Mission: The Science Education Institute supports K-12 educators in teaching science more effectively by providing professional development to individual teachers and school districts with the goal of improving K-12 science education in New Jersey.

Our current focus is to support New Jersey school districts with the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). We provide a series of eight one-day workshops during the school year and week-long Institutes during the summer.  We also work with school districts to develop a long-term professional development plan consisting of 3-5 workshops spread out over 1 - 2 years.

Science Education Institute
Science Education Institute
Science Education Institute

NGSS Workshops  - 20/21 Programs for Educators

The Vision Behind the NGSS
The vision behind the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to use the science they learn in school to make sense of the natural world outside the classroom. NGSS-aligned lessons are driven by natural phenomena, observable events that can be explained using science. Students learn how to use Crosscutting Concepts to guide their thinking about these phenomena. They engage in Science Practices and use Core Ideas to investigate how and why these natural phenomena occur and support their explanations with arguments. In addition, the NGSS includes Engineering Practices so that students learn to define engineering problems and develop, test, and optimize solutions for them.

Our COVID-19 Response
We have decided to offer our professional development ONLINE during the 2020-2021 school year:

  • Based on teacher feedback from our NGSS Summer Institute LIVE Online we have found that we can offer high quality professional development online that meets our rigorous standards. Read more about what teachers have said about our online workshops.
  • Online workshops model what remote (and in-school) science learning may look like and how electronic tools can be used to support students’ science learning whether they are working remotely or in class.
  • As much as we would like to deliver our workshops in-person, given the contagion of COVID-19, and the modifications that are needed to keep participants safe such as distancing, face masks, etc., we believe that online workshops are the safest option for everyone involved.

Our online workshops continue to follow recommendations of the latest National Academies Reports on “Teaching K-12 Science and Engineering During a Crisis” and "Science and Engineering for Grades 6-12: Investigation and Design at the Center". In addition, we continue to incorporate what we are learning about NGSS implementation both remotely and in school through our work with thousands of teachers in New Jersey and across the nation.

We recommend sending leadership teams of 3-5 teachers to at least three one-day workshops to develop a solid foundation for the NGSS. Dates, online registration, logistics, and detailed information about these professional development offerings are provided below.

NGSS K-12 Workshop Series LIVE ONLINE in October – December 2020
A series of online K-12 workshops for teachers and supervisors on how to support students as they investigate phenomena at home or in school. Each workshop consists of two 2-hour sessions that include interactive presentations, virtual breakout room discussions, practice, and planning; investigations are done off-line at home. All sessions are in the afternoon during school hours (1-3 PM) or after school (4-6 pm).

For more details about the schedule, fees, and PD hours click here
To register click here

Workshops Cancellation policy: If you are unable to attend a workshop for which you are registered, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible – but within five (5) business days. Cancellations received within less than five (5) business days from the date of the workshop will not be eligible for a credit or refund and will be billed. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

NGSS Teacher Leader Program

The NGSS Teacher Leader Program prepares educators to take a leadership role in New Jersey’s implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by engaging in a variety of professional development experiences with colleagues from other districts. Through participation in this program, teachers deepen their understanding of all aspects of the NGSS while developing collaborative and leadership skills, with the ultimate goal of supporting NGSS implementation in their district. The program is a collaboration between the Science Education Institute at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), the Rider University Science Education and Literacy Center (SELECT), the Princeton University Teacher Preparation Program, and Leadership in Science, LLC.

The NGSS present a research-based approach to improving and transforming science education, focusing on three intertwined dimensions of science learning: science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. The NGSS is changing how science is taught and learned, creating opportunities for students to build deep understanding of science over time. Effective NGSS implementation requires that teachers make significant shifts in the content and manner in which they teach. This will require that everyone involved in the education system – teachers, administrators, and parents – thoroughly understand these shifts. To be successful, teachers will need significant and long-term support to embrace the instructional strategies that support student learning in the NGSS.

Through their involvement with the program, Teacher Leaders are provided with multiple opportunities to co-facilitate the consortium’s professional development programs. These include the NGSS Summer Institutes and the NGSS Professional Development Workshop Series at RVCC, the CONNECT-ED program and an Engineering Workshop Series at Rider University, the QUEST Program at Princeton University, and a variety of in-district NGSS and leadership workshops provided by Leadership in Science LLC. To support their co-facilitation responsibilities, Teacher Leaders are provided with workshop designs and resources as well as mentoring and other supports.

Teacher Leaders facilitate the learning of workshop participants and provide feedback on workshop designs. They share their own experiences with implementing the NGSS and assist workshop participants with lesson planning. This opportunity for Teacher Leaders to collaborate with higher education experts will build their capacity to support colleagues in their own school district.
Currently the NGSS Teacher Leader Program consists of forty seven K-12 educators from over thirty five New Jersey school districts. These educators were selected based on the following criteria:

  • Prior professional development experiences with the NGSS,
  • Experience with implementing aspects of the NGSS in their classroom,
  • Ability to work well with colleagues from all grade levels,
  • Support from school and district administration for participation as well as implementation of lessons learned in their district.  


