Akerson elected president of Association for Science Teacher Education
The Association for Science Teacher Education promotes excellence in science teacher education world-wide
Valarie Akerson, a professor of science education, has been named president of the Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE). Akerson said she was a bit nervous, but very excited when she found out she was to be president.
“Science teacher education is my passion, and has been my focus for my career: to provide research-based knowledge on effective science education, and effective science teacher education,” she noted. “I am happy for the opportunity to work with other leaders in the field of science teacher education globally, to promote and research science teacher education.”
The Association for Science Teacher Education is a non-profit professional organization composed of over 800 members from countries around the globe. The mission of the ASTE is to promote excellence in science teacher education world-wide through scholarship and innovation.
“My goals as president will be to aid and lead ASTE in their efforts to be the leading voice in research and policy for science teaching and science teacher education,” Akerson said. “These issues are domestic as well as international, and therefore we promote and research effective science teacher education globally.”
“At a time when there is much attention focused on teacher accountability and improving teacher quality, ASTE is poised to respond to these challenges through the innovative and cutting-edge efforts of our internationally renowned membership,” she added.
ASTE publicizes research results and information regarding effective science teacher education through the journal Innovations in Science Teacher Education. Additionally, it holds annual conferences and meetings to share research as well as effective science teacher education strategies. The next upcoming meeting will be January 3-6, 2018.
