As I write this Message from the President, I am sitting at my desk (during my planning time) amidst books, ungraded papers and lesson plans. I am desperately trying to prepare my students for the upcoming end-of-course biology exam and it seems like a monumental task! Summer break for some is not too far away but please permit me to remind you of a few odds and ends regarding NCSTA.

For those of you, who are not too tired, remember that our website has a professional development link that can provide amazing summer opportunities. The thought of attending just one or two of these workshops will hopefully energize you as once again, you become the student and not the teacher. If you are like me, you really want new activities and the latest developments in your field to enrich your teaching next fall.

As you clean out those closets and organize your home this summer (mine has been neglected for ten months), do not forget to renew your membership. I hope you used the NCSTA membership for the free Drive-In workshops that were held this winter across the state. I attended Districts’ 1 and 2’s Drive-In and received hours toward my CEUs and even won a door prize! Our district directors really did a great job pulling together wonderful sessions and speakers and my hat is off to them for all their hard work. Because of their success, we will be having these Drive-Ins next winter and spring so keep that membership intact.

While you are renewing membership, have you made plans to attend NSTA’s regional meeting next October in Charlotte? Our theme is Charlotte’s Web of Science and I have already seen the black and orange tee-shirts, just perfect for Halloween. Go ahead and ask your principal now to earmark funds for you to attend this conference. We have not had a regional conference this close to home in a long time and it is great to have national speakers and presenters available for the sessions. The regional conference will take the place of our annual PDI so take advantage of NSTA’s early bird registration.

While you are renewing your membership this summer, do not forget to nominate yourself or a colleague for an office or an award. It as easy as going on the website and wouldn’t it fantastic to recognize someone for all their dedication to science teaching? How about using those summer workshops to write a grant funded by the association? NCSTA believes that innovation starts with the classroom teacher so if you have an idea, a teaching technique, or a study grant opportunity, use your membership to apply.

On a final note, I truly appreciate all the feedback and comments you have passed on to me this winter. Rest assured that your suggestions have been taken to the Board of Directors and we welcome even more ideas on how we can better serve you! If there is anything we as a board can do for you, please do not hesitate to email us.

I must get back to grading those papers! Please have a restful and renewing summer. Enjoy the journey!

Fanette Hines Entzminger
NCSTA President