Illinois Science Teaching Association 

State Conference

The Path Forward

September 30, 2022

Illinois Institute of Technology

Rice Campus - Wheaton, Illinois

Move Forward with Savings

 To encourage all to attend, this year's conference is being offered at

50% OFF the rate paid at the last conference!

(early bird rates end September 11th)

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

On September 30, 2022, the Illinois Science Teaching Association is pleased to be able to again offer our state conference. We have decided to hold the conference in-person only to allow for the collegiality so important to our profession. Sessions are designed to address topics important to a successful PATH FORWARD for students, teachers and the community that enhances opportunities by expanding, inspiring and motivating  learning. Each workshop will address one or more of the following themes:

The path forward for students... sessions in this strand relate to calls for resilience and adaptability in an ever changing world. The Illinois Learning Standards for Science (NGSS) lay the foundation for students to meet these demands through the three-dimensional integration of disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts; effective use of technologies; and authentic assessment opportunities.  

The path forward for teachers…sessions in this strand relate to calls forproviding increasedopportunities for students to engage in science, to work authentically, and to reflect on the many ways scientists explore and learn about the natural world. Using research based pedagogy can prepare students to think critically, problem-solve, innovate, communicate, and collaborate in the disciplines of science and engineering through focused and coherent hands-on lessons, highest quality instruction, professional development to maximize student learning, and assessments that meet the learning needs of each student.

The path forward for communities… sessions in this strand relate to calls for a strong and effective STEAM program that not only helps students make sense of the world in which they live, but also engages students within their local and global communities.  Through strong parent engagement, informal education opportunities, and digital experiences, students are able to make authentic connections between classroom learning and their own lives.  

Sessions will be offered that extend upon workshops offered at the NSTA National Conference in Chicago July 2022

Schedule

Registration and Continental Breakfast: 8:30 - 9:30

Sessions:  9:30 - 12:30

Lunch (provided): 12:30 - 1:20

Sessions: 1:30 - 3:30

• Professional Development Hours Provided 
• Special Extended Learning Opportunities in Small Groups
• Numerous sessions covering a broad array of current topics

• District Group Discount Rate and Administrator's Discount- see information below
• Science education vendors featured in the exhibit space.
• Raffle at end of conference with many free prizes for those in attendance
• Science Flea Market featuring many free classroom supplies and materials. The Flea Market provides a great opportunity to share, recycle, repurpose usable items. You can donate items that young longer need but someone else might and possibly pick-up some items for yourself too.
• Opportunities to network with colleagues and meet new people
• Continental Breakfast and Lunch provided 
• Special rate - only $50 - for preservice teachers

Join Us As We Work Together To

Find a Path Forward

CLICK the "REGISTER" button to the left.

Once you have completed the registration form, you will be able to either pay immediately at our secure site with a credit card or at a later date via check/PO from you or your employer. The confirmation of registration you receive via email serves as either your receipt or bill. Check out the new group discount program below before registering.

Cancellations: Registrations canceled after September 22nd will incur a $50 fee regardless of whether payment has been received.

Special District Group Discount 

With the hope of providing more teachers the opportunity to attend our joint conference, ISTA is offering a  discount program. If your district registers 5 or more teachers for the conference, the fee will be reduced by $10 dollars per in-person registrant and $5 per virtual attendee. To take advantage of this special savings contact Bob Wolffe at finance@ilscience.org or 309-472-3118. He will send you the registration form to be used for groups. The same form will be used for all registrants regardless of discipline. DO NOT register on-line as an individual using this site if you plan to use the group option. Invoices provided upon request.

If your school or school district is paying for 4 or less people to attend, each person must be registered individually and a receipt or bill will be sent via email as each registration is completed. A single payment can then be sent for the entire group and each invoice will be recorded as paid upon receipt of payment.

Check Payable to: ISTA

Mail Payments to: Bob Wolffe, ISTA Finance Director

230 East Green Acres Ct.

East Peoria, IL 61611

Administrator Special Promotion

We believe it is important to promote the attendance of administrators at the conference. We know, with their support, teachers are better positioned to implement best practices. An administrator attending with a paid teacher registrant may come to the conference for only $50.   

EXHIBITS

Exhibits will be open from 9 am - 3:30 pm. 

HOTEL INFORMATION

There are numerous hotels within 2-5 miles of the conference site. Search the Wheaton or Naperville areas for list including a range of prices and amenities.

COMPLETE PROGRAM

Closer to the date of the conference the program will be available online. You will be notified when this occurs.

Media Permission

By registering for this event I grant the Illinois Science Teachers Association (ISTA) the right to take photographs, videos, and/or other recordings of me at this event. I understand such media can be used for any lawful purpose, which may include publicity, marketing, illustration, advertising and Web content related to the work and responsibilities of ISTA. Published information may include names, school, city/state, and other identifying information. 

If I do not wish to allow for above I will notify ISTA via email.

 Cancellations

Registrations canceled after September 22nd will incur a $50 fee regardless of whether payment has been received.