Inspiring Minnesota Educator Voices — Natalia Benjamin & Michael Houston Headline NSTA Minn25

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is bringing its highly anticipated National Conference on Science Education to Minneapolis from November 12–15. This premier four-day event gathers thousands of science educators from Minnesota and beyond for an unparalleled professional learning experience. Attendees will learn about the latest in science and STEM education content, discover new teaching and learning strategies for the classroom, connect with fellow educators, and be inspired by a stellar lineup of keynote speakers. With hundreds of educator-led, strategy-packed sessions, workshops, and demonstrations tailored to all grade levels, disciplines, and teaching focuses, the conference promises to provide invaluable resources and insights for educators at every stage of their careers.

"This conference is more than professional development—it’s a chance to be inspired, recharged, and reminded why we do this work," said NSTA President Beverly DeVore-Wedding, Ph.D. "There’s something special about being surrounded by educators who share your passion for science and teaching. You leave with fresh ideas, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose."

This fall’s conference highlights relevant topics in education like artificial intelligence, high-quality instructional materials, climate science and sustainability, outdoor and place-based education, assessment, and more! Sessions and workshops promise to blend the charm of Minneapolis’ unique energy with engaging professional learning to inspire a life-long love for science and STEM education in attendees. Participants will have the option to experience workshops across all disciplines and levels, ranging from quick 10-minute chats with exhibitors to immersive, two-hour interactive deep-dives into key topics. With content crafted by educators for educators, attendees will leave with an arsenal of exciting, practical strategies to implement in their classrooms, schools, or districts.

The conference opens Wednesday evening with a keynote from Natalia Benjamin, 2021 Minnesota Teacher of the Year and Director of Multilingual Learning for Rochester Public Schools in Rochester, Minnesota. Benjamin will explore how science teaching can center student curiosity, connect to lived experiences, and empower learners as knowledge creators and changemakers—all while meeting the rigor of today’s science standards.

The Thursday morning keynote will be delivered by Michael Houston, the 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year and a math teacher in the St. Paul Public School District. Houston will share how building community in the classroom can support students' mental health, deepen their engagement with course content, and ignite their post-secondary aspirations.

On Wednesday, attendees can participate in one of six Professional Learning Institutes, Igniting Curiosity and Wonder: OpenSciEd Elementary (K-5), Introducing OpenSciEd Middle School + Computer Science: Innovative Integration for Engaging & Efficient Learning, Incorporating Meaningful Computational Thinking in the Middle School Science Classroom, Implement OpenSciEd High School Units in Your Classroom: Fostering Curiosity and Confidence in High School Science Learners, Designing 3D Assessments in Partnership with Generative AI: A Hands-On Workshop for Elementary and Middle School Educators, or Integrating the T in STEM with English Language Arts (ELA). These day-long institutes provide an intimate and interactive environment for learning and networking with other science and STEM education professionals.

At the Leaders Institute, education leaders will explore practical, research-based approaches that transform teaching and learning in the classroom, participate in formative conversations with subject-matter experts, boost their leadership skills, and expand their network of supportive colleagues and peers. The day-long session will explore how to design systems that better serve all students and consider how leaders rally interest and build internal capacity for the selection and effective implementation of high-quality instructional materials.

On Wednesday, conference-goers can engage in a preview of Minnesota’s vibrant science and STEM scene at the STEM Showcase. The STEM Showcase will feature interactive displays, live demonstrations, a mobile zoo experience, and hands-on activities from innovative programs and organizations across the state. It’s a fun, low-key way to connect, discover, and ease into the energy of the conference.

When not in sessions, attendees can unwind and recharge through community-based, stress-relieving activities, including Coffee Chats on Friday and Saturday mornings and Sunrise Yoga on Thursday and Friday. The NSTA Hub and Expo Hall also provide attendees with opportunities to connect with NSTA Press authors, explore the latest classroom and lab tools and technology, uncover exclusive conference keepsakes, and engage with our vibrant community of educators.

For more information about NSTA Minn25, including how to register for the conference, visit https://www.nsta.org/national-conference-science-education-minneapolis-2025.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit www.nsta.org, or follow NSTA on X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

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"This conference is more than professional development—it’s a chance to be inspired, recharged, and reminded why we do this work," said NSTA President Beverly DeVore-Wedding, Ph.D.