I have been to many NSTA National Conferences and they still hit me with the same way - many conflicts of opportunity. They are so rich with content resources, instructional tips and energy from seeing so many excited science educators.
New Orleans is no different. It is unique in some ways from other host cites as just over 3 years ago Hurricane Katrina hit and ravaged this region of the county including the city. Last night, I watched the IMAX movie Hurricane on the Bayou in the Audubon Aquarium near the Hilton Hotel. As an earth scientist, I am excited about the NESTA Earth and Space day on Saturday providing several sessions from local scientists about coastal Louisiana and climate change to add to my knowledge about the area.
At the same time, there are sessions about assessment strategies that one can pick up immediate and impactful strategies for helping students learn science. Too many choices.
Friday, the newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is coming to talk to teachers at the NSTA conference at 9:00 AM in the convention center. This is a not to miss event for anyone following the Obama’s administration views on education and where he is going with NCLB.
I am also hoping to get to the Teacher Researcher day activities to see how teachers are thinking about their practice and sharing their learnings with each other. Oh yes, then there are those sessions about…. Wait! I did it again too many choices. I suppose this is what makes a NSTA conference. Enjoy your conflicts, because the many choices you do make will be right ones for you.
—Francis Eberle, Executive Director