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A message from our incoming president, Dr. Laura Lukes:
Dear Members,
It is an honor to step into the role of president for our education section. I would like to express my gratitude to our Past President, Kristen St. John, for her exemplary leadership and service to the community, as well as the Past Presidents and Executive Committee members for their continued service and advocacy for the section.
As I look ahead to the opportunities and challenges before us, I am energized by the passion, expertise, and commitment of this incredible community. Together, we are poised to make a positive impact in education.
One of my key priorities for the year is community building. Through collaborative events, meaningful dialogue, and shared experiences, we can cultivate a space where every member feels valued, supported, and inspired. By reaching out to new professionals, students, and educators, we can strengthen our network and amplify our collective voice. I encourage you to invite colleagues and peers to join us in advancing our shared mission.
If you are interested in getting more involved in the section, have ideas for section efforts, or just want to hear more about what getting more involved in the section could look like, please reach out to me or anyone in the leadership team. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming months and welcome your ideas, feedback, and participation. Together, let’s make this a year of growth, progress, and shared success.
Thank you for your commitment to our mission and for the opportunity to serve as your president.
Warm regards,
Laura Lukes, Ph.D.
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Honor an Educator
The Education Section invites you to recognize outstanding teachers and mentors that have made a difference in your life by donating to the Honor an Educator Campaign. This initiative funds professional development workshops, conference attendance, and other collaborative experiences for educators and students. Your contribution helps our Section increase opportunities to share Earth and space science with the world. Learn more and donate today!
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AGU Honors 2025
AGU annually honors researchers and faculty members for scientific breakthroughs and groundbreaking new methods and theories, as well as social engagement, inspiring teaching, or sustainable communication with the public. The Education Section invites you to nominate YOUR colleagues for an AGU Fellowship or for one of the prestigious prizes at Section and Union levels. The Education Section’s Dorothy LaLonde Stout Lecture & Award annually recognizes individuals that have made exemplary contributions to Earth and space science education and outreach. You can find all information about honors, deadlines, and the selection process at https://www.agu.org/honors. Nominate a colleague today!
Questions or comments? Contact the Executive
Committee of the Education Section or the AGU Honors and Recognition Committee.
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A Plethora of Inspiring Instructional Resources
At the AGU24 conference, the Education Section K-12 Working Group convened an oral and a poster session for “From Data-Driven Discoveries to K–12 Classrooms: Inspiring Educators and Students with the Latest Research Translated into Engaging Instructional Resources.” We thank all of our presenters for sharing their innovative, creative, and inspiring work with us and with all those who heard the talks, and visited the posters. Among all that was shared, there were projects related to translating the latest geoscience research into instructional resources, projects that highlight intentional revisions to geoscience instructional resources, projects focused on enhancing student learning, and projects that support the professional learning of educators. Please visit this spreadsheet to learn more about the presentations, and to reach out to the presenters with any questions you may have.
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Support Our Bright STaRS!
AGU24 might now be over, but you can still review Bright STaRs posters until the end of February! To do so, check out the online iPoster galleries, accessible from your AGU24 app. After, provide the presenters feedback via our Google Form: https://forms.gle/tNtK37EXTkQCnvat9.
As you provide your feedback, please do remember that these presenters are all in middle or high school. They really would appreciate hearing constructive feedback to aid in their development as scientists! After the conference viewing period ends, coordinators will collate all of the feedback for each presentation and send it to the presenter.
Thank you again for volunteering. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Sophia Tsang (sophia.tsang@monash.edu).
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Media Coverage for Student AGU Poster Presenters
The Education Section is proud to highlight two high school students who presented their research program results at AGU24 as part of the Education Section General Poster Session and received great media coverage about their efforts. Congratulations, Kaia and Talia!
Want to learn more about student presentation opportunities at AGU’s annual meetings? Explore the Bright STaRs and Outstanding Student Presentation Awards (OSPA) programs for more information.
Image from the Santa Cruz Lookout |
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New Program: AGU Career Guidance
AGU Career Guidance is a free, member-exclusive, virtual program that helps AGU members advance their career and their science goals. Whether you're a student or a professional at any career stage, you can choose between two session topics: advance your career or advance your science. Each month-long session begins with two weeks of self-assessment, followed by a live event for collaborative discussion with a career guide, and concludes with another two weeks of self-reflection. Due to the hands-on nature of this program, seats are limited! Learn more and register.
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Awards Galore for K12 Earth and Space Science Educators!
Do you know of any exemplary Earth and space science educators? Here are a couple of opportunities to highlight their expertise!
The “Edward C. Roy Jr. Award” from the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) honors K-8 Earth and space science teachers. Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr. was a distinguished educator, president of AGI and chair of its Education Advisory Committee, and lifelong champion of both students and teachers. Nominations are due January 17, 2025.
The “Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award” from National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) honors K-12 Earth and Space Science teachers. This award recognizes educators that have inspired significant interest in the Earth sciences for students at the pre-college level. Nominations are due March 1, 2025.
Please share these opportunities to ensure our worthy teachers are celebrated!
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Calling All Photographers
We would like to feature your photos of Earth and space science on our section website! Submit your original photos with your name and a caption. Photos can be of anything that represents Earth and space science or teaching and learning. If people are in your photo, please be sure to obtain their permission before submitting!
Submit your photos to: https://forms.gle/3Je8cZCqgc9y68Sw5. A big thank you to everyone who has already submitted––take a look at your pictures on our updated home page!
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Words of Advice
We know there are many educators with a wealth of lived experiences and advice to share! The Education Section invites you to submit your tips for effective teaching and learning, advice for early career instructors, or quotes that inspire your career. We would like to showcase your words and have prepared space for them on our section website.
Submit your teaching and learning tips, advice, and inspiration to: https://forms.gle/vQ7P9WNSYVPCYxm68. A big thank you to everyone who has already submitted––take a look at your words on our updated home page!
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We’ve Got Mail!
The Education Section newsletter accepts member-suggested submissions! Contact us at edsectionnewsletter@gmail.com with timely events, articles, or programs relating to education in the Earth and space sciences. To be considered for inclusion in the monthly newsletter, please send items before 5:00pm EST on the second Monday of the preceding month. We look forward to hearing from you!
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