Advancing Science Education in New York City
With support from donors as well as public entities, The New York Academy of Sciences is launching a new initiative to improve science education in the city, and beyond.
Published December 1, 2010
By Adrienne Burke
Academy Contributor
With the support of several generous and committed members and in partnership with the New York City Department of Education, The New York Academy of Sciences (the Academy) in November launched an initiative to serve science teachers in New York and beyond.
The Academy’s New York City Science Education Initiative was unveiled on the heels of President Obama’s announcement of a federal campaign to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Academy initiative aims to forge a community of science education professionals and provide a forum where they can convene, learn, and collaborate about science education policy, curriculum, and classroom best practices.
The initiative will also facilitate connections between education professionals and Academy members from the broader scientific research community. Seed funding of $130,000 from the Pamela B. and Thomas C. Jackson Fund and from Drs. Gabrielle Reem and Herbert Kayden will underwrite Academy memberships for as many as 1,300 high school teachers and cover the expenses for the Academy to host science educators’ events. Another $20,000 from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation will support development of a dedicated educators’ Website and underwrite Academy memberships for teachers in schools recognized for educational excellence by the Sloan Foundation.
“It’s critical that science teachers have access to up-to-date resources and research in order to inform and inspire their students,” says Kiryn Hoffman, the Academy’s director of development who spearheaded fundraising for the new initiative. “They are challenged to stay at the forefront not only of scientific trends and breakthroughs, but also of the best methods to shape learning goals and strategies to actively engage students.”
Serving the Needs of New York Teachers and Students
In September 2009, 28 New York City science education stakeholders gathered in the Academy’s boardroom. Among the group was New York’s Deputy Mayor for Education, Dennis Walcott. From the lively discussion emerged a proposal for how the Academy could serve the needs of New York’s teachers and students.
Fernand Brunschwig, a professor of science education at Empire State College, SUNY, is chairing the new initiative. Brunschwig says that from the time he was first introduced to the Academy many years ago by Don Cook, professor of science education at Bank Street College and a past chair of the Academy’s Science Education Section, he has seen great potential for advancing science education through the Academy. The stakeholders’ meeting presented a diversity of ideas, and, he adds “all in attendance agreed that it’s a good time to make this effort.”
Benefits of Academy Membership for Educators
Brunschwig led a steering committee meeting in November that brought several science educators together. The group agreed that science teachers could best be served by events that address classroom teaching issues specific to science teachers. “We’re going to be guided by teachers—by those on the committee and others, as well as by the Department of Education, in trying to make events valuable and attractive,” Brunschwig says. By virtue of being members of the Academy, teachers will also gain free admission throughout the year to more than 100 professional events in various scientific disciplines where they can build relationships with practicing research scientists.
The new initiative will also produce webinars and eBriefings targeted at science teachers, as well as online social networking and an online calendar that tracks events, workshops, and other programs elsewhere in the New York region specifically of interest to science education professionals. Brunschwig envisions the initiative providing unique opportunities for educators to meet, interact, and collaborate with others from outside their school, institution, or region.
Also read: Science Education: The Why Behind the What
