ECP Attends NSTA Conference 2026: Connecting with Science Educators in Anaheim

May 1
3 min read

Updated: May 6

Three women smiling at a booth with banners promoting free food impact education. They're wearing name tags and the mood is positive. — Beth (left) and Mina (right) connecting with a dedicated ECP educator at the NSTA Conference 2026

Two members of our Communications team, Director Beth Champion and Manager Mina Gherman, had the opportunity to attend the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Conference 2026 in Anaheim. With 14,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors across STEM disciplines, this event is one of the largest science education conferences in the country, bringing together teachers, administrators, curriculum leaders, and innovators focused on the future of science education.

Beth and Mina returned inspired and reinvigorated after seeing the excitement from teachers who loved STEM education, their students, and our free classroom resources.

“Attending NSTA Conference 2026 was an honor, allowing us to connect with and learn from frontline educators whose commitment to delivering meaningful, high-quality education is both humbling and inspiring.” - Mina Gherman

Smiling woman with long dark hair, wearing hoop earrings and a beige blazer. Soft lighting, dark background. Blue shirt visible.

Mina Gherman

Communications Manager

Educated Choices Program

Accessibility Opened Doors

Smiling woman typing on a laptop at a blue table, set against a yellow and gray wall background. Various brochures and a water bottle nearby.

Teachers care. That truth was undeniable throughout the conference. At a time when educators are navigating increasing demands with limited time, resources, and support, their dedication stood out as both powerful and inspiring. In conversation after conversation, it was clear how deeply teachers care about their students and the quality of education they provide. ECP’s free resources consistently resonated, capturing the attention of nearly every teacher Beth and Mina spoke with.

Leading with accessibility opened the door to so many meaningful conversations. Many expressed appreciation for no-cost, ready-to-use materials that could support their classrooms without adding to their workload. Educators were especially excited about NGSS-aligned lessons and environmental education curricula that could be implemented right away.

Beth and Mina connected with a wide range of STEM teachers, including environmental science, biology, chemistry, and health educators. Many were already teaching topics like biodiversity, food systems, and climate change, and were actively looking for new, engaging ways to bring these concepts to life.

Passion Is Driving Science Education

NSTA also highlighted the scale and innovation happening across science education. From high-tech exhibits to hands-on learning tools, the conference showcased just how much investment and creativity go into STEM learning. It was especially exciting for Beth and Mina to be alongside organizations like the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), NASA, and the National Marine Educators Association, all working to inspire and educate the next generation.

At the same time, the conference reinforced an important contrast: while many educational resources come at a high price point, educators are actively seeking accessible, effective classroom science resources.

What We Learned

This experience reinforced several key takeaways:

Sensemaking is central. As emphasized throughout the NSTA Conference 2026, learning is most impactful when students actively make sense of the world around them. Educators are looking for resources that move beyond passive learning and instead engage students in thinking, questioning, and connecting ideas.
Phenomena drive engagement and connection. Teachers are prioritizing real-world phenomena to anchor their lessons, using observable events and authentic questions to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. This approach not only increases engagement but also helps students see the relevance of science in their everyday lives.
Accessibility, simplicity, and connection drive impact. Free, high-quality resources are not just appreciated, they are needed, and when they are clear, easy to use, and grounded in real conversations with educators, they become even more powerful.

ECP lessons checked each of these educator requirements easily, as they are rooted in sensemaking, driven by real-world phenomena, and always accessible. Tools like these engage students while making it easier for their teachers to bring relevant, impactful learning into the classroom.

Students are ready for these topics, and teachers are actively seeking meaningful ways to teach biodiversity, food systems, and environmental health. Beth and Mina also connected with many educators of younger students, including elementary teachers, who expressed interest in using ECP’s materials in age-appropriate ways.

Looking Ahead from NSTA Conference 2026

We left beautiful Anaheim feeling inspired, grateful, and motivated.

Three women smiling at a conference booth with banners about education. One wears a "PRESIDENT" badge. The setting is lively and colorful. — Beth and Mina at the NSTA Conference 2026 with NSTA President Dr. Beverly DeVore-Wedding

Every conversation, question, and connection will shape how we grow and improve our resources. From unforgettable discussions with educators and district leaders to questions and even selfies with the president of the National Science Teaching Association, each interaction reinforced the relevance of ECP’s mission.

As we expand offerings like Sea the Impact and continue building new connections and partnerships, like with the Planetary Health Alliance, these moments with educators ensure we are creating the right tools for classroom needs.

We are thankful to everyone who stopped by, shared their insights, and helped strengthen this growing network of educators committed to empowering students through food impact education.