Local Teacher Attends Conference in California

ScottiAnn Cummings, Jasper County High School science teacher, has returned from a trip to California as one of 35 teachers nationwide that began a yearlong professional learning fellowship in the 2016-2017 New Science Teacher Academy (NSTA).

The teachers have participated in a host of science-related activities and professional learning opportunities including an all-expense trip to Los Angeles, Calif. for the National Conference on Science Education.

Ms. Cummings is among the honored group that has been described as motivated, passionate about science and deeply committed to developing their skills as teachers so that they can not only bolster student achievement, but also better inspire passion for science in their students.

“In August, I discovered I was selected for the National Science Teachers Association Fellowship. This fellowship was comprised of a yearlong program, in which I worked closely with 34 teachers from across the nation and nine mentors, ranging from a retired elementary school teacher to an Ivy League chemistry professor,” said the teaching fellow.

“The fellowship culminated with an all-expense paid trip to the National Science Teachers Association Conference in Los Angeles, Calif. The NSTA Conference brought a lot of ‘firsts’ for me. I flew on a plane for the very first time, discovered more about the Next Generation Science Standards, attended workshops that ranged from money-saving science to STEAM, met and was inspired by the NSTA President and President-elect.”

She continued, “Saw Bill Nye ‘The Science Guy,’ felt the cold water of the Pacific Ocean, questioned the world’s phenomena as I attended the Professional Learning Institute, experienced a new culture in the tarp covered markets of Chinatown, explored the beauty of the galaxy from the Griffith Observatory, was surrounded by thousands of men and women who share my passion for science, and attended the NSTA Fellowship banquet where I was honored to be chosen by the mentors as the ‘Highest Fellow’ in the program.”

In summary, “I am so blessed to say that I recently returned from the greatest adventure of my professional and personal life!”