On July 11–12, a group of six representatives from the Christian School Educators Science Academy (CSESA) joined together from across the US and Southwestern Canada to engage in further professional development at the NSTA STEM Forum & Expo in Philadelphia, PA. The conference was filled with engaging sessions, stimulating discussions, sightseeing, great food, and an amazing keynote by Mike Massimino, former NASA Astronaut.
The primary goal for past CSESA participants is to continue building a learning community of passionate K–8 science teachers who understand and implement best practices in science education from a Christian perspective. By sending lead teachers, who will be providing training at this November’s CSESA Cohort 3, to the STEM Forum, CSI provided them with an enriching opportunity to connect with each other, learn about trends and best practices in STEM education, and allowed them to share their passion for a biblical worldview in science.
“Attending the STEM conference provided time for this year’s CSESA Lead Teachers to make connections and discuss ways to ‘tell God's story’ in preparation for the fall event,” said Susan Koppendrayer, STEM education consultant for CSI. “Our lead teachers are motivated, hardworking educators who are striving to serve God within their classrooms. The NSTA STEM conference helped our lead teachers stay up to date on the latest trends in STEM education and feed their passion for best practices in science from a Christian perspective.”
CSI sponsored the trip to NSTA STEM as part of our investment into the CSESA lead teachers, who will help facilitate the training led by Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI) staff for each new cohort of CSESA. This year’s lead teachers are:
- Beth Boven, Calvin Christian School, South Holland, IL
- Ensub Cho, Potter’s House Christian School, Grand Rapids, MI
- Susan Dykshoorn, Abbotsford Christian School, Abbotsford, BC
- Amanda Ervin, Phoenix Christian School, Phoenix, AZ
- Jeff Evans, Maryville Christian School, Maryville, TN
- Angela Henderson, Southside Christian, Simpsonville, SC
Rachael Heyboer, director of product development at CSI, was impressed with the caliber and passion the lead teachers brought to the table. “CSI is excited to have the leadership of each of these individuals this fall to support and champion science instruction from a biblical worldview. This fall’s event will be another amazing learning opportunity for Christian school teachers of science that will be unlike anything else out there!”
CSESA Cohort 3 will take place at VAEI in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 15–16, 2018. K–8 teachers of science are invited and encouraged to apply.
CSESA NSTA STEM Forum & Expo group (L to R): Rachael Heyboer, Amanda Ervin, Susan Koppendrayer, Susan Dykshoorn, Angela Henderson, and Jeff Evans.