​Building Communities of Hope for Children Through Engagement in Local Phenomena 
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As climate-related events occur, it is essential to build communities of hope for children. Place-based experiential learning builds resilient communities where children are empowered to act for themselves. 

​Session 144 | Wednesday 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | Wilson

Teaching science has never been more exciting—or more challenging. That’s exactly why NJSTA exists: to support you, to connect you, and to help you be the best teacher you can be.

We know science teachers are rockstars. You’re sparking curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and preparing students to tackle a future full of unknowns. But even the best teachers need a community to help them thrive. NJSTA is here to be that community.

As we all know, we learn best from one another.  That’s why we offer so many ways to connect and grow—whether it’s our high-energy Rockstar Science Teacher Series, our supportive PLCs, our OpenSciEd summer workshops or our new Google Group. These are chances to learn, recharge, and connect with other science educators.  
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The NJ Science Convention is another one of those chances. It’s about us coming together to celebrate science teaching, to learn from one another, and to walk away with fresh ideas and renewed energy. None of us can do this work alone—and the good news is, we don’t have to.

So, dive into these sessions, meet new colleagues, and take advantage of everything NJSTA has to offer. Let us support you, cheer you on, and help you keep rocking your classroom. Because when science teachers thrive, students thrive, and that’s what it's all about.

Warm regards,
Mariel Kolker, Ed.D.
President, NJSTA

On behalf of the New Jersey Science Teachers Association (NJSTA) and the New Jersey Science Education Leadership Association (NJSELA), we are delighted to welcome you to this year’s New Jersey Science Convention, themed “2025: Science Unleashed—Innovating the Future of Science Education.”

NJ Science Convention Co-Chairs Angela Best and Lola Szobota, together with the Steering Committee, have worked tirelessly to design an inspiring convention program experience that highlights innovation in science teaching and leadership. With great support from our presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors, this year’s NJ Science Convention will explore how science education continues to deliver NGSS-aligned learning experiences through the lens of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science, ensuring that every student maximizes their individual learning potential and develops as a curious, capable, and confident young scientist.

The NJ Science Convention is recognized as the premier event for science education in New Jersey, uniting educators, leaders, and innovators from across the state. Our collective focus is on professional development that equips teachers and administrators to meet the diverse needs of all learners, while also strengthening the foundation of science leadership and innovation for the future.

We are proud to support your professional journey, and we are confident that the ideas, connections, and inspiration you will gain here will spark new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and transformation in classrooms and communities across New Jersey.
A special note of gratitude goes to the NJ Science Convention Steering Committee, whose vision, commitment, and hard work make this premier event possible each year.
Welcome to an exciting convention—together, let’s unleash the future of science education!

​Best regards,
Richard M. Stec, Ed.D.
President, New Jersey Science Education Leadership Association (NJSELA)