Arizona Science Teachers Association

ASTA strives to provide excellent professional development and science teaching resources to teachers of science at a minimum cost. Cofer – Secretary-treasurer.

The roots of the Arizona Science Teachers Association can be traced back to November of 1931. During these early years, the Arizona Education Association held annual conferences which included subject area meetings consisting of invited speakers. The science teachers met as an Allied Organization of the AEA. Although an annual chairman is listed, other historical documents indicate that Homer Turn

er was “considered the dean of Arizona science teachers” (Lorenzo Lisonbee *, private correspondence, 1991) and conducted most of the meetings. The 1931 AEA program lists H.L. Stahnke of Mesa Union High School as Chairman of AEA’s Science Department and Loyd C. Elliott of Phoenix Union High School speaking on, “Standard Tests as an Aid in the Teaching of Physics.” This meeting structure continued through the 1930’s, 1940’s, and early 1950’s. During the 1954 annual AEA meeting, science educators formally organized into what is now the Arizona Science Teachers Association. Documents attribute considerable assistance in organizing to Dr. Alan Wager who was also ASTA’s first membership chairman. AEA newsletters cite John Hall as ASTA’s first elected president in 1953, but he was unable to serve out his term. Lorenzo Lisonbee assumed ASTA president responsibilities and conducted the 1954 organizational meeting and officers were elected. ASTA first executive committee included Lorenzo Lisonbee – President, Nick Gurr – President-elect, Dr. Alan T. Wager – State Membership Director, John O. Hall – Past-president, and H.H. During these organizational years, NSTA provided strong support and motivation. In 1952, Robert Carleton, NSTA Executive Secretary, made a brief visit to the Phoenix area and met with a group of science educators at Phoenix North High School. His visit focused on organizing science teachers in Arizona into a formal organization which would be affiliated with the national organization. NSTA’s support for the infant ASTA is documented in its first official newsletter dated March 1955 (Appendix F). Another ASTA document states that the organization will publish a newsletter “to inform science teachers throughout the state of activities and progress being made by the Association” (March, 1955). Also noted in this same document, “The National STA has contributed $50 to help the state association get started…” The membership fee indicated in this first official newsletter was $0.50 rebate that ASTA would receive when educators joined NSTA through ASTA’s Secretary-treasurer. Membership records for these beginning years are unavailable and there is no information on numbers of members. During its 48th year, ASTA membership is comprised of 105 Life/Honorary Life members and 991 Annual members. Forty-two percent of the membership is from the Phoenix metropolitan area, thirty percent from Tucson metropolitan area, and the remaining twenty-eight percent represent rural Arizona. Membership numbers fluctuate since conference registration includes the membership fee. ASTA membership numbers reflect school funds and substitute availability within existing economic conditions. The 2001-2002 ASTA Executive Board gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Lorenzo Lisonbee from his private records in the development of the organization’s brief history.

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06/03/2026

📚✨ Sparking Curiosity Through Stories! ✨📚

Yesterday and today, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting the Picture Perfect Professional Development workshop, supporting our incredible PreK-2nd grade teachers!

In partnership with ASTA, Arizona Department of Education, and Salt River Project, educators spent two amazing days exploring how to use engaging picture books to deepen science learning and inspire the next generation of little scientists. 🔬🌱

The best part? Every single teacher walked away with over $100 worth of STEM resources and books to bring these lessons straight to life in their classrooms!

Thank you to all the dedicated educators who joined us, and a huge shoutout to our partners for making this hands-on learning possible. We can’t wait to see these stories spark big ideas! 🌟

06/03/2026

Looking for science professional development that actually fits your school's schedule and goals? 🗓️✨

The Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA) is thrilled to offer Customizable Professional Learning in 3-Dimensional Science Instruction! Whether your team is just diving into 3D learning or looking to master advanced strategies, we bring high-quality training directly to you.

We know how precious time is, which is why we offer ultimate flexibility:
⏱️ Bite-sized (1–2 hours) – Perfect for staff meetings or PLC time!
🌓 Half-day (3 hours) – Great for dedicated planning blocks.
☀️ Full or Multi-day – Intensive, deep-dive workshops.
📍 Your Choice – Available in-person or virtually!

Empower your teachers with actionable strategies that transform science classrooms. Let’s collaborate to build the perfect PD package for your school.

🔗 Bring ASTA to your school! Tap the link to learn more and request a session: https://bit.ly/ASTA-District-PL

05/30/2026

Looking for summer PD that actually delivers? 🔬 join us for a virtual "Cell-ebration" of life science this June 22–24!

