Washington Science Speaker Series

Washington Science Speaker Series

Tue, September 8 2026 4:00 PM - Tue, May 11 2027 5:00 PM

Administered by OSPI

Presenters

  • Johanna Brown
  • Kelsey Gillstrom

Description

Join our monthly speaker series featuring leading experts in science education as they share current research, innovative teaching strategies, and insights into how high-quality science instruction can engage and empower all learners. Designed for teacher candidates, classroom educators, instructional coaches, school and district leaders, higher education faculty, and anyone passionate about science education, this series offers opportunities to learn from and connect with voices shaping the field.

Dates

  • From the Front Row: How Washington Educators Can Fight for Accurate Science - Amanda Townley, PhD: National Center for Science Education
    Tue, September 8 2026
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Online
  • Sensemaking in Science - TJ McKenna, PhD - Boston University
    Tue, October 13 2026
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Online

    Key Takeaways

    • Understand how sensemaking positions all students as capable contributors to scientific knowledge building.
    • Explore instructional moves that elevate student voice, lived experiences, and multiple ways of knowing.
    • Identify ways to create classroom cultures that support equitable participation in scientific discourse.

  • Ethics of AI Use in Science Education - Charles Logan, PhD - Northwestern University + Phil Bell, PhD - University of Washington
    Tue, November 10 2026
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Online

    Key Takeaways

    • Recognize multilingualism as an asset that strengthens science learning and participation.
    • Explore strategies that allow students to use their full linguistic and cultural resources during science learning.
    • Identify practices that increase access to rigorous science instruction for multilingual learners.

  • Lab Safety : What you Need to Know in Washington Science & STEM Programs - James Palcik - Safer STEM
    Tue, December 1 2026
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Online

    Key Takeaways

    • Examine inclusive instructional approaches that acknowledge and leverage learner variability.
    • Explore strategies that remove barriers and increase access to high-quality science learning for every student.
    • Strengthen understanding of how student strengths, identities, and experiences can inform effective science instruction.

  • Curriculum-Based Professional Learning - Vanessa Wolbring and Jenny Sarna - WestEd
    Tue, February 2 2027
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Online

    Key Takeaways

    • Explore how compassion, dignity, and belonging contribute to equitable science learning environments.
    • Reflect on leadership and instructional practices that honor students' identities, perspectives, and experiences.
    • Identify approaches that foster trust, inclusion, and positive relationships in science classrooms and programs.

  • Translanguaging in Science Classrooms - Enrique Suarez, PhD - UMass Amherst
    Tue, March 9 2027
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Online

    Key Takeaways

    • Understand how safe learning environments are a prerequisite for equitable participation in science.
    • Explore strategies for ensuring all students have access to safe and meaningful laboratory experiences.
    • Identify resources and practices that support physical, emotional, and cultural safety during science learning.

  • Compassion and Dignity for Science Classrooms - Ashley Potvin, PhD, Bill Penuel, PhD, and Paolo Calvadores
    Tue, April 13 2027
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Online

    Key Takeaways

    • Explore implementation strategies that promote equitable access to high-quality instructional materials.
    • Examine how systems, supports, and professional learning influence student experiences with new curricula.
    • Identify leadership practices that help ensure all students benefit from curriculum investments and instructional improvements.

  • Reaching all Learners in Science Classrooms - Alex Toney: OSPI
    Tue, May 11 2027
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Online

    Key Takeaways

    • Examine current challenges facing science education and their potential impact on students and communities.
    • Explore strategies for supporting scientifically accurate, inclusive, and culturally responsive science instruction.
    • Strengthen leadership approaches that protect equitable access to high-quality science learning opportunities for all students.