January Newsletter

Dear STOM Members,

I want to take a moment to address a challenge that so many professional organizations, including ours, are facing—attracting and retaining volunteer leadership. For the past three years, we have not had a single candidate step forward to run for STOM President. Not because there aren’t passionate and capable science educators in Missouri, but because the expectations of unpaid volunteer leadership are simply too much to ask of teachers who are already stretched thin.

If schools themselves are struggling to fill extra-duty stipend positions, how can we expect to recruit someone to take on even more work—for free? After researching how other organizations sustain leadership, I have proposed to our Board that we make the role of STOM President a stipend position equivalent to a significant coaching role in a school setting. While the Board is still finalizing the details, we are proposing a $5,000 annual stipend to compensate the president for the time, effort, and expertise required to effectively lead STOM. We need quality educators guiding our science advocacy efforts, but we must also respect their time and contributions.

I am thrilled to report that after three years of zero interest and after floating this idea in our communication circles, we now have THREE highly qualified candidates eager to step up and lead STOM into the future! This shift marks a much-needed turning point in the sustainability of our organization. This newsletter serves as an informational preview, as an official vote will be coming soon.

Next week, once the Board finalizes the reorganization plan, all members will receive an email outlining the proposed bylaw changes and the opportunity to vote on both the new structure and our next president. In this issue, you will find bios for the three candidates so you can begin considering your choice. The elected president will serve as President-Elect for 2025 before stepping into the official President role in January 2026. Until then, I will continue to serve in what I’ve been calling my "long-term sub" presidency as a volunteer.

Thank you for your continued support of STOM and for being part of this essential conversation about the future of our organization. Together, we can ensure that Missouri’s science educators have strong leadership and advocacy for years to come.

Mike Szydlowski

STOM President

Brian Keller is the leader of the St. Louis Science Leaders Consortium (SSLC), where he organized a year’s worth of meetings, events, and professional development opportunities for science leaders, utilizing his network to secure free lunches, expert speakers, and facility tours. The consortium includes science curriculum coordinators and professionals from museums, zoos, and wildlife centers. Brian is also a K-12 Social Studies & Science Curriculum Coordinator at the Webster Groves School District, where he spearheaded a comprehensive evaluation of curriculum, professional development, and equity practices. He is currently implementing action steps based on committee recommendations, including curriculum development with the Missouri Department of Conservation and structuring high school science programming to meet all students’ needs.

With over 15 years of experience in education, Brian began his career as an elementary teacher In Saint Louis Public Schools where he contributed to earning accreditation with distinction, then went on to teach gifted students and coach robotics teams for nine years. He also served as an adjunct professor for robotics at Ranken Technical College. In his role as president of the Missouri Council of the Social Studies in 2023-2024, Brian developed a long-term strategic plan for supporting social studies teachers and led a successful conference that doubled profits and increased membership. Holding a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Saint Louis University and a Master’s in Education and Innovation from Webster University, Brian is committed to improving education through leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

Tasha Jordan was born and raised in Pittsburgh. She attended Chatham University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She earned her Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Education from Washington University in St. Louis. In April 2024, she earned her doctorate in education with a focus on STEM Teaching and Learning.

In 2022, Dr. Jordan was named a 2022 National STEM Scholar. She was one of ten middle school teachers from eight states selected to participate in the National STEM scholar program. Dr. Jordan is the 2023 Ferguson Florissant School District Teacher of the Year and the 2023 St. Louis Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Jordan's passions are the representation of Black girls in science curriculum and how Black girls see themselves as scientists as a result of culturally relevant teaching and pedagogy. She is passionate about helping to support students in realizing their potential and empowering them to be the best possible version of themselves.

She is a proud member of the Eta Mu Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. Jordan was a middle school science teacher in the Ferguson Florissant School District. She currently serves as the science curriculum coordinator in the Riverview Gardens School District.

Erin is currently in her 20th year of teaching high school life science. She currently teaches Biology, Dual Credit Biology, and Dual Credit Human Anatomy at Hallsville High School. She has an undergraduate degree in Secondary Science Education from the University of Missouri, and a Master's degree in Biology from Clemson University. She is also an adjunct instructor, teaching Principles of Biology, at Columbia College. Erin has served on the STOM board for numerous years in various positions. She is an advocate for science education and constantly shares her passion and expertise for science teaching. She has presented at numerous conferences including NSTA, Interface, and STOM. Erin is a dedicated professional, constantly seeking ways to improve her teaching through meaningful professional development. She has been a part of many fellowships and education groups. She is a Nourish the Future teacher leader, University of Missouri Wipro fellow, and a ChIP teacher fellow. She is most recently an author of an NGSS storyline sponsored by Midwest Dairy. When not in the classroom, you can find Erin at her daughter's sporting events or traveling the world with students.

The Science Teachers of Missouri are thrilled to celebrate Rhonda Stovall, who has been honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)—the highest recognition a K–12 science teacher can receive in the United States. With 24 years of dedication to education, including 19 years at Gateway MST Elementary School, Rhonda has transformed science instruction through hands-on, inquiry-based learning that empowers students to investigate, explore, and think critically. As a science enrichment lab teacher, she has created innovative station-based labs aligned with NGSS standards, fostering curiosity and deep scientific understanding. Beyond her classroom, Rhonda has been a leader in her district, serving as Lead Science Teacher, a mentor to both new and experienced educators, and a champion for equitable science education—especially for students with disabilities and those from low-income, at-risk backgrounds. Her unwavering commitment has ensured that every child, regardless of circumstances, has access to engaging and high-quality science experiences.

Carrie Launius, STOM Executive Director, expressed her excitement about Rhonda’s well-deserved recognition: “I have always been so impressed with Rhonda’s dedication to kids and science. Her passion for ensuring that every student—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—has access to high-quality science education is unmatched, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.” Rhonda’s impact extends far beyond her own school, as she has helped shape district-wide science curriculum, supported teachers across Missouri, and worked tirelessly to promote excellence in science education. Her recognition with the PAEMST Award is not only a personal achievement but a victory for all who believe in the power of science education to change lives.

We at the Science Teachers of Missouri are heartbroken to learn of the passing of National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) President-Elect Lindsey Fields, who was aboard American Airlines Flight 5432. Lindsey was traveling to advocate for excellence in life science education, a mission she dedicated herself to with passion and purpose.

Her loss is deeply felt in the science education community, and we extend our sincere condolences to her family, colleagues, and all who were inspired by her work. We also hold in our hearts the other victims of this tragedy and their loved ones.

Honor Black history all year long with this set of printable Black scientist posters provided by Wards Science.

CLICKE HERE

Our President, Mike Szydlowski created this super bowl science informational text in two levels. It has a set of questions to go along with it and the answers of course.

CLICK HERE If YOU LIKE

STOM would love your great ideas! If you would like to get involved with STOM in any capacity, we want you! Please e-mail our executive direction at janetcarrie@gmail.com to discuss options!