This free two-day workshop is to assist community college faculty in preparing future teachers in science education. NASA Earth and space scientists and educators share authentic inquiry activities, data, and resources related to key topics from the national science standards. The NACCTEP pre-conference institute in 2010 will include a focus on NASA Earth science data and the theme of climate change. Participants receive a $300 stipend.

• Explore standards-based concepts using authentic inquiry.

• Discuss current science research with NASA scientists.

• Identify ways to address Earth and space science misconceptions.

• Explore collaboration plans with colleagues.

For additional information please click here.

Director's Note

This year’s conference, Connecting Communities, will be held on March 26-28, 2010, in Baltimore, Maryland.  At Connecting Communities, explore and network with innovative community college teacher education programs, partners, and personnel. Learn about quality programs that are developing future teachers and enhancing the skills of practicing educators, and share your own efforts to achieve excellence in teacher preparation.

In addition to the dynamic keynote speakers and inspiring sessions planned for you on Friday and Saturday, March 26th and 27th, we encourage you to participate in the following activities to enhance your conference experience.

In response to past requests, a pre-conference session will be offered free of charge for registered NACCTEP conference attendees for the first time at this year’s conference.  Pen Pal Program Connects Future Teachers and K-12 Students will take place on Friday, March 26th from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Session attendees will problem solve, brainstorm, and explore how a creative pen pal program that connects urban and refugee K-12 students with community college future teachers can be incorporated into any future teacher curriculum or course.

The 2nd annual Regional Roundtable session will take place on Sunday, March 28th from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. This event will provide you with an opportunity to discuss with fellow members and regional colleagues the issues that affect your colleges, as well as the innovative steps you are taking to strengthen and highlight your programs. Make this the year you connect with other conference attendees and continue to build a community of NACCTEP members.

Three wonderful forums will be offered on Sunday, March 28th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. A National Science Foundation (NSF) forum will discuss the myriad of funding opportunities available for community college teacher education staff, students, and programs. From A to Tweet is a wonderful opportunity to learn how one community college is utilizing contemporary technologies in education courses. And finally, a joint forum by NACCTEP and CCBA focuses on current trends in service learning.

I look forward to seeing you all in Baltimore in March.