Session Description

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are Oregon’s science standards for K-12 education. These rigorous standards present a great challenge to educators, as well as incredible opportunities for Oregon students. This workshop is for educators interested in learning more about the standards, and the new vision for science and engineering education that they represent. Participants will engage in collaborative learning experiences that align to the NGSS, and reflect on how this new vision can impact their teaching.

This will be a virtual workshop via Zoom.  Gwen Soderberg-Chase will send all of the registrants a Zoom link. 

A bit about the Presenters:

Leah Plack: Leah Plack’s passion for science education began when she taught science to kindergarteners in San Francisco, and grew as she became a science teacher on special assignment for the San Francisco Unified School District. After moving to Oregon and completing her Master of Science in Teaching at Portland State, she joined the staff of the K-6 NGSS Instructional Specialist Program to provide professional development to a cohort of K-8 teachers in the Portland area and on the Coast. Currently, Leah works as a consultant for the Portland Metro STEM Partnership, and coordinates professional development for STEM Beyond School, a program supporting informal STEM educators across Oregon. 

Tiffany Windle-Hanson: Tiffany Windle-Hanson currently works with the Portland Metro STEM Partnership and Stem Beyond Schools as a K-8 NGSS Educational Consultant. She studied as an undergraduate student at Western Washington University and completed her Masters of Arts in Teaching at Concordia University. As a Hillsboro School District science leader she has taught 3rd and 5th grade, led multiple PD sessions on elementary NGSS instruction for all students, was a leader in the HSD Science Study Team, deeply involved in the HSD K-8 science adoption committee, trained teachers on adopted curriculum and materials, and participated on the State 2016 Science Instructional Materials Review Panel.

There is no fee for attending this session. The UVSH will also pay a $100 stipend for attending the session and participating in a follow-up session to be scheduled this fall to support your work. 

For more information, contact Gwen Soderberg-Chase, Director of the Umpqua Valley STEAM Hub.

gwen.soderberg-chase@umpqua.edu or 541-784-8622