric Walters

Director of STEM Education

Marymount School of New York

Eric A. Walters serves as the Director of STEM Education at Marymount School of New York, where he teaches Upper School science and technology. An Apple Distinguished Educator and Google Certified Educator, Eric believes that transformative teaching and learning occurs when students construct their own knowledge, collaborate with peers, and share their work in the public sphere. Eric has developed and implemented a number of project-based, technology-enhanced STEM curricula. Eric has a B.S. in Meteorology from UMassLowell; an MS in Atmospheric Science from SUNY-Albany; a professional certificate in online education from UCSD; and a certificate in television writing from UCLA.

Shawn Wigg, EdD

Vice President of Math Nation Curriculum

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Dr. Shawn Wigg is an educational leader with a passion for innovation and is committed to making high quality instruction available to all students. Dr. Wigg has spent his career in mathematics and standards-based instruction focused roles. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of Math Nation Curriculum, working to create high quality instructional materials for students across the county. Prior to this experience, he served as the Director of K-12 Mathematics and Director of School Improvement for the 20th largest school district in the nation. In addition to brick-and-mortar, Dr. Wigg has worked for the nation’s oldest and largest online programs in multiple roles including instruction, leadership, and curriculum.

Crystal Emery, MEd

Regional STEM Coach, Mathnation Content Specialist

STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Crystal Emery is currently a content writer specialist for Math Nation and regional STEM coach for Accelerate Learning. She has 17 years of experience as a public educator in Jacksonville, Florida. In her 17 years of working in the public education system, she has taught both middle and high school grades in mathematical content areas ranging from Pre-Algebra to Pre-Calculus. She has been a school Math Coach, Assistant Principal, and District Math Specialist to support and drive purposeful and meaningful instruction to all students. Recently, her work has led her down the path of supporting new content writers for Mathnation, writing B.E.S.T. aligned curriculum, and delivering benchmark aligned, engaging Professional Development to teachers, math coaches, and district specialists across the state of Florida. Crystal is passionate about doing what is best for students and teachers. In her free time, Crystal enjoys volunteering with Marathon High, finding new places to explore, being a sports’ mom, and building LEGO sets with her boys.

K. Renae Pullen, MEd

Elementary Curriculum Instructional Specialist

Caddo Parish Public Schools

K. Renae Pullen has been the elementary science specialist for Caddo Parish Public Schools in Shreveport, LA for 7 years. Prior to that, she was an elementary classroom teacher for 16 years. She is a member of the Louisiana Science Teachers Association and the Society of Elementary Presidential Awardees. Besides being a dedicated science educator in Caddo, Ms. Pullen has served on several local, state, and national committees as well as presented at numerous workshops and conferences. She was a member of the Louisiana Student Standards for Science workgroup that developed the new science standards, and she currently serves as a member of the Board on Science Education for the National Academies of Sciences. Ms. Pullen is a STEM Ambassador for NSTA and NCTM and a member of the National Science Foundation’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Advisory Panel. In 2008, she was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Ms. Pullen developed upper elementary EAGLE assessment items for science as a Teacher Leader Advisor for the Louisiana Department for Education in 2018-2022.

Dr. London Moore, PhD

Regional Outreach Coordinator

Girls Who Code

Dr. London Moore is passionate about teacher and leader training, culturally relevant instruction, critical race theory, business development and student centered learning. She has a host of expertise in professional development, organizational management, teaching and learning, curriculum and assessment and education research. London Moore is the Director of Schools for NOVA Pioneer in Nairobi, Kenya. She is also an education and leadership consultant, the founder of Diaspora Travels, the co-founder of The Ghana Educational Collaborative, an adjunct professor and a regional outreach coordinator for Girls Who Code. Prior to this she was the Founding Principal of THRIVE Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s first public boarding school. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She attended Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in 2019 in Political Science. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Louisiana State University as well as her PHD in Curriculum and Instruction. She began her teaching career in Ghana, West Africa where she has since co-founded the Ghana Educational Collaborative, a non-profit that sends children to school and gives them leadership and development training. She taught in Baker City Schools, becoming Park Ridge’s Teacher of the Year. She also worked for Teach For America helping recruit and train new teachers at the University of Southern California and the University of California-Irvine. She is deeply invested in new teacher development and works on crafting and implementing teacher training as they progress toward certification with the Louisiana Resource Center for Educators. London Moore has also been a member and lead fellow of America Achieves and works on the intersection between the classroom and education policy, as well as has given recommendations to the U.S Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan on the RESPECT Project. She has further worked on supporting the work of the Common Core as a Student Achievement Partners fellow as well as assisted in crafting and lead training on Louisiana’s new career development curriculum. Ms. Moore has consulted for a host of educational organizations and businesses including but not limited to Instill Education, Berkshire Schools, The National Institute of STEM Education, The Hunt Institute, National Geographic, PepperTree and Seven Teas. Dr. Moore strongly believes that all children have the right to a quality education and is committed to ensuring students, teachers and leaders reach their full potential. This conviction consistently drives her work.