Science Education: Not Just for Teachers Anymore! - Copernicus ...

Breakout Discussion LeadersDr. Steven T. Bossert, Professor and Dean, UCR Graduate School of EducationDr. Steven Bossert joined UCR as Dean of the Graduate School of Education on July 15, 2004. Prior to UCR,he was a Professor of Education at Syracuse University since 2000, having served as Dean of the School ofEducation there from 1990-2000. His prior administrative and academic experience includes service asChair and Professor of Educational Administration at the University of Utah, Director of the University ofUtah's state education policy center, Associate Laboratory Director for Research and Development at FarWest Laboratory, and assistant professor of sociology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Bossert has initiatedschool-wide programs to improve teaching for both faculty and graduate students, a Future ProfessoriateProgram to mentor doctoral students who are preparing for college teaching, and a campus-wide studyskills program for at-risk students.Angela Phillips Diaz, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, UC RiversideAs Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Angela Phillips Diaz has a leading role in the Chancellor’s initiativeaddressing the issue of college eligibility in the Inland region. She will be responsible for bringing togetherkey stakeholders representing K-12 and higher education; local, state, and federal agencies; and businessand community leaders to initiate and enhance programs and activities that encourage students to stay inschool, pursue rigorous math and science classes, and enter college.Dr. John Kenney, Executive Director, California Science Education InitiativeJohn’s previous experience as a high school physics teacher (10 years) and engineering design/management (17 years) ensures that he has the necessary expertise to drive CSEI. He currently sits on theboard of the California Engineering Education Council and was a Commissioner on the CaliforniaCommission on Teacher Credentialing. The California Science Education Initiative was formed in responseto the growing realization that science education in California's K-12 schools has been systematicallyrelegated to second class status. Formed and funded by some of California's leading corporate citizensCSEI is focused on the systemic improvement of K-12 science education through pragmatic regulatory andlegislative efforts.Rick Piercy, President/CEO, Lewis Center for Educational ResearchRick Piercy is President/CEO of the Lewis Center for Educational Research in Apple Valley, CA. Rickreceived two Bachelor's Degrees, one in Physical Education and one in Recreation, from SouthernCalifornia College in 1975. He then received his Teaching Credential and Masters Degree in SpecialEducation from California State University, San Bernardino in 1983, and his Tier I and Tier II AdministrativeCredentials from Azusa Pacific University in 1991 and 1995, respectively. Rick spent nine years as a StatePark Ranger, and has been a K-12 teacher, Vice Principal and Principal. It was during his years as anElementary teacher that he conceived the idea of the Apple Valley Science and Technology Center, nowknown as the Lewis Center for Educational Research.Dr. Edward Walton, Professor of Chemistry, Cal Poly PomonaDr. Walton has been a professor of chemistry at Cal Poly Pomona for over ten years, having come fromteaching at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He spent a year at the Lawrence Hall ofScience, at University of California, Berkeley (1985-86), working as a statewide pre-college programcoordinator for the MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program. At Cal Poly he teachesgeneral college chemistry, senior (advanced) inorganic chemistry, and consumer chemistry. In addition,Dr. Walton teaches the course in “Methods for Teaching Science” for the Department of Education. He isa professor in science teaching for the Claremont Graduate School’s Teacher Program.February 20, 200812Science Education Summit