The Newsletter of the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers
WSST Conference 2026
The Journey Continues...
By Kristin Kyde and Terry Schwaller
The 2026 WSST Conference is right around the corner! First of all, a big thank you to all of the people who submitted session and workshop proposals! Our WSST membership and their willingness to present at the conference is what makes the conference a big success. With the
extra few days to submit proposals in late December, we will have three days packed full of sessions and workshops for you. From sessions to workshops to round table discussions and field trips (make sure you register ahead of time!), there
From the President
WSST President, Dennis Rohr
Hello to each of you amazing science educators from across our incredible state of Wisconsin! Here it is, already 2026, and I sure hope this year brings each and every one of you more happiness than sorrows. I can’t believe that this is my very last President’s message for our newsletter; it seems like this journey has barely begun. I truly appreciate and want to send out an enormous Thank You to Brian Bartel, who does an amazing job putting each of our Newsletters together for so many years!
At the upcoming conference in Appleton from March 12-14th, I will hand over the official WSST presidential gavel to Terry Schwaller, who will be an outstanding upcoming President for the
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Baseball, July 2026
The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers
Our Mission: WSST provides a welcoming collaborative network, useful resources, and professional learning to support all Wisconsin science educators in delivering high quality instruction.
Our Vision: All Wisconsin students engage in meaningful and relevant three-dimensional science learning that prepares them to use valid evidence to make sense of the world and solve current and future problems.
WSST Newsletter Archive
Visit www.wsst.org/newsletter to download past issues of the WSST newsletter. Available from WSST’s founding in 1958, newsletters are as PDFs.
Dennis Rohr, President president@wsst.org
Terry Schwaller, President-Elect tschwaller@wsst.org
Stephaine Baker, Secretary secretary@wsst.org
Kevin Niemi, Chief Financial Officer cfo@wsst.org
Chad Janowski, CFO (in training) chad@einsteinproject.org
Andy Pokrzywinski, Dist 1 (CESA 11 & 12) district1@wsst.org
Thomas Davies, District 2 (CESA 9 & 10) district2@wsst.org
Sarah Klingbile, District 3 (CESA 7 & 8) district3@wsst.org
Megan Sprague, District 4 (CESA 3 & 4) district4@wsst.org
Patrick Mootz, District 5 (CESA 2 & 5) district5@wsst.org
Teri Dillenberg, District 6 (CESA 6) district6@wsst.org
Stacey Strandberg, District 7 (CESA 1) district7@wsst.org
WSST Committees
Awards/Recognition
Miranda Dahlke (co-chair)
Laura Ramthun (co-chair)
Tom Davies Stephanie Bartels
Michelle Howe Jennifer Bault
Karen Messmer Sue Whitsett
Megan Sprague
Document Review
Stacey Balbach (chair)
Dave Bergerson Sue Whitsett
Chad Janowski
Elementary Education
Shelly Petzold (co-chair) Leah Aubert (co-chair)
Melissa Wimmler Teri Dillenberg
Dawn Brenner
Equity and Access
Kevin Anderson (co-chair)
Claire Bernatz (co-chair)
Zach Pratt Kristin Michalski
Lalitha Murali Karyl Rosenberg
Sara Krauskopf Kelly Steiner
Leigh Kohlmann Sarah Ratelis
Finance
Kevin Niemi (chair)
Matt Lindsey Terry Schwaller
Sue Whitsett
Foundation
Brian Bartel (President)
Denise McCulley (1st Vice-President)
Carol Ochsner (2nd Vice-President)
Dale Basler (3rd Vice-President)
Tracy Swedlund (Treasurer) Ray Scolavino (Secretary)
Higher Education
Adam Schafer (chair)
Ray Scolavino Joel Donna
Kevin Anderson Mark Olson
Membership
Michelle Griffin-Wenzel (chair)
Ray Scolavino Tracy Swedlund
Deanna McClung Matt Lindsey
New Teacher Network
Jamie Lauer (co-chair) Sonja Gasper (co-chair)
Stephanie Ruder Megan Sprague
Terry Schwaller Sara Renish
Rebecca McDermid
Nominations and Elections
Marcia Gardner (chair)
Stephanie Ruder
Professional Development
Jamie Groark (chair)
Kevin Anderson Shelley Petzold
Stacey Strandberg Andrea Christianson
Sonja Gasper Tom Davies
Communications
Brian Bartel (co-chair) - Newsletter Editor
Julie Fitzpatrick (co-chair) - Website
Sarah Adumat (Copy Editor)
Karyl Rosenberg (Historian)
Dan Nelson
Strategic Planning
Kevin Anderson (chair)
Dennis Rohr Ray Scolavino
Kevin Niemi Kristin Michalski
WESTA
Shannon Previte (chair)
Dennis Rohr Chad Wilkinson
Michael April Jonathan Baker
Megan Luedtke Tomara Whiteaker
WSELA
Kevin Niemi (co-chair) Kevin Anderson (co-chair)
WSST Conference Director Ray Scolavino
WSST Vendor Coordinator Rodney Dymesich
WSST Conference Chairs
Terry Schwaller and Kristin Kyde Appleton - 2026
Dennis Rohr and Chad Janowski Green Bay - 2027
Jamie Lauer and Megan Sprague Middleton - 2028
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
To submit a letter to the WSST Newsletter, send your thoughts via email to newsletter@wsst.org Content may be edited for length, clarity and appropriateness.
