SESSION TYPE: Featured Speaker SESSION TITLE: Explaining Science - Growing the Next Generation of Urban Science Educators STRAND: STEM DAY: Friday TIME: 8:30 - 9:30 am LOCATION: Regent Parlor, 2nd floor

Each year the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) engages over 150 high school and college students who participate in a program called the Science Career Ladder. They learn to become NYSCI's on-the-floor "Explainers," engaging visitors in dialogues about science, conducting demonstrations, and supporting after-school education programs. The program has proved to be a powerful training ground for urban science educators, with 92% of the students graduating from college and 67% going into STEM careers, many of which are in education fields. In this session you'll meet several "Explainers" and learn what the Science Career Ladder means to them and how it informs their decision to pursue science teaching as a profession.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Margaret Honey is the New York Hall of Science President and CEO. She is widely recognized for her work using digital technologies to support children’s learning across the disciplines of science, mathematics, engineering and technology. Prior to joining the Hall, she served as a Vice President of the Education Development Center (EDC) and Director of EDC’s Center for Children and Technology. Honey received a doctorate in developmental psychology from Columbia University and a bachelor’s from Hampshire College. In addition to her work at EDC, she has also held positions at Bank Street College of Education and Sesame Workshop.

Dr. Preeti Gupta is Senior Vice President for Education and Family Programs at the New York Hall of Science. She is responsible for strategic planning and program development for the internationally replicated Science Career Ladder Program, as well as divisions of student programs, digital learning, family learning and NYSCI’s science technology library. Her research interests include teacher preparation, youth employment and workforce development and the role of cultural institutions in mediating identity development in youth.