Sandra George
STANYS President, 2026-2027 |
President's MessageJoin Us at the 2026 STANYS Annual Conference: Making Science Stick
After working and speaking with educators from across the state, I’ve been reminded how much creativity and dedication exists in our science community. From educators rethinking lessons to include three-dimensional learning to teams collaborating across grade levels to align instruction to the NYSSLS, teachers continue to find innovative ways to bring science to life. Each year the STANYS Annual Conference offers something special. It is a place where science educators from across New York State come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and reconnect with the passion that brought us into teaching in the first place. The STANYS conference has always been a place where these ideas come together, and I hope this year’s theme encourages us to share the strategies that truly make science learning stick for students. I would like to personally invite you to join us as we gather in Syracuse for the 2026 conference. Our theme, “Making Science Stick: Reimagining Instruction for Three-Dimensional Thinking,” reflects an important moment in science education. As we continue working with the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards, educators across the state are asking an essential question: how do we ensure that science learning is meaningful, relevant, and lasting for our students? One of the most powerful answers lies in place-based and project-based learning. When students explore real questions connected to their communities, analyze authentic data, and design solutions to real-world challenges, science becomes something they experience rather than simply memorize. This type of learning aligns naturally with the three-dimensional vision of the NYSSLS and helps students build the curiosity, reasoning, and problem-solving skills that define true scientific literacy. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Raven Baxter as our keynote speaker on Saturday, November 7th. Dr. Baxter is widely recognized for her work as a scientist, educator, and science communicator who inspires audiences to see science as accessible, engaging, and connected to everyday life. Her message perfectly captures the spirit of this year’s theme. We are also excited to introduce a Climate Education Pre-Conference event on Friday, November 6th, designed to support educators as climate science becomes an increasingly important part of science education in New York State. This full-day experience will focus on practical, classroom-ready strategies aligned to the NYSSLS and will bring together educators, scientists, and instructional leaders from across the state. In addition, the conference will feature a dedicated Climate Education strand, providing opportunities to explore curriculum design, interdisciplinary connections, and student-centered climate learning. Of course, the heart of the STANYS conference has always been the educators themselves. Whether you are presenting a session, attending workshops, reconnecting with colleagues, or discovering new ideas in the exhibit hall, the conference is an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and recharge. I encourage you to consider presenting, attending, and inviting colleagues from your school and district to join you. The conversations and connections that happen at STANYS continue to shape science education across New York State. I look forward to seeing you in Syracuse as we work together to make science learning meaningful, memorable, and lasting for all students. Thank you for all that you do for science education! |