Conference continued from page 1 science, Michael feels we may find new ways to honor and protect our sacred ecosystems in a resource-dependent world.
will be a TON of opportunities for you to learn from and connect with WSST members!
We also want to tell you about our Ed Mueller Luncheon with keynote speaker Michael Waasegiizhig Price. Michael is Anishinaabe and an enrolled member of the Wikwemikong First Nations in Ontario. Michael received his Master of Science in Forestry from the University of Montana–Missoula and a Certificate of Ojibwe Language Instruction from Bemidji State University in Minnesota. Grounded in both science and traditional Native American society, Michael has sought to find connections between these two systems of knowledge at a time when our world faces many ecological crises.
Michael’s talk is titled, “Braiding Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Western Scientific Perspectives for a Healthier Earth.” According to Michael, Anishinaabe people have always recognized the interconnectedness that we, as humans, have to our surrounding environment. These interconnections are articulated and passed down in the community through storytelling, language, and ceremony. Michael’s presentation will offer a new, rather ancient, perspective in our connection to the earth based upon Anishinaabe teachings. By combining Indigenous knowledge and wisdom with
We hope that you will join us at the Ed Mueller Luncheon on Friday, March 13th to hear Michael Waasegiizhig Price’s keynote presentation. While attendance at the luncheon is free to all members, remember that if you wish to participate in the box luncheon, you will need to preregister for this when you register for the conference.
Speaking of events at the conference, don’t forget about our many social activities at the conference! On Thursday March 12, make sure you are around for the Vendor Social at 4 PM. The Vendor Social marks the opening of the Vendor Hall, and your first opportunity to visit all of the great vendors and exhibitors at the conference. Not only will you get to check out all the booths (and probably pick up some neat swag!), but there will also be free food and refreshments provided. As always, the Vendor Social is your first chance to work on your WSST Vendor Hall Bingo cards. Completing your Bingo card enters you into prize drawings at the Town Hall on Friday.
Of course, you can’t have the Vendor Social without a Rock Raffle! According to WESTA Chair Shannon Previte, this year’s Rock Raffle might be the biggest one ever! Make sure you bring some money with you to the Vendor Social so you can purchase tickets for the Rock Raffle, which will be held in the Vendor Hall during the Vendor Social. Be on the lookout for more information regarding
Michael Waasegiizhig Price
the Rock Raffle soon!
After the Vendor Social ends, the fun is just beginning! The President’s Membership Social will be held in the Empire Room at the Paper Valley Hotel. We will be welcoming in Wisconsin Pub Quiz to host a special science-themed trivia contest. We also will have other fun ways for you to connect with your fellow WSST members and share your journeys with them. There will also be food and beverages provided, as well as tickets for the door prize drawings! Special thanks to our Socials Committee for all the hard work they are doing to bring you a plethora of opportunities to win some fabulous prizes.
A full day on Friday brings even more opportunities for networking, learning and connecting with colleagues. Right after the Ed Mueller Luncheon and Michael Waasegiizhig Price’s keynote presentation, we will be having the Exploratorium! Come and interact with future science educators as they wow you with their amazing demonstrations. This year’s Exploratorium also promises to be one of the biggest, with more Universities joining in than ever before! Come and show your support for the future of science education!
Later in the day, we will also have our annual Town Hall meeting. Come and join us to hear about the state of the organization, and our plans moving into the future. This is also your opportunity to benefit from filling out those Vendor Hall bingo cards. Come and see if you will win one of the many prizes donated to WSST by our awesome vendors and
exhibitors.
Of course, we cannot forget to talk about the Milton Pella Banquet on Friday evening. This is your chance to join other WSST members in a great evening of food and member recognitions. The Pella Banquet is where we will hear about this year’s grant winners, including the Front and Center Grant awards selected that day! Remember that the Front and Center Grant is available for all attendees during the conference. You can apply by visiting the WSST Booth in the Vendor Hall or by visiting the WSST website. The Pella Banquet is also where we will find out who this year’s WSST award winners will be. This includes the Frank Zuerner New Teacher Scholarship, the Excellence in Education Award, the Administrator Award, and the Ron Gibbs Award. Dinner at the banquet requires meal selections to be made during registration, but please feel free to join us at the banquet, even if you are not participating in the dinner.
