ASTA Arkansas Science Teachers Association
Mission: To support Arkansas Science Educators
Arkansas
Science
Teachers
Association
Make Every Science Lesson COUNT

All About Our Organization
Arkansas Science Teachers Association serves the science educators in the state of Arkansas. We are here to make educational changing decisions to best help serve our community, students, and fellow educators. Our board works tirelessly to provide the most up to date science educational news, ground breaking classroom and lesson strategies, and professional development opportunities for all science educators from the primary to the collegiate level.
The Arkansas Science Teachers Association (ASTA) began in the 1940's. It main purpose was to support science education in Arkansas. Today our mission is to increase our membership in the lower grades, seek partnership with other curriculum areas, continue to seek cooperation between all K-16 levels in science education, advance the quality of science education in our state’s schools, Build a Presence for Science, and support state and national science education standards.
Why you should join?
- Professional Organization
- Networking with other Educators
- Lesson Ideas
- Science Newsletter
-Professional Development Opportunities


Professional Development Opportunities and Student Summer Camps
Check out what our ASTA members have to offer for professional development during the summer of 2023

Teacher Spotlight
Amanda Smith
Salem Springs, AR
Amanda Smith teaches at Salem Springs School District, and has been a member of ASTA for one year. She has partnered with Ridout Lumber in North Arkansas to have her students certified in Lean Six Sigma. Afton Yount and Richard Kapp will present the problem solving method to students and then certify them in six sigma on May 8, 2023. Congrats to Amanda for connecting careers in your community with the classroom.
US Environmental Protection Agency Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) Winner
Our very own Mid-Level Director, Jackie Scott has been named as one of PIAEE Winners. During the pandemic in 2020, students at Horace Mann Arts and Science Middle School in Little Rock, Arkansas, were disappointed when the school science fair was cancelled. Luckily, Mrs. Scott came to the rescue. After helping students conduct their own research, she helped them come together to create the school’s native plant garden as a substitute activity. With all the experimentation and real-life application of the traditional science fair, Mrs. Scott’s garden project used a special notebook—one she created herself—to guide students as they researched plant species, ideal placement, soil quantities, and more. It had the additional benefit of teaching students about the importance of teamwork, whether that be coordinating with the engineering class to manufacture the garden beds or collaborating with the art class for beautiful art pieces about the native plants.
At her middle school, Mrs. Scott is grateful for the opportunity to teach students through experience. With today’s limited outdoor, hands-on student experiences, her lessons are increasingly vital. With respect to the native plant garden, students could make their research come to life as they read about the plants and insects that they personally selected and handled. Additionally, Mrs. Scott’s teachings are a crossover of science, math, and art, proving that practical knowledge is never confined to a single field. Above all, Mrs. Scott emphasizes the importance of using science wisely and sustainably—students created their garden after thorough research on sustainable mulch, the importance of planting native species, and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

State Finalist for 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching
Our very own Historian has been named one of the State Finalists for 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. It is an honor to receive nomination for this award in any capacity and Patrycja Krakowiak has earned this award. She is already a winner in the hearts of her fellow colleagues and students.
Patrycja Krakowiak works at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She is the Science Department Chair and a Life Science Specialist. She has been an active member of the ASTA for two years!
“I joined ASTA after finding out there was a need for board members at a conference where PAEMST finalists were presented. It is an amazing opportunity for networking among science teachers from around the state” - Patrycja Krakowiak
Patrycja Krakowiak,

AEEA - Arkansas Environmental Education Association
Wanting to incorporate more outdoor education? Check out in person and webinar offerings on a variety of topics on the Arkansas Environmental Education Association.

2023 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship
Our very own Northwest Director, Matt Holden , has been selected for the 2023 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Education! Matt teaches at Fayetteville High School and is passionate about his work in environmental studies.
Only 50 educators from across the US, Canada & Puerto Rico were chosen from a pool of hundreds of applicants for this field-based professional development opportunity. He will be traveling to Antarctica aboard National Geographic Explorer later this year!!!
Education has been a platform for his aspirations and allowed him to travel the world as a science educator. We are so excited for him and this amazing award. He will have the opportunity to embark on expeditions around the World for professional learning and the educational experience of a lifetime.
Check out more about the program and awarded recipients at the National Geographic Website.
CLICK HERE



UALR - STRIVE
Are you looking for an educational professional development like no other. Well, then look no farther! STRIVE is a State-wide PAID Professional Development Program for Arkansas Middle and High School STEM Teachers. For more information click the link below! Application deadlines are coming soon!
What We Offer
Making Learning Fun in the Science Classroom
