Several special initiatives are under way that should be of interest to SCST members:

1) We are reactivating the network of SCST Area Membership Coordinators. We hope to have coordinators in most states in the U.S. in the near future. The role of membership coordinators is to help recruit new SCST members, and work with our National Membership Chair, Tom Lord, to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of SCST in local areas. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please contact me (mdruger@syr.edu) or Tom Lord (trlord@iup.edu).

2) SCST statewide miniconferences are being planned in several states. The intent is to establish local networks of teachers of introductory college science courses in all disciplines and/or to promote interactions among undergraduate science faculty. Whenever possible, Graduate Teaching Assistants will also be included. Thus far, several faculty members have volunteered to organize miniconferences. The organizers will pass on the mailing list to someone for the next year’s miniconference, and will make sure that someone organizes a miniconference each year thereafter. Thus, the series of miniconferences will continue from year-to-year. If you want to volunteer to be a miniconference coordinator in your state, or want to discuss this possibility further, please contact me (mdruger@syr.edu).

3) A task force has been appointed to develop plans for how SCST can help college science content faculty members become more involved in K-12 science teacher preparation. Francis Gardner, SCST Councilor, initiated this effort and serves as chair of the task force. A panel presentation concerning this issue has been organized for the NSTA Convention in Philadelphia in March, 2003.

4) Led by Eleanor Siebert, past SCST president, a committee is formulating plans for the 25^th anniversary of SCST in 2004.  A variety of celebratory events have been proposed, and we expect 2004 to be an exciting year for SCST.

Your participation and/or input is encouraged. A responsibility of SCST membership is to participate and contribute your special expertise to helping SCST in its efforts to improve undergraduate science teaching.