To finish off the Friday night festivities, we will be hosting a Post-Banquet Social at the Appleton Beer Factory, just a couple blocks from the Hilton Paper Valley. Join fellow WSST members as we celebrate a great two days of the conference, before wrapping up with our final day of sessions and workshops. The PostBanquet Social provides a central location for WSST members to gather and hang out and continue making connections with your fellow science enthusiasts!
The 2026 WSST Conference in Appleton is going to be a great time! Please make sure you register before the
advanced registration closes on February 15, 2026. Come and join us, as the Journey Continues!
Conference 2026 Co-chairs Kristin Kyde and Terry Schwaller
President continued from page 1
next two years. He is an incredible science educator from Shiocton High School (home of the world famous cabbage chuck championships). I truly appreciate his insight, wisdom, and support this past year as President-elect. From his many years on our Document Review committee, he possesses an incredible knowledge of our bylaws as an organization. I am excited for our organization’s future and I look forward to assisting Terry in leading our WSST Board and Committees over his next two years as President.
This March 12-14, I hope to see each of you in downtown Appleton for our 2026 WSST Conference, with the theme: The Journey Continues! Our WSST’s adventure leads us up the Fox River from last year in Oshkosh to the amazing cultural and historical hub of Appleton! It is home of Harry Houdini, the famous magician and illusionist, and is also where the world’s first private residence utilized electricity via a hydroelectric power plant
in 1882, using Thomas Edison’s new invention, in a home called the Hearthstone House. The actor who portrayed the “Green Goblin” in Spiderman movies, Willem Dafoe, was also born here, as well as former NFL running back Rocky Blier who made downtown Appleton his childhood home. Things to do before now and then: Make sure you have already registered for the conference, and that you reserved a place to stay for your time in Appleton. You might have already noticed on your Conference Registration form that WSST has streamlined your registration in that you do not pre-register for workshops on your registration form. Each presentation will be either a 50 minute or 110-minute session, and you are able to select those on each day of the conference.
On Thursday afternoon, don’t miss the Vendor Social at 4pm along with the “World Famous Rock Raffle” sponsored by WESTA. If your classroom or school has any spare rock, fossils, or mineral samples laying around collecting dust, or any other cool science models or things that you are willing to donate to our Rock Raffle, just bring them to the conference, and leave them at the Registration table for Shannon Previte (Rock Raffle). The Vendor Social is also a time to allow you to get to talk with all of the amazing Vendors that are there to discuss new and exciting products for your classrooms. Rod Dymesich continues to do an amazing job recruiting new vendors while working endlessly to retain the old. Don’t miss the President’s social on Thursday night, as this evening is always a “do not
miss” to get the conference started, and to allow each of us to catch up with and make new science friends from across Wisconsin.
Friday is another full day of sessions starting at 8 am, and make sure you visit the Vendor Hall by 3 pm on Friday (when it closes). Don’t miss the lunch time speaker Michael Waasegiizhig Price, whom I have had the honor of hearing in the past. Spoiler alert: he will be amazing! We also have the WSST Town Hall Meeting at 4pm, where you can learn more about the “State of WSST” and can win one of the many vendor prizes that will be handed out! And don’t miss the Friday evening Milton Pella Awards Banquet, where we will announce our latest grant recipients and many highly deserving Award winners.
But that’s not all! There’s more on Saturday morning with a packed schedule of many more excellent sessions from 8noon. As a member, you are also invited to attend our WSST Spring Board meeting, which is always held at Noon on the Saturday of the Conference.
Before I sign off for the last time, thank you to both Tammy Dymesich and Kevin Niemi, our COO and CFO respectively, who were there each time if I had a question about “what to do” in my role as President. Thank you also to the entire Board and to each of our committee members for all of your hard work in moving WSST to new levels. I have been incredibly honored to help lead our organization the last two years, and for the opportunities to meet and get to know so many incredible people throughout our
membership. I look forward to seeing you again in Appleton on March 12-14th for our next science family reunion!!!
Listen to Lab Out Loud
Listen to Wisconsin’s own Brian Bartel and Dale Basler discuss science news and science education with leading scientists, researchers, science writers, and other important figures in the field. Listen to and download over 250 episodes of Lab Out Loud at www.laboutloud.com
Questions, comments or suggestions should be submitted via laboutloud.com/contact/
W i s c o n s i n s o c i e t y o f s c i e n c e t e a c h e r s p r e s e n t s
W S S T . O R G t h e j o u r n e y continues March 12-14 , 2026
A P P L E T O N P A P E R V A L L E Y H O T E L
Lunch/Speakers:
GUIDE TO EVENTS
Enjoy a meal while listening to special guest speakers. Pre-registration and fee required.
