Step 1: Start as early as possible! It takes time to find out where the funds are and get qualified substitutes lined up.
Step 2: Find out who handles professional development decisions in your school and district. Ask your department chair, principal, district science supervisor, school/district instructional leader, or superintendent’s office which decision makers handle available grants, federal or otherwise.
Step 3: Create Your individual professional development plan…an essential part of getting funds from the district level.
Step 4: Be sure to include an NSTA Conference on Science Education in your individual professional development plan! Stress how professional development institutes, research dissemination conferences, symposia, short courses, and a planned pathway of sessions focus on content in your subject area and research-based instructional strategies. Use the Personal Scheduler on the NSTA website to create your own personalized pathway through conference sessions and presentations and submit it as a well-planned, cohesive personal program. Note that the exhibits feature the latest curriculum materials, resources, and professional development opportunities. Be sure to emphasize that NSTA conferences provide a unique opportunity to collaborate with your peers and science education leaders.
Check our continually updated website for additions to our roster of sessions, guest speakers, short courses, and other conference events. Whatever your science discipline and grade level, an NSTA Conference on Science Education is the smartest place on Earth for high-quality, cost-effective professional development.
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