Transforming science education through research-driven innovation

Empowering Science Educators: Highlights and Key Takeaways from NSTA 2026 Indianapolis

November 9, 2026

At NSTA 2026 in Indianapolis, BSCS Science Learning joined thousands of science educators, leaders, and innovators to share research-driven strategies for creating equitable, engaging, and high-quality science learning environments. From full-day pre-conference institutes to packed break-out sessions, our team led meaningful discussions on supporting multilingual learners, developing systemic leadership, and integrating durable skills into the science classroom.

Here are some key highlights from our pre-conference institutes this year.

Wednesday set an inspiring tone for the conference with intensive, full-day learning opportunities centered on equity, instructional design, and system-wide leadership.

  • In the Supporting Multilingual Learners in Science session, Janna Mahfoud & Dr. Susan Gomez Zwiep focused on how high-quality, meaningful science instruction must leverage and support students’ linguistic resources. Participants explored science and language maps—a visual representation that reveals how language develops naturally as students engage in 3D science sensemaking. Educators can build, use, and interpret these maps to make instructional decisions that enhance science learning for language diverse classrooms.  

To learn more, check out their 90-minute NSTA member webinar, Beyond Word Walls: A Tool for Intentional Language Development in Science.

For a deeper dive, look for their article, “Enhancing Multilingual Learners’ Scientific Sensemaking Opportunities Through Expansive Language Mapping in Science Curricula” by Susan Zwiep, María González-Howard, and Janna Mahfoud in the latest November / December edition of Science Scope out later this month. 

  • In the From the Sky to Your School: Exploring and Implementing OpenSciEd Elementary session, Dr. Guy Ollison alongside Tami Plein, STEM Consultant from Burlington, IA, and JéCoiya Moore, K-12 Science Instructional Lead for Enhanced Support Zone, Jefferson County Public Schools, helped us imagine what becomes possible when rigorous science instructional materials meet the brilliance of elementary learners. They showed how the storyline approach helps young students make sense of everyday sky phenomena. Participants left with ready-to-use Professional Learning Communities resources built to help teacher teams implement OpenSciEd Elementary materials with confidence. 
  • In a joint initiative of NSTA and the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA), Jenine Cotton-Proby, Cynthia Gay & Jody Bintz led a breakout session, Lead Yourself Before Leading Systems. In this session, participants strengthened practical leadership skills, systems thinking, and collaboration across tailored cohorts based on career experience. Science leaders examined their personal habits and emotional intelligence to build a personalized profile for leading change effectively and walked away with a better understanding of themselves. 

Thursday featured a sold-out workshop focusing on real-world leadership and coaching moves.

  • In a sold out session, Leading Change That Sticks: Systemic and Sustained Improvement through Curriculum Implementation, Jenine Cotton-Proby, Jody Bintz & Brittany Thompson of Jefferson County Public Schools focused on navigating organizational change to strengthen science teaching and curriculum implementation across schools and districts. Leaders gained actionable approaches to lead sustainable change, navigate staff reluctance, and foster adaptive, thriving educational systems. Read How BSCS and Jefferson County Public Schools Built a Partnership that Lasts 

What’s Next?

The energy and commitment at NSTA 2026 reaffirmed that when educators are equipped with high-quality instructional materials and research-backed leadership strategies, every student benefits.

  • Join our Email Community: Receive periodic insights, announcements and resources when you join our email list.