Vendor Social:
Kick off the conference with free snacks and beverages in the vendor hall Explore booths and socialize with WSST members
Rock Raffle:
Purchase tickets to win rock samples from the Wisconsin Earth Science Teachers Association (WESTA) for your classroom or collection.
Bingo Card:
Get a Vendor Hall Bingo Card at the Vendor Social, collect stamps from booths, and enter the Town Hall Raffle to win prizes. Must be present to win.
Equipment Swap
Bring unused equipment to donate and take home items you can use in your classroom.
President’s Social
Join us Thursday night for free food, beverages, and fun with WSST members after the Vendor Social
MEMBERSHIP PERKS
Access to a statewide network of science teachers for resources, ideas and support
A strong voice on issues that concern science education.
Monthly Newsletter with professional development opportunities, resources, social events, and more.
Support future science teachers as they present interactive labs and activities on Friday afternoon in the Vendor Hall.
Town Hall:
Come hear from our President, CFO, and COO about the state of WSST And don't forget: You need to be in attendance to win prizes from submitting your Vendor Hall Bingo Card!
Pella Banquet and Awards Ceremony:
Join us for dinner to celebrate the winners of WSST Awards including and the announcement of the Ron Gibbs Award winner. Pre-registration and fee required. Can attend banquet without a meal at no cost.
TYPES OF SESSIONS
SESSION
A 50-minute or 110 minute session, presented by members and vendors. Can be presentation or hands on learning. Pre-registration not required.
ROUND TABLE
An “informal” discussion based on the topic or group. Agenda and discussion driven by those who attend.
FIELD TRIP
Explore different locations of interest in the area. Requires pre-registration or registration as available at conference, may have a fee to attend.
Vendor Sponsorship
Imagine Learning - Thursday Vendor's Social
Savvas - Thursday Membership Social
Ripon College - Friday Snack Table
PASCO - Friday Snack Table
Flinn Scientific - Material Sponsor
WSST Equipment Adoption
The Equipment Adoption will be available during the conference. If your school has functional equipment that is no longer needed, please consider donating it for use by other educators. Donations can be placed at the Equipment Adoption table. Attendees may take any available items—no donation is required to participate. Items are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may arrive throughout the conference, so check regularly. If your donated item is not claimed, you are responsible for its removal and disposal to help minimize WSST costs. Please NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES OR CHEMICALS. We are unable to dispose of them.
Apply for a $200 Front and Center Grant in Appleton!
From the WSST Foundation, Front and Center grants will again be open for application at the WSST Conference. Available to any WSST member registered for the conference, applications should describe a ~$200 project in 500 words or less that showcases an innovative idea in the science classroom.
Plan ahead and have your proposal ready before you arrive at the conference. Applications open Thursday, March 12 at the Vendor Social and close Friday, March 13 at noon. Laptops will be provided at the WSST booth, and a link will be available online at wsst.org.
Some rules and restrictions may apply. Find out more information about rules and restrictions, grant selection timeline, tips for writing a grant and rubrics for grant evaluation. Funds will be mailed to awardees after the conference concludes.
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue
• Madison Area Builders Association
• Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium
• Ripon College
• UWL- Professional Studies in Education
• College of Natural Resources, UWSP
• PBS Wisconsin Education
• Amplify
• Imagine Learning
• Savvas Learning
• Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
• Maris Education
• KEEP - Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education
• The Stem Academy, Inc (STEM 101)
• Trees For Tomorrow
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
• LEAF Program
• Seeds of Change Research
• American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science -
• Wisconsin Snapshot Wisconsin
• 2027 WSST Conference
• WSST Prize Booth
• WSST
• Lab-Aids
• UW-Madison Science Alliance
• Wisconsin Science Festival
• Carolina Biological Supply
• Focus on Energy
• miniPCR bio
• Nourish the Future
• Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom
• Biozone, Inc.
• Visit
• Learning Blade
• Einstein Project
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
• Wisconsin Wing Civil Air Patrol
• Food + Farm Exploration Center
• School Speciality/FOSS
• Bio-Rad Laboratories
• Animalearn
• Switch Classroom
• Wisconsin Forestry Center
• EDVOTEK, Inc.
