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.

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Director's Note

Community college teacher education programs have been essential to the growth, development, and training of future teachers and current educators across America for many years. In today’s economy, our role is expanding while our budgets are often shrinking. As we work our way through the joys and challenges associated with an economy in which many people are knocking on the doors of community colleges for cost-effective and conveniently located education or training, we must remember that the eyes of the nation are upon us. If we can rise to the challenge of serving those in need at this time of economic downturn by propping up the victims of job loss and instability, and serving incoming students who cannot afford the cost of a university education, community colleges will, invariably, be sought out as the most viable post-secondary option for many Americans in the future.

The mission of NACCTEP is to promote the community college role in the recruitment, preparation, retention, and renewal of diverse PreK-12 teachers and to advance quality teacher education programs in the community college. As part of that mission, NACCTEP offers its annual national conference, during which participants have the chance to connect with colleagues, rejuvenate, and gather new ideas. We realize that you may have to make hard choices when it comes to what conferences or training opportunities to attend in the coming year. But, we also know that the NACCTEP conference can provide you with something that you can take away with you and use throughout the year – a feeling that community college teacher education programs are at the forefront of teacher training in America, and that what you do on a day to day basis is making a positive impact on the lives of educators and children across the nation. In addition, based on previous events, we’ve learned that fellow NACCTEP members are some of the most valuable resources you can have. Attending the NACCTEP conference offers you the chance to hear what other members are doing at their colleges, listen to and give advice, and share in a feeling of community with others.

Join us for the NACCTEP Connecting Communities conference, March 26-28, 2010, in Baltimore, MD, where we will work together to advance community college teacher education programs. This year’s conference offers a host of exciting breakout sessions, a newly expanded Regional Roundtable session, and amazing keynote speakers. In addition, you may choose to participate in a free NASA-sponsored pre-conference session for those preparing future teachers in science education. Conference sessions will be posted soon on the NACCTEP website.

Visit the conference website and don’t miss this opportunity to help shape the future of teacher education in community colleges.