10/05/2026
As technology continues to emerge at a rapid pace, science education must be redefined. SUNY Cortland hosted a regional conference which encouraged science teachers to reimagine how to incorporate such technology into the classroom.
SUNY Cortland hosted the 2026 Northeast Association for Science Teacher Educators Conference on Thursday, Oct. 1 and Friday, Oct. 2 with the theme of "Reimagining Ways of Knowing: Science Teacher Education in an Era of Emerging Technologies”.
The conference was organized by the ASTE NE regional leadership team;
- Jeff Radloff, associate professor in the Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department
- Rebecca Lefnesky, assistant professor in the Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department
- Beth Klein, SUNY distinguished service professor in the Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department
- Dominick Fantacone, Director of Research and Sponsored Programs.
The keynote address featured, Jill Browne and Dr. Allison Kootsikas - two innovated STEM educators from DeWitt Middle School in the Ithaca City School District. Browne and Kootsikas highlighted ways they are addressing sustainability related topics in their curriculum while meeting NYS Science Learning Standards.
Conference attendees were able to gaze upon the Milk Way Galaxy during a show at SUNY Cortland’s planetarium. Sean Nolan, planetarium director and lecturer in adolescence science education, walked attendees through the solar system, and the evening’s night sky including what planets and constellations to look for.
SUNY Cortland plans to host again in fall of 2027. More information can be found at: https://neaste.weebly.com