• HMH
• WI Air National Guard
• IPM Institute of North America
• UW-Madison College of Agriculture & Life
• Kendall Hunt Publishing Company
• Pilot Light
• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
• 3D MOLECULAR DESIGNS
• BBC Learning Hub
• MiniOne Systems
• Green Edventures
• EAA
• CAPP - UW Oshkosh
• Cengage Learning
• Capital Microscope Services & Science Supplies
• PASCO Scientific
• Wards Science
• ExploreLearning
• Rayn Growing Systems
• Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Inc.
• UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences
• SparkPoint Innovations
Book your room today at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley
Booking Link: Click here to reserve your room.
You can either use the group code TEACH when booking online or simply use the link above to receive the special conference rate.
Important: The discounted group rate is only available until 30 days prior to the conference. Be sure to book by February 10, 2026 to secure your room at the reduced rate.
Are you a Zymologist or Pit Master?
If you are into the science of fermentation or smoking meats, then this message is for you! At the 2026 WSST Conference we are having our annual gathering. Due to hotel policy, we are unable to meet at the conference site. Instead we will be meeting at the local YMCA (two blocks away) in the Plexus Room. If you make fermented foods, drinks or smoked meats, please come to this WSST gathering. Check the program/app for the time on Thurs. Also, if you incorporate your passion in your classroom, please share that too. Questions? Contact Ray Scolavino at rscali3@yahoo.com
This Event Totally Rocks
Rock Raffle Opens: 4:00 PM - 3/12/26
�� Vendor Hall, WSST conference Tickets: 25¢ each Buy tickets from: Any WESTA member
Don’t take it for granite — Thursday night is a gneiss way to kick off the conference! Join WSST in the Vendor Hall for a rock-solid social featuring free food & drinks thanks to our vendors, and the annual Rock Raffle - geological treasures ready to win and go back to classrooms all over Wisconsin.
⏳ this event is short but sediment-ally awesome! Come for the snacks. Stay for the rocks.
Leave with prizes that will rock your classroom.
Rock Raffle winners will be announced at 5:15, during the Vendor Social on Thursday.
Unearth real gems as you wander through the vendor exhibits. Rock samples and specimens will be on display in the center of the hall, so you can see exactly what’s at stake.
WESTA
Rock Raffle
✔ Donations accepted all day Thursday at check-in. All WSST members are welcome to donate any unwanted rocks and minerals at the check in area all day Thursday. Thank you for your donations.
A NEW multimedia series for grades 6-12 that explores climate change from a uniquely Wisconsin perspective and shares how young changemakers, innovative farmers, Indigenous knowledge keepers, and community members across the state are taking action.
WSST Elections · February/March 2026
RUNNING FOR DISTRICT 2: TOM DAVIES, WESTON
Position Statement and Vision for WSST:
I am in my 22nd year of teaching high school science and have been a member of WSST since 2013. Over the years, I have attended many conferences and learned from dozens of inspiring educators. These experiences have helped me grow as a teacher, and I regularly bring ideas from these sessions back to my classroom to improve instruction and student learning.
I attended WINGS in 2022 and 2024, where I worked with many outstanding WSST educators from across the state. At WINGS, we focused on storylining and phenomenon-based curriculum. With the support of my WINGS colleagues, my high school biology team transitioned to the Illinois Storylines curriculum and has now been storylining for four years. This shift has had a meaningful impact on both instruction and student engagement and reflects my belief in thoughtful, intentional instructional improvement.
My involvement with WSST has also grown into service and leadership. After attending the 2014 conference, I joined the Awards and Recognition Committee and have been an active member ever since. Following WINGS in 2022, I was inspired to become more involved, which led me to step into the role of District 2 Director in 2023. I have truly enjoyed serving in this capacity and would welcome the opportunity to continue giving back
to an organization that has given me so much professionally. As a director, I strive to support educators in my district by connecting them with resources, professional learning opportunities, and one another.
My vision for WSST is to continue strengthening our community of science educators by supporting high-quality instruction, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that teachers across the state feel valued, supported, and inspired to keep growing.
Background Education
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point:
• Bachelors of Science - Natural Science MajorPhysical Science Option, Chemistry minor University of Montana - Bozeman:
• Masters of Science - Science Education
Present Teaching Assignment:
D.C. Everest Senior High School (2009 - present), Biology and Conceptual Physics
Professional Activities:
• WSST District 2 Director (2023–present)
• Participant, WSST WINGS (Wisconsin Institute for Next Generation Science), 2022 & 2024
• Member, WSST Awards and Recognition Committee (2014–present)
• Presenter at multiple WSST conferences
• Member, Building Leadership Team, D.C. Everest Senior High School (2019–2022)
Professional Organizations:
• WSST (2013–present; additional years prior)
• NSTA (2025–present)
• Active member, Central Wisconsin Physics Group (2009–2019 until it dissolved)
Interests
I enjoy spending time at the lake, exploring national parks, traveling and adventuring with my family, serving as an adult leader in Scouting America, downhill skiing, and backpacking.
