Dear ASTE Members, 

Excitement surrounds us in different ways at different times. Sometimes by saying ‘yes’ we find out that there is more for us to learn and more ways for us to make an impact on those around us. Sometimes saying ‘yes’ isn’t possible, but I am hopeful that each of you is finding the space to branch out to those slightly uncomfortable workplaces (or maybe even a new hobby or activity) to challenge yourself and stretch into at least a little bit of the unknown. The academic year is upon us, and we are all in full swing as science educators, and that is exciting. Students, both informally and formally, are about to come into our spaces and learn from our expertise. As I’m working with students, I try to remember that assisting them with new tasks, which are often cause for their concern, is their way of saying ‘yes’ and trying something new. I often discuss with them how their academic and professional growth is happening every day just like mine. While you work as a science educator, where do you see spaces where people are saying ‘yes’ without realizing that they agreed to a journey filled with rapid (or sometimes slower than anticipated) development? With ASTE business, the board met in June. Some of the board traveled to New Orleans to visit the conference hotel and settle some details and some board members attended online. If you are joining us January 10th-13th, you are in for a treat! The hotel itself and the experiences that are being planned are all something to look forward to experiencing, and I’m excited about it. The board discussed and voted on some important matters, and included in this newsletter are outcomes from each of our committee chairs and teams.

Here are some items that the board wants to highlight:
⦁ We’d like to thank John Rhea, ASTE’s Director of Electronic Services, for his service that ends in January. His service has been exemplary. THANK YOU, John!
⦁ We’d like to thank JSTE Co-Editors in Chief, Todd Campbell, Wayne Melville, and Geeta Verma, for their service to JSTE and ASTE. They will continue as co-editors until June 2024 when the transition to new editors occurs. Shadowing and internal transitions begin in January 2024. THANK YOU, Todd, Wayne, and Geeta.
⦁ We’d like to welcome Maria Wallace, who begins after the January conference, as our new DES. She is an assistant professor of science education at the University of Southern Mississippi. WELCOME, Maria!
⦁ We need you. Apply to be the next Innovations Editor! Applications are due Aug. 31, 2023. Send application materials and questions to the Co-Chairs of the ASTE Publications Committee:  Vanashri Nargund-Joshi ( vnargund@njcu.edu) and Mark Bloom ( markb@dbu.edu).
⦁ We want our members to see communications about what is happening in this fantastic organization, and one way to do that is to share your stories with the newsletter. Don’t forget to submit yours to this Google form:  https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/4SILC73qv7sEoPvoH8ifBM?domain=forms.gle.
⦁ We want to be a supportive partner. With our new MOU in place, Carolina Biological is looking for some feedback. Consider taking their survey and letting them know your thoughts: https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/48U0C9rvx7tR9Zv9T3lNEr?domain=carolina.formstack.com

In closing, keep searching for those ‘yes’ moments and share them with those around you. Together we can continue growing science education and our membership numbers and experiences. Each of you is an important part of ASTE, and it’s a special place because of you! Keep inspiring the scholarship, collaboration, and innovations that make us an exciting and dynamic organization.
 
With greatest respect,
Andrea