NMSTA Member Announcements

Noted Nobel Laureate Receives NSTA Presidential Citation

During the opening session of the National Congress on Science Education last week, NSTA President Karen Ostlund presented Dr. Carl Wieman, Associate Director of Science for the White House Office of Science and Technology and a Nobel laureate, with the NSTA Presidential Citation in recognition of his lifetime achievement in science education.

Read the Presidential Citation presented to Dr. Wieman. Learn more about Dr. Wieman and his contributions to science education:

• Autobiography from Nobelprize.org

Carl Wieman Accepts White House Science Post (PhysicsWorld.com)

National Congress of Science Education

The National Congress on Science Education met last week in Albuquerque, NM. The NCSE meets annually and consists of one voting delegate from each of the 94 NSTA Chapters and Associated Groups. The Congress meets to discuss issues and bring forth recommendations that may be of interest to NSTA and the science education community.

Delegates and other local leaders benefit from attending the summer congress, which provides opportunities to

• Network with other science leaders from the US and Canada;
• Attend leadership workshops to assist them in their association role;
• Represent their members as a voting delegate;
• Attend focus groups to address national issues and formulate debate and adopt resolutions;
• Meet and work with the NSTA elected leaders and staff.

The majority of the Forum work by these National Science Education Leaders for 2012 focused on the “Framework for K-12 Science Education” which are being used to develop the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

The National Research Council (NRC), the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) , the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and Achieve have embarked on a two-step process to develop the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

· Step One: Getting the Science Right The National Research Council began by developing the Framework for K-12 Science Education. The Framework is a critical first step because it is grounded in the most current research on science and science learning and identifies the science all K-12 students should know.

· Step Two: States Developing Next Generation Science Standards In a process managed by Achieve, states will lead the development of K-12 science standards, rich in content and practice, arranged in a coherent manner across disciplines and grades to provide all students an internationally-benchmarked science education. The NGSS will be based on the Framework and will prepare students for college and careers.

Home Depot Foundation Community Impact Grants
http://homedepotfoundation.org/page/applying-for-a-grant

Community Impact Grants Program, grants of up to $5,000 are available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools, or tax-exempt public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community. Grants are given in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services.

Proposals for the following community improvement activities will be considered:

• Repairs, refurbishments, and modifications to low-income and/or transitional veteran's housing, or community facilities (schools, community centers, senior centers, etc.)
• Weatherizing or increasing energy efficiency of low-income and/or transitional veterans' housing, or community facilities
• Planting trees or community gardens and/or landscaping community facilities that serve veterans
• Grants must support work completed by community volunteers in the U.S.
• Projects must be completed within six months following notification that the grant has been awarded, with reporting requirements due 30 days following the completion of the project.
• Grants are solely given in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services.

The Home Depot Foundation’s Community Impact Grant Program will accept proposals for grants beginning February 6, 2012 through August 13, 2012.

For more details, see http://homedepotfoundation.org/page/applying-for-a-grant

Young Explorers Summer Camp 2012

Field and Museum Instructor

And/or Overnight Camping Included

Location:New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

Department: Education

Supervisor: Youth Summer Programs Coordinator

Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 am-4 pm (plus overnights when applicable)

Dates of Employment:July 16-20; July 23-27, July 30-August 3

Compensation: $600 for day camp weeks; $700/week for week-long camp that includes a one-night overnight

Summary:Young Explorers Summer Camp Instructors are hired as contractors to teach the camp program offered by the Museum. This position is teaching our Dinosaur Detectives, Knee-High Naturalists, Natural World Around Us, Eco Adventures and/or Sandia Explorers camp. Camp information can be found on our website under Young Explorers. The camps are limited to 13 students and are taught by two Field Instructors. [Overnight program--one male and one female, preferred.]

Duties shall be as follows:

co-teach developed camp curriculum with other Field and Museum Instructor

supervision of 13 campers both on and off-site

responsible for care of field equipment and supplies

prepare meals during camping

driving a 15 passenger van

Qualifications:

bachelor’s degree in teaching or natural science

formal or informal teaching experience at the elementary level

familiarity with the natural history of NM

ability to teach as part of a team

experience camping with children

strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferences given to:

experience teaching in an outdoor setting or museum setting

experience working with children in a camp-experience setting

familiarity with child-centered, multi-modal, experience-based curriculums

Conditions of employment:

completion of a Defensive Driving course and van training course

completion of First Aid Training and CPR course

attendance at and participation in camp curriculum training days during the week of July 9^th

authorization of a Department of Public Safety Criminal Background Check and satisfactory result

To Apply:

Please send cover letter, resume, and three references by mail or email to:

Tina Hansen, Summer Camp Coordinator

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

1801 Mountain Road NW

Albuquerque, NM 87104-1375

tina.hansen@state.nm.us

(505) 841-2848 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (505) 841-2848 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Western Hardrock Watershed Team OSM/VISTA Members enjoy an unique opportunity to work with grassroots environmental leaders, partner with government officials, collaborate with environmental businesses, experience the West, and explore a wide range of future career paths and opportunities in the process. OSM/VISTA Members live and work in communities that are confronting the environmental and economic challenges that remain from historic mining in the West.