WSST Elections · February/March 2026
RUNNING FOR DISTRICT 3: SARAH KLINGBILE, SEYMOUR
Position Statement and Vision for WSST:
I have been a science educator for over 10 years. During this time, I have relied heavily on the resources of my district and what WSST has to offer. I have attended many conferences, networked with colleagues from across the state, and participated in WINGS multiple times. I know there are teachers in my district who might be interested in similar opportunities, but don’t know where to begin or how the opportunities directly impact their classrooms. As District 3’s director, I want to bridge the gap between educators and WSST’s resources / opportunities.
There’s so much potential that is waiting to be tapped into. Let’s work together to develop the best strategies our students deserve.
Background Education
Bachelors of Science in Forensic Science
Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning
Present Teaching Assignment
Seymour Community High School Science Teacher (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology in Forensic Science, and Physical Science)
Professional Activities:
Seymour Community HS Science Club Advisor, Link Crew Co-advisor, Seymour School District Tech Committee Member, Presenter at WSST Conference, Participated in Wisconsin Institute for
Next Generation Science (WINGS)
Professional Organizations
Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST), National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), American Chemical Society (ACS), American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT)
Interests
I enjoy traveling and road trips. I also enjoy tinkering with crafting, especially jewelry. My husband and I own a vintage reselling business as a hobby.
RUNNING FOR SECRETARY: MARCIA GARDNER, LACROSSE
Position Statement and Vision for WSST:
I am excited to run for the position of Secretary for the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers because I strongly believe in our mission to support and connect science educators across our state. WSST provides meaningful opportunities for teachers to learn about current trends and best practices in science instruction through conferences, professional development, and collaboration with colleagues from diverse districts and grade levels. These connections are essential for keeping science instruction engaging, relevant, and student-centered.
I am deeply passionate about inquiry-based education and creating classrooms where students are learning through active investigations, questioning, and discovery. I believe science should spark
WSST Elections · February/March 2026
curiosity and empower students to think critically about the world around them. Equally important to me is ensuring equitable access to quality science education for all. This includes being mindful of the impact of trauma, learning gaps, and diverse student needs. This also means supporting educators with resources and professional learning that promotes inclusive and supportive classroom environments. Every student deserves the opportunity to engage in meaningful science learning, and every teacher deserves strong professional support to make that possible.
As a WSST member, I strive to support teachers by fostering practical strategies that promote student discovery and hands-on learning while strengthening engagement within our teaching community. As Secretary, I will work to support clear communication, organization, and documentation so that the work of WSST remains transparent, efficient, and accessible to our membership. I value collaboration, consistency, and followthrough. And I am committed to serving the organization in a way that strengthens our ability to support science educators across Wisconsin.
Background Education
• Masters of Education-Professional
BS of Science in Education, UW-La Crosse
• Development, UW-La Crosse
• University
Reading Teacher Licensure, Viterbo
Present Teaching Assignment
Title Teacher/Team Lead, School District of La Crosse
Professional Activities:
• Education (TENFEE), summer workshops
Teacher Educators Network for Environmental
• UW-La Crosse, WWTC, Winona State University
iTeams- Math and Science Partnership Grant -
• Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Wisconsin Finalist for Presidential Award for
Professional Organizations
WINGS Grant and Alumni Participant
• WSST: Past Elementary Chair - Current
• Nominations and Elections Chair
• CoChair
2024 WSST Conference, Driftless Wonders,
Interests
I enjoy reading for leisure and still play my clarinet with the UW-La Crosse Alumni band 2-3 times a year. Recently, I have been trying to learn how to sew small craft & baby items by watching YouTube videos.
WSST Voting Districts
District 1 (CESA 11 & 12)
District 2 (CESA 9 & 10)
District 3 (CESA 7 & 8)
District 4 (CESA 3 & 4)
District 5 (CESA 2 & 5)
District 6 (CESA 6)
District 7 (CESA 1)
Don’t know your CESA? Find out here: https://apps6.dpi.wi.gov/SchDirPublic/home
APRIL 10-12 APRIL 10-12
WSST MEMBER SUBMISSIONS
WSST Presents the 2026
Writing Contest!
Write an essay based on the topic given for your grade level. Essays are required to be typed, 12 point font, and double spaced. Text to speech and other adaptations may be made at any grade level based on a student’s Individualized Education Program. Deadline: February 21, 2026
Grades K-1
Scientists say the Earth is in trouble. What do you think is the biggest problem our Earth has right now?
● If the Earth could talk, what do you think it would say it needs help with?
● Why is this an important problem, or how does this hurt the Earth?