Frequently Asked Questions about the NGSS Teacher Leader Program

  1. How do I become a Teacher Leader?
    Participation in the program is by invitation. Teacher Leaders are selected based on the selection criteria outlined in the Program Description. Anyone who is interested in becoming a Teacher Leader is encouraged to submit a Letter of Interest describing their prior NGSS professional development experiences and classroom implementation efforts and arrange for a separate Letter of Support from a district administrator.
  2. What is the time commitment for participation in the NGSS Teacher Leader Program?
    The requirement is that Teacher Leaders participate in at least two workshops per school year (September 1 – June 30). They should expect to be out of the classroom a minimum of two days during the school year – or more if they choose. Teacher Leaders should discuss this with their school and district administrators. Most of our Teacher Leaders are out of the classrooms between 2 and 6 days per school year. There are also additional workshop opportunities during the summer.
  3. What is the Teacher Leader's home district's commitment in terms of release time during the school year and other resources?
    The district is responsible for subs when a Teacher Leader is out of the classroom (a minimum of 2 days per school year). There are no other costs or fees for the district. The regular workshop fees (typically $125 per day) are waived for Teacher Leaders.
  4. Do Teacher Leaders receive a stipend for participation in the program?
    Teachers Leaders will be paid a stipend of $50 per day for preparation during the school year. For workshops during school holidays or vacations (including the summer break) the stipend is $150 per day including preparation time.
  5. What is the duration of participation in the NGSS Teacher Leader Program?
    Teacher Leaders may participate in the programs for as long as they prefer and for as long as funding for the program is available; the program is not limited to one school year.
  6. Can more than one teacher per school district participate?
    We are currently expanding the program to include multiple teachers for larger school districts.
  7. Are science supervisors or principals eligible to participate in the NGSS Teacher Leader Program?
    The program is for classroom teachers. If a Teacher Leader accepts an administrator position after joining the program she/he will be able to remain in the program.
  8. How is the NGSS Teacher Leader Program funded?
    The NGSS Teacher Leader Program is currently funded by donations from the 3M Corporation, the Investors Bank, the PSE&G Corporation, and the Sanofi North America Corporate Social Responsibility.


    Current Teacher Leaders:

    Fern Archer (Newark, Elementary School Teacher)
    Tiffany Baskerville (Irvington; Middle School Teacher)
    Cheryl Bellew (Readington, Middle School Teacher)
    Angela Best (Beverly City, Middle School Teacher)
    Katie Bower (Cherry Hill; K-8 Coach)
    Peggy Brown (Scotch Plains, Middle School Teacher)
    Jennifer Caban (Newark; Middle School Teacher)
    Marisa Castronova (Montville; Middle School Teacher)
    Ann Marie Christou (Warren; Middle School Teacher)
    Jodi Costanza (West Orange; High School Teacher)
    Joseph D’Amato (Ramey; Middle School Teacher)
    Robyn DeVincentz (Hillsborough, Elementary School Teacher)
    Debbie Ericksen (Bridgewater-Raritan; Elementary School Teacher)
    Suzanne Fenkel (Manalapan-Englishtown; Middle School Teacher)
    Martha Friend (Princeton; Elementary School Teacher)
    Jessica Glover (Montgomery; K-5 Science Supervisor)
    Kristen Henry (Northern Burlington, Middle School Teacher)
    Heather Higgins (North Plainfield; Elementary School Teacher)
    Michelle Hill (Hillsborough; High School Teacher)
    John Jones (Howell; Middle School Teacher)
    Alyson Kasper (Denville; Middle School Teacher)
    Melissa Kearney (Oakland; Middle School Teacher)
    Brianna Kehoe (Closter; Middle School Teacher)
    Jane Kirshenbaum (Jefferson; High School Teacher)
    Gail Komm (Sayreville, Middle School Teacher)
    Diana Loiacono (Montgomery; Elementary School Teacher)
    Lara Lovett (Sparta; High School Teacher)
    Alessandra MacFarlane (Hillsborough; Middle School Teacher)
    Megan Madison (Jefferson; Middle School Teacher)
    Denise Magrini (Mendham Borough; Middle School Teacher)
    Allison Massa (Linden; High School Teacher)
    Lauren Massa (Farmingdale; Middle School Teacher)
    Casey Maxwell (Montgomery, Elementary School Teacher)
    Jocelyn Muzychko (Branchburg, Grades 3-5 Coach)
    Jessica Nathan (Warren Township; K-5 Coach)
    Evangelina Pena (Hoboken Charter School, Middle School Teacher)
    Laura Perry (Franklin lakes, Middle School Teacher)
    Justin Perinotti (Chathams, Elementary School Teacher)
    Kari Rowe (Flemington-Raritan, Elementary School Teacher)
    Rebecca Ryan (Chathams, High School Teacher)
    Tara Sain (Ocean Township; Middle School Teacher)
    Mike Schmidt (Little Egg Harbor; Elementary School Teacher)
    Alyssa Shurminksy (Ramsey, High School Teacher)
    Mathew Sisk (Hopewell, High School Teacher)
    Jennifer Smits (Flemington-Raritan, Elementary School Teacher)
    Jacqueline Smolenski (Westfield, High School Teacher)
    Donna Stumm (Flemington-Raritan; Middle School Teacher)
    Shawn Templin (Hillsborough; High School Teacher)
    Carrie Tretola (Palmyra, High School teacher)
    Patricia Volino-Reinoso (Rahway; High School Assistant Principal)
    Emily Williams (Newark, High School Teacher)
    Elizabeth Ziemba (Immaculate Conception School; Elementary School Teacher)

