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The 2026 Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association Conference invites you to honor a rich legacy of tradition while embracing new ideas, fresh perspectives, and innovation!
This year’s theme, “75 Years of Discovery: Inspiring the Future of Science Education” celebrates our Diamond Anniversary. The PSTA board invites you to submit session proposals that will allow us to reflect on our impact and to look ahead as educators navigating the newly adopted STEELS standards.
Rather than reinventing the wheel, we’re seeking proposals that showcase established resources, instructional tools, and proven approaches to STEELS-aligned instruction. Whether you’re anticipating your first teaching anniversary or counting the milestones, your insights can help others bring STEELS to life with confidence.
Help build our foundation—submit your proposal today!
All submissions due by July 1st 2026!
Keep in mind the following guidelines when considering what to submit:
Speaking submissions do not need to be finalized presentations; however an outline of your topics will be required when submitting your proposals.
You can submit more than one proposal — fill out the form as many times as you need.
Solo, dual, and panel presentations are all welcome. If you would like to bring students to assist, they are welcome.
Sessions will be 45 minutes long.
To submit a proposal, fill out this form:https://forms.gle/229n9pyxK6L1AX4T8
Thank you for your participation in the PSTA Conference. With your help, we will create the best conference ever! Please contact the PSTA Board of Directors (pstaboard@gmail.com) with any questions.
2026 Call for PSTA Award Nominations
PSTA is committed to rewarding excellence in science teaching and leadership. We are looking for nominations for five awards. Nominations are due June 15th. Those nominated will be notified by the board of directors with completed applications due July 15th.
Please use this form to submit your nomination.
Applicants must be nominated by a current member of PSTA or an administrator of a current PSTA member. If you (the nominator) are not currently a member of PSTA, please visit pascience.org to renew your membership before nominating. You can find your membership number under "My Profile" after logging in at the top of the page.
The applicants/those nominated DO NOT need to be a member of PSTA.
Any questions? Email pstaboard@gmail.com
PSTA Awards
For more information about each of these awards and the application requirements, review the awards information at pascience.org/awards.
The Donald Keys Excellence in Science Teaching Award recognizes up to four teachers who demonstrate outstanding teaching of science, one from each level: elementary school, middle school, high school, and higher education.
The Science Administrator of the Year Award recognizes ongoing excellence in the role of administrator of science education and commitment to its improvement. This award was created to recognize a school administrator (Superintendent, Principal, Assistant/Associate Principal, etc.) who acts as a champion for science education and science educators.
The William B. McIlwaine Science Teaching Award has been established to promote and recognize the outstanding teaching of science in grades K-12 by full-time undergraduate students who have completed student teaching; or full-time graduate students in academic programs leading to a degree or certification in a teaching field; or full-time teachers who have completed no more than two years of teaching.
The Leadership in Science Education Award is presented to an individual not actively involved in classroom teaching. The awardee may be an administrator, business, or organization that over a period of at least five (5) years has made outstanding contributions in support of PSTA's mission and individual members of PSTA.
The PSTA Fellows Award is designed to recognize individuals who, through active leadership and scholarly endeavor over a significant period of time, have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the Association and its goals.
The PSTA 2026 Conference Committee is proud to announce the theme for the PSTA 2026 Annual Conference:
75 Years of Discovery: Inspiring the Future of Science Education.
As PSTA celebrates its 75th anniversary, we honor a rich legacy of tradition while embracing new ideas, fresh perspectives, and innovation in Science Education. This milestone year allows us to reflect on our impact and to look ahead as educators navigating the newly adopted STEELS standards.
We invite science, STEM, and STEAM educators from across the state to join us at the Central Hotel in our capital city, Harrisburg, for our Diamond Celebration. Come connect, collaborate, and build a foundation for our next 75 years of inspiring science in Pennsylvania.
Early Bird Registration is already available.
Register Here and be part of this historic celebration.
PSTA 2026 Conference Committee
Two Curriculum-Focused Workshops (Open to All Teachers)
Pervasive Polyploidy: June 17-18, 2026 | 9am–3pm
Mitochondrial Mayhem: July 23-24, 2026 | 9am–3pm
We are hosting two workshops that focus on specific Pitt Kit curricula. These sessions are open to both new and returning teachers. Participants will select the workshop that best fits their instructional needs when applying. Participants receive a $200 honorarium, breakfast and lunch, free parking on Pitt’s campus, and access to materials they can implement in their classrooms. You do not need to attend both to sign up. You can choose one or the other.
➡ Application link for curriculum workshops
Applications due March 20, 2026.
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
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
© PA Science Teachers Association