● What can we do to help keep animals, plants, and our planet happy and healthy?
Your entry must include an essay of 500 words or less. In addition to the essay, applicants may include accompanying materials such as art (poster,
poem, collage, trifold, etc.) videos, or digital expressions to support their essay.
Grades 2-3
Scientists say the Earth is in trouble. What do you think is the biggest problem our Earth has right now?
● If you could fix one big problem on our planet, what would it be?
● Why is this an important problem, or how does this hurt the Earth?
● What can we do to help keep animals, plants, and our planet happy and healthy?
Your entry must include an essay of 500 words or less. In addition to the essay, applicants may include accompanying materials such as art (poster, poem, collage, trifold, etc.) videos, or digital expressions to support their essay.
Grades 4-5
Scientists say the Earth is in trouble. What is the greatest threat to our planet?
● If you could fix one big problem on our planet, what would it be?
● Why is this an important problem, or how does this affect the Earth?
● What are the consequences of this problem for Earth?
● What actions can people take to help this problem?
Your entry must include an essay of 500 words or less. In addition to the essay, applicants may include accompanying materials such as art (poster, poem, collage, trifold, etc.) videos, or digital expressions to support their essay.
Grades 6-8
Scientists say the Earth is in trouble.
What is the greatest threat to our planet?
● If you could fix one major threat, what would be most important to fix?
● Why is this an important problem, or how does this affect the Earth?
● What are the consequences of this problem for Earth?
● What actions can people take to solve this problem?
Your entry must include an essay of 500 words or less. In addition to the essay, applicants may include accompanying materials such as art (poster, poem, collage, trifold, etc.) videos, or digital expressions to support their essay.
Grades 9-12
Scientists say the Earth is in trouble. What is the greatest threat to our planet?
● What problem do you think will affect your generation the most?
● What evidence is there to suggest this is a serious threat?
● How does this problem affect you or your community?
● What actions can people take to solve this problem?
Your entry must include an essay of 500 words or less. In addition to the essay, applicants may include accompanying materials such as art (poster, poem, collage, trifold, etc.) videos, or digital expressions to support their essay.
Awards
The winning essay in each category will receive a $100 prize and publication in the WSST newsletter and website. The teacher of the winning submission will also receive a $100 prize. Honorable mention in each category will receive
$50 prize.
Additional highly rated essays may be published to the WSST website at the discretion of the contest organizers. Results will be shared in March 2026 at the WSST Conference in Appleton and on the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers Website, www.wsst.org.
Eligibility
Any current WSST member can submit one or two student essays for each science course they teach. Student essays must be original work and be submitted in one of five categories: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12. *No student self-submitted entries will be accepted. Essays must be submitted by a current WSST member.
Submission
Submissions should be emailed as ONE file that includes both the essay and release form in .pdf format to essay@wsst.org. All submissions must be received by 5:00 pm (CST) on February 21, 2026. All WSST communications in regards to essays will be made with the submitting teacher.
Writing submissions from non-WSST members, turned in after 5:00 pm (CST) on February 21, 2026, are longer than 500 words, or do not include a signed release form may be disqualified.
Submissions that cannot be read will not be judged. The decisions of the judges are final.
Find Out More
For more information, judging criteria and rubric, and participant release form, visit https://www.wsst.org/science-matters
Appleton:
Memories and Futures
by Karyl Rosenberg, WSST Historian
As we continue the planning for the 2026 Conference in Appleton, I decided to check back to see the history of WSST conferences in this fair Fox Valley city. As it turns out, 2026 is the 40th anniversary of the first Appleton conference, held in 1986. We used to call them conventions back then, changing the name to conferences back in 2007?. They also didn’t have a specific theme as they do now.
As I think back, it was my first WSST convention, and it was also the first time I visited Appleton. I recall going on a field trip to a specialty paper development facility, which was quite interesting
Convention 1998 co-chairs Bruce Smith and Gary Krueger chose The Magic of Science theme to highlight Appleton as the birghtplace and historical center of Harry Houdini. Note the “apple bubbles” coming from the bottle!
and came away with a large bag of sample paper plates, cups, and napkins. I participated in a sharing session put on by all of us who had attended Science World the previous summer and went to the inaugural meeting of the new Wisconsin Earth Science Teachers Association. As with most first-time attendees, I went home with a ton of ideas and general good feelings about WSST events and Appleton as a city.
WSST returned to Appleton in 1998, this time with a theme. “The Magic of Science” was quite appropriate for Harry Houdini’s hometown. The next Appleton event was held in 2004, with the theme “Building New Avenues”. The convention co-chairs focused on the fact that Appleton recently had a significant repaving of their downtown College avenue, but of course this theme had a double meaning for sparking forward
Co-chaired by Brian Bartel and Dale Basler, the theme for the 2004 Convention was Building New Avenues, capitalizing on the newly re-built College Avenue.
movement in science education. I did two presentations that time - one on a community planning activity series with a partner from a nature center, and the other on sharing the new website that was put up after the “Wisconsin Weather Stories” series that was held the previous summer.