Whether you teach elementary science, middle school, or HS biology, this 3-day ASTA symposium will transform how you approach the LS1 Core Idea (Cellular Organization). 🧬

Here’s what’s waiting for you:
🌟 Sessions with world-renowned scientists (including a Nobel Prize awardee!)
📦 A box of books & classroom supplies mailed right to your door (~$150 value)
💬 Grade-band collaborations with fellow AZ educators
📜 18 professional learning hours + ASTA Annual Conference discounts

⚠️ Spots are limited and filling fast! Registration is $150 for members / $190 for non-members, but we still have a limited number of scholarships available to help offset the cost.

🔗 Click the link & register today! https://azsta.org/events/2026-asta-science-teacher-symposium/

05/27/2026

🚀 Exciting news for educators! Applications are now OPEN for the **2026 TIBSS Summer Institute: Teaching Inquiry-Based STEM Science** this June! 🔬✨

TIBSS is a **FREE**, hands-on professional learning experience designed to help PK–8 teachers, preservice/in-service educators, and informal instructors build confidence in teaching STEM through exploration, creativity, and real-world connections.

**Why you should apply:**
🧠 Learn cutting-edge, inquiry-based STEM teaching practices
🌱 Engage in sustainability-focused, real-world learning
📚 Build your classroom library with FREE STEM books
🛠️ Take home over **$500 in FREE classroom resources & supplies**
🤝 Collaborate and network with passionate educators
Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just beginning your education journey, TIBSS is here to support and inspire you. Spots are limited, so don't wait!

👉 **Click here to apply now:**
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xz1OoyASZfXkVppfXiNNHcFV7WQ1mp_JBFSmbte_XPg/copy

Google Docs: Sign-in Access Google Docs with a personal Google account or Google Workspace account (for business use).

05/19/2026

Kick off the school year with confidence 🚀
School administrators and instructional coaches—this one’s for you! Join us for a 30-minute session focused on setting science teachers up for success from day one.
💡 Explore key strategies to:
• Support understanding of the Arizona Science Standards & instructional shifts
• Access and implement high-quality instructional materials
• Identify meaningful professional learning opportunities
• Create safe, supportive conditions where teachers—and students—thrive
✨ Bonus Opportunity:
Curious about OpenSciEd? Stick around after the session for a brief overview starting at 11:00 AM, where we’ll highlight how this curriculum supports high-quality, three-dimensional science instruction.
📅 Date: May 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM (Arizona)
💻 Location: Zoom
🔗 Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Mdi3V2RXRC200bggs-SzKg
Let’s build strong science instruction together from the very start of the year!

05/17/2026

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." — Sir Isaac Newton 🍎✨

Arizona science educators, it’s time to share your breakthroughs! 🧬🔭 Our community thrives when we lift each other up. We want to see the evidence-based strategies, lessons, and innovations that are working in your classroom.

Be the giant that helps fellow teachers reach new heights. Submit your session proposal for the ASTA 2026 Annual Conference today!

🗓️ Submission Window: Open now through July 17
🔗 Link in Bio / Click here to submit: https://tinyurl.com/2026Prop

05/14/2026

We are thrilled to honor Eunice Adona, a standout Chemistry teacher at Casa Grande Union High School in the Casa Grande Union High School District, for her incredible contributions to science education! ⚗️💎

Eunice’s dedication to making complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting is transforming the lives of her students. By fostering a classroom environment rooted in curiosity and critical thinking, she isn’t just teaching chemistry; she is empowering the next generation of Arizona’s scientists and innovators. 🔬✨

Her commitment to excellence and her passion for the school community make her a true standout. Join us in celebrating Eunice for her hard work and the lasting impact she makes every day! 👏🌵

Casa Grande Union High School Casa Grande Union High School District

05/08/2026

🚀 Free Virtual Science PD for Educators!
Join us May 14, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM (Virtual) for Sensemaking SEPs: Resources and Strategies to Implement Right Away.
Learn how to help students make sense of phenomena using key science and engineering practices like developing and using models, constructing explanations, and analyzing and interpreting data. This interactive webinar is packed with practical strategies and ready-to-use resources you can bring straight into your classroom.
⏱ PD Hours: 1
✨ Walk away with tools to strengthen student sensemaking and engagement in science learning.
🔗 Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87896514237

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details on how to join. Don’t miss it!

05/07/2026

🔬 Teacher Spotlight: Celebrating Excellence in Science!
We are thrilled to shine a light on an incredible educator making waves in the Arizona science community! 🌟

Please join us in celebrating Mikayla Cope, a dedicated 7th Grade Science Teacher at Safford Middle School in the Safford Unified School District. Mikayla’s passion for discovery and commitment to her students help bring the wonders of the natural world to life every day in her classroom.

Her hard work and innovation are not only inspiring the next generation of scientists in Safford but are also strengthening our entire state’s educational community. Thank you, Mikayla, for your unwavering dedication to excellence in science education! 🌵🧪

Help us congratulate her in the comments below! 👇

Safford Unified School District .middle.school Safford Middle School

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Arizona Science Teachers Association

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