The Fall conference saw the election of officers to positions on the OSTA Board of Directors as well as the ratification of revisions to the OSTA Constitution and By-Laws.
Elected to a four year commitment to OSTA as Vice-President, then President-elect, then President, and then Past-President was Dr. Elizabeth Allen from UCO
Tamara Lookabaugh, Moore Central Junior High, returns to another 3 year term as OSTA Secretary.
Tina Rogers, Canton High School, will serve as High School Division Director
Annette Huet, from Kelly Elementary in Moore, will serve at Elementary Director
Three District Directors were also elected.
Representing District 1 (Northeast) is Becky Hammack from Stillwater Middle School.
District 3 (Southwest) is again represented by Marie Pool, from Clinton High School
and Tulsa Public Schools, (District 5) is represented by Adrienne Elder.
The New OSTA Constitution is now in effect. In a short Board meeting following the Fall Conference, the OSTA Board voted to reduced the membership fee to be paid by pre-service teachers to be one-half that paid by regular members as it’s first action under the new Constitution. Such flexibility was not permitted under the prior edition of the Constitution.
Over 300 people attended this year’s Fall Staff Development Conference, a record in terms of attendance at 21st century OSTA Conferences. Thanks to all who made the event such as success. Special thanks to the Presenters who shared their expertise with us all and to the Vendors who filled the atrium with exhibits and opportunities.
The OSTA Awards Luncheon also honored four deserving colleagues. Annette Huett from Moore’s Kelly Elementary was awarded with the OSTA Award for Outstanding Elementary Science Teaching. Susan Baker, from Putnam City North High School was presented the award for Outstanding High School Science Teaching. Dr. Fabiola Janik-Spens from OCCC was given the OSTA Award for Outstanding Science Teaching at the College Level.
OSTA’s Highest honor is the Jack Renner Award for Distinguished Service to Science Education in Oklahoma. This year’s awardee is Dr. Gordon Uno, David Ross Boyd Professor of Botany and the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Uno’s contributions to science education continue as he serves on many boards and commissions that directly impact science education in Oklahoma and across the country. From NSF, to AIBS, AAAS, NABT, and the College Board, he continues to impact and contribute to the cause of quality science education at all levels in this country.
At the conclusion of the Fall Conference, your new OSTA President, Dr. Pam Cristol, NSU-Broken Arrow, assumed her one-year term. Jeff Patterson, Norman, is now Past-President, and Kaye Emde, Heritage Hall, OKC, is President-elect.