2014 was the next Appleton conference, which was appropriately themed “A River Runs Through It”. This included a fantastic member social at the History Museum at the Castle - a beautiful gothic revival structure that previously served as a masonic temple. I also remember a tour to a successful microbrewery (Stone Arch) as well as a field trip to a creative community garden project.
Another conference was planned for the spring of 2021, but like the 2020 event, it was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. However, since the committee had time to consider options, they chose to do
Chaired by Shelly Rudnick-Peterson, the theme of the 2014 conference in Appleton was A River Runs Through It. Note the name change from “Convention” to “Conference”. This shift first happened for the 2009 conference.
a series of virtual events in the spring of 2021 including the recognition of award winners. The theme of “Full STEAM Ahead” still worked despite the circumstances beyond our control.
In 2026, over 40 years after the first WSST meeting in Appleton, we’re back as the theme reminds us that “The Journey Continues”. I can’t wait to return to Appleton with its great geography and social history, knowing that there will be some excellent opportunities planned for all science educators. Here’s hoping that many of you will be able to share in it!
If you want to learn more about this fascinating city, go to the PBS Wisconsin Website (pbswisconsin.org) and search for Wisconsin Hometown Stories, or find it here. There is an excellent program that will tell you all sorts of things about this special city on the Fox River that has hosted WSST five time in the last 40 years.
Full Steam Ahead, the 2020 conference, was supposed to be in Appleton until Covid required it to be virtual. This conference was co-chaired by Shelly Rudnick-Peterson and Connie Rauterkus.
“This program is amazing, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to attend. Thank you for giving non–high school teachers a chance to be part of something so powerful.”
— 2024 Participant
Apply for Where Science Educators Grow Together
Looking to refresh your teaching, deepen your science content knowledge, and connect with a supportive community of educators? WINGS is a hands-on, collaborative professional development experience designed to inspire, empower, and reenergize science teachers. Explore engaging strategies, real-world science applications, and meaningful connections you can take straight back to your classroom.
Spread your wings with WINGS—learn, collaborate, and lead in science education.
Apply to Join Us for WINGS 2026
July 19-23, 2026 at Lowenwood in Land O’ Lakes apply @ https://forms.gle/onaaxSKXx25WM36G6 or Scan the QR Code
Applications close April 1st, 2026, Selection emails to be sent the beginning of May Questions email: pd@wsst.org “The best professional development of my career. An incredible experience of learning and networking—I’m excited to become more involved in WSST and WINGS.” — 2025 Participant
Groundwater Model Workshops
K-12 Educators of Wisconsin: apply for this year’s Groundwater Model Workshops!
Get support, supplies, and skills from groundwater experts to teach about groundwater in Wisconsin and how to protect it. More information: Attend a 1-day workshop (April • 21st or April 28th)
Learn where drinking water comes • from in Wisconsin, and learn how to protect it
Hands-on learning and resources
• Reimbursement available for your time
• FREE sand-tank groundwater model
• for your organization!
Learn more and apply by February 16th at the following link: ttps://forms.gle/My969awgFfka8rd
In the late 80s and early 90s, you could get this WSST themed t-shirt by ordering it through the newsletter:
WSST Newsletter, Sept/Oct 1990. Vol. 32, No 1
The WSST Publications Committee decided to bring the image back by enhancing it and making it into a sticker. Stop by the WSST booth during the 2026 conference in Appleton to get your free sticker!
WSST Newsletter
192 Depot Road
Cambridge, WI 53523
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Volume 66, No. 3
Published in Appleton, Wisconsin
Editing & Layout: Brian Bartel
Publisher: Kevin Niemi
DUES EXPIRE ON DATE PRINTED
Submissions to the Newsletter
If you wish to contribute to the WSST Newsletter or place an advertisement, please forward items to Newsletter Editor, Brian Bartel, Morgan Building, 120 East Harris St, Appleton, WI 54911. The preferred method of submission is by e-mail at newsletter@wsst.org. Please send as text or Microsoft Word Document.
For advertising rates, visit www.wsst.org/newsletter
Join us or check your account
Stay informed and get connected with the largest professional society for teachers of science in Wisconsin. Regular Membership in WSST is only $30 per year, Retired teacher annual membership is $15.00, and Student annual membership is $10.00. Visit www.wsst.org/join to join today.
To check on your WSST account, change your address or school, visit www.wsst.org and click on My Account.
