About Us - Past Presidents

Ian Mackellar 1995-1996
STAO has been extremely active this past year. The following highlights some of the initiatives and activities that have been undertaken. Much hard work has been devoted to these initiatives and, I am proud to say, a great deal has been accomplished.

During 1995/96, implementation of the new Association organizational structure was a key priority. Regional Councillors and Chairs of standing committees now play a more strategic role in Association decision-making and policy development.

Conferences remain an important vehicle for the professional development of science educators and STAO '95 was a huge success. Plans for the joint STAO/NSTA Conference scheduled for November 21-23, 1996 are almost complete and planning for a joint STAO/TELG conference in 1997 is underway.

A more recent action has been the establishment of the STAO Curriculum Initiatives Fund (March '96). This will be used to encourage STAO members to produce and share exemplary science curriculum materials. It is important that we share with each other our strategies and ideas for enthusing and exciting students so that we do not have to develop everything in isolation.

Looking to the future, we must continue to pursue the six Association priorities identified in the November 1995 Crucible. The challenge for STAO is to work to influence developments in ways which reflect the views of its members. This includes making representation in the other world of "official science", where the curriculum decisions which directly impinge on teachers and their "freedom to manoeuvre" are made. We must continue to be proactive and maintain a close liaison with the Ministry of Education and Training. The Pan-Canadian Science Project, development of provincial standards, the establishment of the College of Teachers and the Secondary School Reform Project are all current initiatives presently underway which STAO must endeavour to influence. With the elimination of many positions of curriculum science coordinators and consultants throughout the Province, STAO's role in coordinating curriculum change and implementation should increase greatly.

As we become steeped in the ramifications and minutiae of impending curriculum change in the next year or so, we must not lose sight of our mission statement "to encourage excellence in science education through leadership and service". We should continue to recognize that school science has two aims: it must provide a basis for further study for the minority of students and access to basic "science literacy" for all. We must also continue to help maintain teachers' interest and enthusiasm for science by giving them access to information about the latest science discoveries in addition to opportunities for continued professional development. Now, more than ever, science teachers have a role to play in promoting science as a relevant, interesting and exciting subject to study so that more of our students are inspired to pursue further studies in the sciences and ultimately contribute to the future of our nation.

I believe that the Organization is on a firm foundation both from the organizational and financial points of view. Thank you, the members, again for the opportunity to serve you. I look forward to my year as immediate Past President.