NATIONAL EARTH SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2024
February 11, 2015
Developed by the NESTA Executive Committee
and Board of Directors
NESTA Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision: NESTA provides leadership and effective support to educators so that all K-12 students receive a quality Earth and Space Science education.
Mission: To facilitate and advance excellence in Earth and Space Science education.
Values:
• our passion for Earth and Space Science
• responsiveness and accountability to our membership
• the camaraderie among our members
• volunteerism and involvement of our members
• partnerships, collaboration, and networking with the global Earth and Space Science community
• stewardship and sustainability of Earth's resources
• continuing professional development
• knowledge and skills of our members
• integrity of our products and services
• inclusivity, including diversity
• the effective use of technology
NESTA Goals
Goal 1. To provide professional development for the Earth and Space Science educator community through services and products
Goal 2. To communicate effectively with the global Earth and Space Science educator and research community
Goal 3. To promote and advocate for the importance of Earth and Space Science education nationally at all levels
Goal 4. To increase and support a membership that is actively engaged in the mission of NESTA
Goal 5. To encourage and support development of affiliated state-based Earth Science Teachers Associations (ESTAs)
Goal 6. To maintain a stable financial portfolio to ensure that a comprehensive set of programs and services is supported and sustained
Goal 7. To establish, enhance, and maintain partnerships with corporations, agencies, and other professional organizations
NESTA Goals and Objectives
Goal 1. To provide professional development for the Earth and Space Science educator community through services and products
1. Provide excellent professional development opportunities for educators accessible through a spectrum of venues that meet the needs of teachers and increase the professional engagement of our membership.
2. Develop and provide access to quality Earth and Space Science educational products focusing on the latest research in these fields.
Goal 2. To communicate effectively with the global Earth and Space Science educator and research community
1. Publish a quarterly journal, The Earth Scientist, a monthly newsletter, NESTA E-News.
2. Develop and maintain a current and effective NESTA web site and social media venues that provides access to essential information, resources, and services for our membership and other Earth and Space Science educators and researchers.
3. Provide opportunities to discuss national and regional issues in Earth and Space Science education and build community through conferences and workshops.
4. Expand Earth and Space Science educational research through NESTA membership research partnerships.
Goal 3. To promote and advocate for the importance of Earth and Space Science education nationally at all levels
1. Promote the importance of addressing national and state standards, and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Earth and Space Science education.
2. Recognize excellence in contributions to Earth and Space Science education.
3. Provide a NESTA presence at state, regional, national and international conferences, and encourage incorporation of NESTA-signature activities at these events.
4. Develop and disseminate position statements relating to Earth and Space Science education.
5. Inform decision-makers at local (school and community), state, and national levels about the importance of Earth and Space Science education through direct contacts and collaboration with partner organizations.
6. Inform the public about the importance of Earth and Space Science education through media, our website, and in collaboration with partner organizations.
7. Support and advocate for life-long learning of Earth & Space Science education, including career opportunities, whether in formal or informal settings.
8. Promote diversity in the Earth and Space Science community including scientists, educators, and students.
Goal 4. To increase and support a membership that is actively engaged in the mission of NESTA
1. Develop strategies to engage teachers across the country to use NESTA support and services.
2. Actively court pre-service and first year teachers to become members of NESTA.
3. Encourage current and retiring members to retain their membership.
4. With a focus on diversity, create mechanisms to recruit new NESTA leaders, as well as members who wish to volunteer for short-term assignments.
5. Maintain and enhance efforts to recognize leadership, service, and volunteer efforts.
6. Continue to improve analyses of membership status and retention, including all classes of membership, renewals, time, state, and region.
7. Survey membership as needed to gather information from them about how we can best serve their needs as members of NESTA.
Goal 5. To encourage and support development of affiliated state-based Earth and Space Science Teachers Associations (ESTAs)
1. Solicit Earth and Space Science education leaders in states across the country to develop state Earth and Space Science associations and NESTA chapters.
2. Update our organizational guide for the development of State-based Earth and Space Science teacher associations so it can be adopted by state organizations.
3. Provide a suite of web services for state-based Earth and Space Science teacher associations and affiliates that supports common needs of these organizations and promotes integration and information sharing among Earth and Space Science educators.
4. Support state organizations in conducting meetings and/or summer field conferences.
5. Develop and maintain close communication with state affiliate organizations.
Goal 6. To maintain a stable financial portfolio to ensure that a comprehensive set of programs and services is supported and sustained
1. Seek and secure the financial resources needed to maintain and improve our programs and services.
2. Maintain and enhance the monitoring of NESTA's Budget so as to be fiscally responsible.
Goal 7. To establish, enhance, and maintain partnerships with corporations, agencies, and other professional organizations
1. Engage corporations, agencies, and other professional organizations to support quality Earth and Space Science education.
2. Advocate and promote the importance of establishing a global citizenry and workforce that are literate in Earth and Space Science.