The Western Hardrock Watershed Team (WHWT) is a program of the Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) and is made possible through a partnership among the Office of Surface Mining (OSM), AmeriCorps VISTA, and community-led nonprofit groups, like the Railyard Stewards. Learn more at www.hardrockteam.organd www.railyardpark.org.

Job requirements: Bachelors degree, good communication skills, familiarity with computers, ability to work in a challenging and changing environment, flexibility and adaptability, self-motivation and a willingness to live in a New Mexico community. Experience in community organizing, public health, marketing, graphic design, outreach, and economic development are a plus!

Site: Santa Fe, New Mexico for the Railyard Stewards to address issues of environmental stewardship, horticulture, and food security. The Railyard Stewards is a non-profit focused on community stewardship for the award-winning Railyard Park + Plaza located near downtown Santa Fe, including 13 acres of park space. (Sites are hiring throughout Colorado and New Mexico).

Duration and Hours:VISTA is a year of full time service. No external employment is permitted.

Compensation: As an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer you receive a monthly living stipend of roughly $900 (before taxes), health insurance, child care if eligible, student loan forbearance (with interest paid), and the choice of a $5,550 education award or $1,500 cash stipend upon term completion.

How to Apply: Send your resume and a two to three page non-fiction writing sample (any subject) tovistaleader@hardrockteam.organd apply online at www.americorps.gov. Call Support Coordinator, Alex Brooks at (970) 403-0136 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (970) 403-0136 end_of_the_skype_highlighting with questions.

Lu Boren, Middle School Teacher, St. Columba School, Durango, CO

Lu Boren teaches earth science, chemistry, life science, and other subjects to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 at St. Columba School in Durango, CO. She uses environmental topics and PLT activities to wholly engage her students in their learning, for example through studies of forest management, fire ecology, and water quality, which has had a direct impact on students’ interest in science and environmental studies. Her enthusiasm and approach also inspires fellow educators to get students involved in environmental stewardship and service-learning projects. Through her efforts, St. Columba became a PLT GreenSchool in 2011. She was honored as Outstanding PLT Educator in Colorado in 2009.

“Lu understands that students learn best through field experiences and hands-on activities. I am impressed with her students’ ability to think critically and discuss complex ecological issues.”

- Craig Goodell, fire ecologist at the San Juan Public Lands Center in Durango

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center is looking for an educator. Resumes may be sent to programs@pajaritoeec.org. Please see the information below for details.

Organizational Overview:

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center in Los Alamos, New Mexico is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced and responsible part-time educator to teach school and afterschool programs throughout the school year. Our educators use hands-on, experiential, and inquiry-based methods, to help program participants develop a deeper connection with the natural world in their schoolyards and beyond. This is a 10-month position, from August, 2012-May, 2013.

Essential Functions:

· Teach innovative, standards-based, hands-on, natural science education programs in both classroom and outdoor settings at PEEC, local schools, and offsite locations to groups of Pre-K through 12th grade children, following best practices. Types of programs include, but are not limited to, nature clubs, field science, outdoor survival etc.

· Learn our environmental education curriculum and implement the purpose, goals and objectives of each program.

· Help to develop new programsundefinedcome up with ideas, and write common-core standards- based curriculum.

· Teach programs independently and as part of a team.

· Independently create and stick to a complex schedule of school visits

· Communicate effectively and develop a rapport with public school teachers for scheduling and program assessments.

· Manage large and small groups of children effectively, while creating a safe, fun learning atmosphere.

Our ideal candidate will be:

· Energetic and hardworking; excited about sharing nature and the outdoors with children.

· Knowledgeable about effective teaching techniques for outdoor education.

· Experienced in designing, writing, teaching and evaluating environmental education curricula, lesson plans and activities tied to common core curriculum standards.

· Experienced in teaching kids of all ages in formal and informal settings

· An independent, self-starter; responsible.

· Degreed from an accredited college or university in environmental education, natural science, outdoor recreation or related field, or have equivalent experience.

· Organized, and able to juggle complicated schedules. A good communicator.

· Able to work both independently and on a team with minimal supervision.

