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Join the Next Generation Science Educators Network

Educators make the future. You have the opportunity to cultivate the next generation of diverse science thinkers. Get free, ongoing support for bringing three-dimensional, real-world science instruction to life this school year in a 16-month cohort experience from Leading Educators.

The growing demand for a science and STEM-focused workforce requires today’s students to have more than a fundamental understanding of science.

Global challenges like climate change, crumbling infrastructure, disease prevention, and public health will require generations of scientists from all backgrounds who can prioritize the needs of people at the margins and find equitable solutions. Science education lays the groundwork for realizing that future.

One big challenge is access. Only 61% of high-poverty high schools offer physics (a proxy for more advanced courses), compared to 92% of low-poverty schools.

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Current efforts have not gone far enough.

While federal funding, NGSS adoption, and new curricular materials have emerged as important levers for addressing disparities, course offerings are lagging.

At the same time, teaching and learning that is NGSS-aligned requires science educators to make a significant pedagogical shift as well. Science educators require and expect professional development that surpasses basic introductions to curriculum materials and resources.

Our Solution: The Next Generation Science Educators Network

⚡ To meet this need, Leading Educators is offering free cohort-based support for school teams to work toward nurturing high-quality, student-led science experiences across classrooms through a brand-new cohort model.

🔬 The Network will offer ongoing professional development opportunities for up to 30 science leads, school leaders, and school system leaders.

We’ll help you hone your vision of effective science instruction in practice and develop the skills necessary to help others achieve that vision.

Here’s what makes our support different from what you may have previously experienced:

  • Practice-focused rather than product-focused
  • Centers hands-on and student-led science standards
  • Makes connections between the four components of STEM education and real-world problem-solving, student-led and project-based learning. 
  • Concentrates on specific issues of science content and pedagogy that are derived from research and exemplary practice
  • Actively involves teachers in observing, analyzing, and applying feedback to teaching practices
  • Sustained focus over time to provide the opportunity for continuous improvement
  • Promotes ongoing collaboration among science, math, and technology teacher
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Apply Now!

What To Expect

For teacher teams
  • Monthly virtual professional learning (90 minutes) aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards
  • 1-2 site visits (1 day per visit to include classroom observation, empathy interviews, student focus group)
  • Optional virtual networking events (4-6 times)
  • 2 in-person convenings (2 days; locations to be determined)
For school and system administrators
  • Bi-monthly virtual check-in (30 minutes)
  • Participate in 2 in-person cohort convenings. (All travel expenses covered; dates and location to be determined)
  • Bi-monthly virtual professional development (90 minutes) focused on aligning systems and practices to support curriculum implementation.
  • 2-4 site visits (site visit to include classroom observation, empathy interviews, student focus group; 1-2 days)

Eligibility

The cohort is open to school systems, networks, or schools with teams of middle and/or high school leaders and teachers currently implementing OpenSciEd or other OER curricula and resources.

Have additional questions? Please get in touch with Solona Hollis, Senior Director of Science Strategy at Leading Educators: sciencestrategy@leadingeducators.org

About Leading Educators

Leading Educators is a national education nonprofit that helps school systems leverage research on how students learn, what teachers need to excel, and how systems improve to nurture excellence in every classroom. For more than 13 years, we have helped the nation's fastest-improving school systems build the habits and infrastructure for educators to practice what they teach and get better together.  Learn more.