Dear Fellow ASTE Colleagues,
Registration for our 2023 International Conference in Salt Lake City, UT on January 11-14, 2023 is now open! I want to take this opportunity to thank our 2023 Conference Chairs, Kathy Trundle and Rita Hagevik, and our conference planning and organizing committee, as they continue to plan and coordinate an amazing conference and reception! For more information about the conference, please click on the following link: 2023 ASTE International Conference. If you are interested in hosting a future conference, please click on the following application link: Apply to host the ASTE International Conference
Also, if you are looking for ways to support ASTE beyond your usual membership contributions, or would like to advocate for new or existing organization activities, the ASTE Legacy Account may be for you!
What is the ASTE Legacy Account? The Legacy Account was established in response to requests from members who wanted a way to offer additional financial support to the organization as active members and as part of estate planning. It is currently a Money Market account set up to track and manage donations separately from the general operating budget. The current model allows us to directly receive and disburse funds. We are also exploring ways to manage large donations where the principal is retained while the interest is disbursed.
How will my donation be used? It is up to you! The Legacy Account was established to provide a way to donate money to the organization. Your donation may be directed to support specific activities, such as graduate student travel to the conference or retaining speakers. It could be used to encourage new initiatives or recognize achievements. You could also make undirected donations to support the overall operation of the organization.
How can I donate? Individual donations can be completed by entering an amount in the donation box on the ASTE membership or conference registration pages. Your receipt will list the donation as a separate item. You can also contact the ASTE Executive Director (see below) to discuss your donation. That way, we can set up a procedure that is convenient and respects your goals. It is possible to set up automatic monthly contributions, annual gifts, estate giving, or direct donations with a check or bank transfer.
What about privacy? ASTE will respect your wishes. We will recognize donations at the annual business meeting, and at activities supported by donations. While the Executive Director will know the identity of donors, if you prefer to remain anonymous your identity will not be revealed.
Is my donation tax deductible? We will provide you with a letter acknowledging the amount of your contribution and any directions for disbursing funds. ASTE is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization registered in the State of Alabama, USA. Your contribution may be wholly or partially tax-deductible. So please consult your tax professional for further details and consider including ASTE as part of your charitable giving!
Dr. Kate Popejoy
ASTE Executive Director
3451 S. 5th Avenue
Whitehall, PA 18052
office: 484.547.6046
It has been both an honor and a pleasure to serve you this year as ASTE President! Time sure does fly by! I want to express my gratitude to all our graduate members, regular members, and retired members for continuing to make our organization known for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere. I am extremely grateful for all of our members who consistently volunteer for leadership roles on ASTE committees (awards, communications, conference planning, elections, equity, membership and participation, oversight, professional development, publications, regional units, and NSTA partnership), on ASTE regions (North-East, South-East, Mid-Atlantic, North-Central, North-West, South-West, Far West, and International) on ASTE forums (elementary science methods, environmental education, graduate student, inclusive science education, policy & government relations, small colleges and programs, technology, and WISE), or as conference thread coordinators, proposal reviewers, and presiders. I am also indebted to our board of directors, executive director, director of electronic services, and conference program coordinator for their leadership, commitment, and support. It is tremendously gratifying to see firsthand how our amazing members continually promote leadership and support for professionals involved in the education and development of teachers of science at all levels. Collectively, the expertise of our members helps to advance practice and policy through scholarship, collaboration, and innovation in science teacher education year-round.
Please continue to stay active and fully enjoy the Benefits of ASTE by renewing your 2022 membership! To check on your current membership status, contact John Rhea at DES@aste.org.
Many thanks to our members for your continued support and service to ASTE! I greatly appreciate all of you and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you this year!
With gratitude,
Rommel Miranda
ASTE President (2022-2023)