Next Generation Science Standards

“It is essential that all students have access to a high-quality science education that provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to be well-informed citizens, to be prepared for college and careers, and to understand and appreciate the scientific enterprise.” The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) made this statement in its recent endorsement of a new set of science education standards – the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  The NGSS are based on what we now know about teaching and learning science and the needs of the 21st century. The NGSS include several important innovations

  1. Focus on deep exploration of core ideas
    The NGSS move away from a science curriculum that is “a mile wide and an inch deep” to focus more on a limited number of core ideas.  This allows students to develop a deeper understanding of important science concepts that can be used to explain natural phenomena (observable events) and solve engineering problems.
  2. Focus on science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts
    Science and engineering practices and concepts that cut across all sciences, such as patterns or matter and energy, are critical tools for scientists and engineers. Research has shown that engaging students in these same practices and crosscutting concepts develops an integrated and deeper understanding of science. In addition, students develop skills that are critical in the 21st century, such as working collaboratively in groups; analyzing data and developing and using models; and developing critical thinking, a skill which has been shown to increase academic achievement across the board.
  3. Inclusion of engineering and applications of science
    Many of us may have wondered why we need to learn the science that is presented to us in school. The NGSS are the first standards that integrate science and engineering from kindergarten through grade 12 and go far beyond the typical egg drops or robotics classes. They are intended for ALL students and not a selected few. Not only will this help prepare our students at a time that most jobs require a background in science and engineering, it will also provide a motivation for why we have to learn the science in the first place.

For more information about and resources for the NGSS see:

Starlab Training & Rental Program

STARLAB TRAINING


Starlab is the prefect tool to make science come to life for students. It supports teachers with the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by allowing students to make observations, collect and analyze data, and construct explanations for natural phenomena in astronomy, earth science, and biology. Astronomical phenomena such as the daily and yearly motions of the Sun, Moon, planets, stars, and constellations are easily observed with Starlab. Data from these observations presents students with the evidence to develop models and construct explanations for these phenomena. Starlab also includes projection cylinders related to Earth Science concepts such as Ocean Currents, Weather and Climate, and Plate Tectonics and Biology concepts such as the cell.

Participants will learn how to set up, maintain, and repack the Starlab system and become more familiar with the night sky and the many Starlab cylinders that are available.

To register for our Starlab Training on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 click here.

The training certifies K-12 teachers to rent one of our Starlab Portable planetariums.

More Information


Customized training at your district site is also available for up to five teachers per day. For more information, please contact Tina Gandarillas at 908-526-1200 x 8942 or email at tina.gandarillas@raritanval.edu.

Starlab Rentals

Our portable planetarium can bring the stars down to the Earth - and to your school!

Starlab is a portable planetarium made of fabric, which is inflated by a fan and capable of accommodating approximately 25 students. A star projector recreates the sky, including the Sun, Moon and Planet positions on the dome, for any time or place on earth. Starlab is compact enough to fit into a small car and is easily set up in 15 minutes. It requires a clean floor space of 20' x 22' and a 12' ceiling.

Any teacher who has attended an RVCC Starlab certification course is eligible to rent a Starlab. Our Starlabs are available for rent:
  - June 1 – November 30: $300 per week and $200 for each additional week
  - December 1 – May 31: $400 per week and $300 for each additional consecutive week

The rental fee includes the dome, blower, various accessories, Northern Sky and Greek Mythology cylinders and up to four additional optional cylinders. Teachers must pick up the Starlab at RVCC on a Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm. Teachers may submit a request for their preferred pickup and drop-off times, and they will be contacted with information about whether those requested times are available.

Please note that March, April and May are the busiest months for Starlab rentals.   Please register early or consider renting between June and December at a reduced fee.


Cylinder Descriptions

The following cylinders are available for rentals: (PDF sizes range from 367 - 2,703 KB)

If you are interesting in bringing a Starlab to your school with a presenter, check out the Planetarium’s Starlab Outreach Program.

Staff Biographies

  • Wil van der Veen
    Wil van der Veen
    Read More
  • Tina Gandarillas
    Tina Gandarillas
    Read More
  • Mariel O’Brien
    Mariel O’Brien
    Read More

Our Education Partners

To support New Jersey school districts with the implementation of the Next generation Science Standards (NGSS) a consortium of three higher education institutions has been established:  the Rider University Select Program, the Princeton University Teacher Preparation Program and the Science Education Institute at Raritan Valley Community College.  Together, we have been planning for the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards state wide and have designed a number of professional opportunities to support teachers' success in implementing the NGSS.

Other partners include: