“Teachers need to run 21st century classrooms with 21st century resources and technologies to prepare students for 21st century careers.  The partnership between NABT and GPI is working to meet these fundamental needs.” 

Bunny Jaskot, President of the Biology Teachers Association of NJ.

Bringing Stem Cell Science to the Classroom

Never before has a biology related topic dominated the 24-hour news cycle the way stem cells do. Stem cells are the ultimate teaching resource, creating wonderful opportunities and challenges for thousands of teachers. From development to disease, breakthrough technologies unlock what it means to be human, and students
are intrigued and engaged like never before. However, the field of stem cell science constantly outpaces textbook publishers and classroom resources, leaving teachers behind.

Every year, thousands of educators turn to the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) to share experiences and expertise with colleagues from around the world, keep up with trends and developments in the field, and grow professionally. Since its inception in 1938, NABT has been empowering educators to teach accurate
and current science. That is why NABT is proud to partner with GPI to present the Stem Cell Education Summit in conjunction with its 2009 Professional Development Conference on November 14th.

Designed to compliment the offerings of an established professional conference for biology teachers, the Stem Cell Education Summit will host stem cell leaders from multiple disciplines in a unique, interactive learning environment. Hundreds of participants will gain credible knowledge on the science of stem cells and recent medical  dvancements, access to resources for teaching about this promising field, and guidance on the ethical, legal, social, political and economic issues related to stem cell research. The summit personalizes stem cell science for educators, igniting interest in this emerging field and reinforcing NABT’s position as the“ leader in life science education.”

Understanding biology’s role in the broader scope of education, NABT recognizes how the efforts of teachers positively influences students, affects communities, and impacts the environment. By working with major partners like GPI, NABT has been instrumental in raising awareness and educating the public on issues ranging from
medical and technological advancement to global issues such as conservation and sustainability. But teachers can’t do it alone.

NABT encourages you to get actively involved in the classroom and become a part of the movement to create a science literate society, where young people understand the process of science and appreciate the beauty of discovery. Only then will we be able to realize the full potential of stem cells and explore the farthest reaches of our imagination.

NABT/GPI Partnership Mission: 

• Improve the fundamental understanding of stem cell biology in classrooms around the world
• Produce and disseminate the most accurate, credible, and up-to-date stem cell content and concepts to educators at any level, any time, anywhere.
• Construct partnering platforms that foster relationship building opportunities and recognize teachers as key stem cell stakeholders

• Dependable, accurate and credible stem cell resources that include inquiry based lesson plans and activities
• An understanding of what leading scientists, institutes and biotechnology companies are doing – educational publishers can’t keep up with scientific progress and innovation.
• More networking opportunities with individuals outside the educational community
• Sound strategies and best practices to enhance positive pedagogical outcomes in a standard based classroom setting
• Collaborations between teachers and the stem cell industry to identify 21st century skill sets and career opportunities in the STEM disciplines
• Real world quantitative data sets that link to inquiry based student activities
• Most importantly, teachers need engaging real world examples to bring back into the classroom – we must create excitement and enthusiasm about stem cell science

• Build the first ever Stem Cell Educational Summit for teachers in conjunction with the annual NABT meeting.  Date: November 14, 2009   Reach: 1,500 teachers on site, 6,000 + teachers via post event webcast
• Construct and disseminate a teacher/student stem cell publication that addresses the field’s most pressing issues with built in lesson plans and activities.
• Create the ultimate stem cell educational website for students, teachers and the public at large.  The site will feature the most accurate, credible and timely resources from renowned international educational providers (videos, white papers, animations, chat rooms, wikis, timelines, maps, directories, games, glossaries, interviews, podcasts, blogs, and more)