A Caveat: Los Alamos is a small town surrounded by trails and nature. Most businesses close at 8 p.m., and the town is quiet, with limited shopping opportunities and activities for people in the 18-30 age range. The closest larger town is Santa Fe, about 45 minutes away. Be prepared for a quiet life if you are considering relocating to Los Alamos for this position.

Possible Public Allies Position: This position can be offered as a Public Allies position. As an Ally, you’ll earn a monthly stipend while working 10 months at a non-profit organization in your community. You will participate in leadership training and team service projects. Benefits of becoming an ally include health care, childcare, student loan deferments, and upon successful completion a $5,350 Education Award. Public Allies New Mexico Allies receive $15,000 over the 10-month period.

******************************

Katie Watson

Program Director

Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC)

P.O. Box 547 Los Alamos NM 87544

505.662.0460 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 505.662.0460 end_of_the_skype_highlighting | programs@pajaritoeec.org

www.pajaritoeec.org

English:

                The Sierra Club is looking for a community organizer, based in Albuquerque, NM who can strengthen our organizing campaign work in the state. This Associate Organizing Representative will work to achieve the goals of our Resilient Habitats campaign in New Mexico, an effort to protect the state’s large and vast wild lands and wildlife habitat. He/she will have the opportunity to recruit, engage, and motivate volunteers to accomplish our ambitious conservation goals for protecting New Mexico's natural resources.
                The ideal candidate will have at least one year of experience with grassroots organizing, training and motivating volunteers, coalition building, and lobbying. Fluency in Spanish is A big plus because many coalition partners and volunteers will speak Spanish. Candidates must have access to a vehicle because the position involves frequent travel to all corners of the state.
For a full job description and requirements, and to apply, please visit: https://sj.tbe.taleo.net/SJ5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SIERRACLUB&cws=1&rid=139

Spanish:
                El Sierra Club busca a un organizador comunitario basado en Albuquerque, NM, capaz de reforzar nuestras actividades en el estado. Este/a Organizador y Representante Adjunto trabajará para lograr las metas de nuestra campaña de Hábitat Resistentes en Nuevo México, un esfuerzo para proteger los imponentes entornos naturales y hábitats de vida silvestre del estado. Esta persona tendrá la oportunidad de reclutar, conocer y motivar a voluntarios para alcanzar nuestras ambiciosas metas de conservación para proteger los recursos naturales de Nuevo México.
                El candidato/a ideal tendrá al menos un año de experiencia en organización de grupos de base, capacitación y motivación de voluntarios, forjar alianzas, y cabildeo. Los candidatos tienen que tener acceso a un vehículo porque la posición incluye viajes frecuentes a todos los rincones del estado.
Para conseguir una descripción completa de esta posición y los requerimientos, y para solicitar (aplicar), visite: https://sj.tbe.taleo.net/SJ5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SIERRACLUB&cws=1&rid=139

WildEarth Guardians is a conservation non-profit committed to protecting and restoring the wildlands, wildlife and wild rivers of the American West. The Wild Rivers Program Director will direct WildEarth Guardians’ priority campaign to protect and restore the Rio Grande, ensure that river management throughout the American Southwest complies with all state and federal laws including the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act, expand the base of supporters for river flow protection in the Southwest, and outreach to new allies. The program director will work closely with the Executive Director.

This position is based out of WildEarth Guardians’ Santa Fe office. Send inquiries and applications to jhorning@wildearthguardians.org. Applications should include cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample and must be received by June 15. WildEarth Guardians is an equal opportunity employer.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has announced the winners of the 2011-2012 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Eighteen teachers from around the country are being recognized for their exceptional work as leaders in the field of environmental education in formal school settings. Award recipients and their local education agencies will receive monetary awards and commemorative plaques to help support and encourage their use of environmental education in their classrooms and schools.

Recipients of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators include:

For more information about the 2011-2012 award winners and honorable mention recipients, visit us online at: http://www.epa.gov/education/teacheraward/winners.html

Award Overview and Criteria:

This award will recognize and honor annually an outstanding individual that has influenced students through the field of environmental education or service learning in New Mexico. The individual selected as the recipient of this award will have excelled in one or more of the following goals:

Advanced environmental literacy.

Advanced or engaged an audience in environmental stewardship, including service learning.

Engaged an audience through connections to the natural world leading to action in conservation or environmental stewardship.

Advanced environmental education or a program through collaboration.

Nominations are due August 17, 2012.

Barbara Garrity
Executive Director

Environmental Education Association of New Mexico

PO Box 36958

Albuquerque, NM 87176
(505) 715-7021 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (505) 715-7021 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
www.eeanm.org