Conversations From CAST22 is a STAT STUDIO series that highlights the perspectives and expertise featured at the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) presented by STAT. Each episode in this series was filmed live at CAST22 in Dallas, November 10–12, 2022.

In this episode, meet Okhee Lee, Ph.D., a professor at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University. Her research involves integrating science, language, and computational thinking with a focus on English language learners. She was a member of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) writing team, served as the leader of the NGSS Diversity and Equity Team, and was also a member of the Steering Committee for the Understanding Language Initiative at Stanford University.

You can catch her sessions at CAST22 this November 10–12 in Dallas. Learn more at statweb.org/cast22. 

About the Host 

Cathrine Prenot, STAT Member-at-Large, is a science coach in Lubbock ISD.

Conversations From CAST22 is a STAT STUDIO series that highlights the perspectives and expertise featured at the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) presented by STAT. Each episode in this series was filmed live at CAST22 in Dallas, November 10–12, 2022.

In this episode, meet Julie Jackson, Ph.D., (aka The Science Toolkit) an associate professor at Texas State University, who is actively involved in science education research. She has broad classroom teaching experience and has published research articles in international and national peer-reviewed journals. Her main research interest is the seamless integration of research-based practices into day-to-day planning and execution of highly effective, TEKS-aligned science instruction that benefits diverse population. 

You can catch her sessions at CAST22 this November 10–12 in Dallas. Learn more at statweb.org/cast22.

About the Host 

Kara Swindell, 2020-2021 STAT President, is Chair of CAST22 and is a science teacher in Lubbock ISD.

In the spirit of science, discovery, and innovation, STAT and its partner Affiliates are thrilled to present "Funny You Should Think That"—a web series that not only addresses misconceptions in science but also takes a closer look at their earlier development and progression into high school-level learning.

The series continues with a new presentation from Kenric Davies, 2022-2023 STAT President-Elect, and Jamie Flemmer, Former President of Texas Council of Elementary Science (TCES).

Understanding scale and relative size in the solar system can be difficult for students. This episode of "Funny You Should Think That" busts common misconceptions about scale in the solar system and dives into effective strategies and activities for teaching this concept.

The STAT Teacher Spotlight is a video Q&A series featuring great teachers who inspire discovery of the world through science. If you know a colleague with an amazing story, nominate them to be featured in a future Teacher Spotlight by emailing STAT at [email protected] with the subject line Teacher Spotlight.

Meet John Mead, a 33-year veteran life science and biology teacher at the St. Marks School of Texas in Dallas. John arrived in Dallas in the fall of 1990 after completing his MAT degree at Duke University and has taught sixth-grade life science or biology every year since. His lifelong love of microscopy as well as human origins have led him to work with National Geographic teams in both South Africa (Homo naledi)  and Peru (Boiling River expedition). His work in these areas has also allowed him to become a national voice in support of better evolution education for students. This year he serves as president of the Texas Association of Biology Teachers (TABT) as well as a teacher ambassador for the National Center for Science Education. He is a former awardee of the Texas Outstanding Biology Teacher award as well as the National Association of Biology Teachers Evolution Education Award. Beyond the classroom, John also loves backpacking and has led hundreds of high school students on extended backpacking expeditions in the New Mexico wilderness. He is also an avid nature photographer.

About the Host

Ariana Kay currently serves as the District Science Coordinator for Refugio ISD while also teaching AP Environmental Science and Physics at Refugio High School. Ariana earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Midwestern State University in 2011 and recently completed her Masters in Educational Learning and Technology at Western Governors University in 2020. In addition to her experience teaching science in the state of Texas, Ariana has also taught physics in the Caribbean on her home island of Grenada. Her passion for science has proven to be limitless, and as such, she has been a staunch advocate for her underrepresented rural students to have the same experiences and opportunities in the field of science as their suburban and urban counterparts. Ariana serves as a member-at-large on the STAT Executive Board. 

The STAT Teacher Spotlight is a video Q&A series featuring great teachers who inspire discovery of the world through science. If you know a colleague with an amazing story, nominate them to be featured in a future Teacher Spotlight by emailing STAT at [email protected] with the subject line Teacher Spotlight.

Meet Ramon Benavides, who has been passionately teaching about the fascinating world of biology for the last 12 years at Del Valle High School and El Paso Community College. Through his work, he hopes to produce future STEM leaders from the El Paso Border Region. He enjoys serving as a role model for youth with socioeconomic backgrounds and educational attainment obstacles similar to those he encountered growing up in South Texas. He also enjoys fishing, hiking, and camping with his wife and son. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Uchenna Emenaha is a former public school science teacher having taught at both the middle school and high school level. She is currently an assistant professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio in the Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching. Her research informs and is informed by culturally responsive teaching practices. When she is not teaching you can find her working out or attending a live music event. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.