NSTA Western Region Virtual Workshop

Social Justice Phenomena in Science with Anastasia Sanchez and Leena Bakshi

Join NSTA Districts 15, 16, and 17 in a virtual workshop on Social Justice Phenomena in Science on May 11th, 4:00 - 5:30 pm PST presented by Anastasia Sanchez (Seattle Public Schools) and Leena Bakshi (STEM4Real).

Anastasia Sanchez is currently a Seattle Public Schools science curriculum specialist and a University of Washington graduate researcher. She is also a University of Washington doctoral candidate in the Learning Sciences and Human Development program. Anastasia has also held the role of language acquisition lead, district race and equity trainer and over 10 years of experience as a middle school science teacher. Within her role as a graduate researcher for a National Science Foundation grant, she works with K-5 teachers to develop Critical and Culturally Ambitious Science Teaching practices. For the last 4 years, and as part of her graduate research, Anastasia has been leading the Science Social Focus Initiative for K-8 science teachers. The Science Social Focus Initiative is a multi-dimensional approach to evolving science learning, teaching, and curriculum by centering consequential concerns of justice, ecological caring, anti-racist principles, and cultural and community resurgence. Anastasia will share an overview of the Science Social Focus framework and methodologies that can be leveraged in transforming science curriculum and practice to be just, equitable, and engaging.

Dr. Leena Bakshi is the founder of STEM 4 Real, a non-profit professional learning organization committed to combining STEM and NGSS content learning and leadership with principles of equity and social justice. She also serves as the Board Secretary for the California Association of Science Educators. Leena currently works with pre-service teachers at UC Berkeley teaching STEM methods and Universal Design for Learning. She is a former country and state-level administrator and mathematics, science, and health teacher. She is an active member of NSTA, presenting at conferences and planning the National Congress on Science Education. Her research interests include Science/STEM education and how we can create access and opportunities for each and every student regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status.