Initial Publication Date: March 30, 2025

Volume 14, Issue 1| Spring 2025

Foundations

NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEOSCIENCE TEACHERS GEO2YC DIVISION

In this Issue:

  • President's Column
  • Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award
  • NAGT funding deadlines for funding opportunities for 2YC faculty and students
  • Geoscience clubs - we want your stories!
  • NAGT webinars are for Geo2YC, too
  • Colleague connections: Fireside Chats
  • Earth Science Advocacy
  • Research opportunities for 2YC students
  • Field Notes with students
  • Geo2YC pencils
Geo2YC Website

President's Column

Sean Tvelia, Suffolk County Community College

In the last issue, I reflected on the changing higher education landscape and the value our Geo2YC division and network provides us. The past few months have been chilly, literally and metaphorically. In recent months, many colleagues have not only struggled with threats and cuts to grant funding, program activities, and classroom pedagogy, but also the impact of AI on both teaching and learning. Any of these issues alone would have been enough disruption for a year.

Through my work with the division and national organization, I have talked with a number of Geo2YC members who have been directly impacted by the shifting policies on the state and federal levels and who are deeply concerned about their students, institution, and profession. Given the nature of 2YCs and the demographics we serve, I certainly understand the concern. Although we may not be able to influence federal or state policy, we can support each other and provide useful resources to continue to meet our students' needs and the demands of the regional workforce.

Once again, I am reminded of the value of this division and the national organization. That value is best exemplified by our increasingly popular Fireside Chats. If you have yet to attend, these informal meetings provide space to share innovative practices, discuss current issues, and provide feedback to help improve classroom activities. I have to admit that the last two—focusing on virtual samples and field trips and AI resources—have left me with more open browser tabs of resources than should be physically possible on one screen.

If you missed one of these events, or can't remember a resource discussed, all shared resources are archived on the Web Resources page of the Geo2YC division website. See below for more information on our April chat on the changing landscape of geosciences.

This next chat is an excellent opportunity to introduce NAGT and the Geo2YC division to new geoscience faculty. If you have a new colleague in the geosciences, consider inviting them to join the division and a fireside chat. It's a great way to expand their professional network, enhance their teaching, and become involved with a national organization.

With professional development in mind, I also bring your attention to The Math Your Earth Science Majors Need virtual workshop. The workshop is designed for undergraduate educators and will provide a $400 stipend to those who complete the 8 hr program (and approximately 1 hour of prep). Registration is due by June14 and space is limited.

As always, we value your voices. If you have an innovative project or activity that is finding success in your program, consider sharing your work in an upcoming issue. If you have any thoughts about a topic for an upcoming chat, let us know. As we head into the warmer months, I hope everyone is able to enjoy some sunny field days ahead.

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Updates

From the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award Committee

Spring 2025 Honoree

Michelle Cauley, Dakota College at Botitneau

The OAFA Committee is excited to recognize Matthew Bell of Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) as our Spring 2025 Honoree. Matthew teaches evening courses in Physical Geology and Physical Geography at KVCC, in face-to-face formats. He also has maintained an active role in the geological community, with significant contributions to the KVCC Science Department and the Michigan Geological Survey as a Geoscience Specialist in aggregate resources.

Matthew's contributions to our college extend far beyond the classroom. He collaborates with the full-time geology instructor to develop new materials and courses - one such course is a new GIS course. Last year he filled in for a separate class when their full-time instructor at KVCC went on medical leave. The transition was seamless, and the students continued to thrive during his coverage. Additionally, he has participated in community outreach events, such as the Annual Rock and Mineral Show, for KVCC and the Michigan Geological Survey.

Matthew, we are grateful for your service to the geological education community and appreciate all you do for your students! We recognize your creative and passionate approach to science education, your ability to engage students while challenging them to think and do, and your commitment to incorporating applicable geology skills from your professional work at the Michigan Geological Survey.

Report from past OAFA awardees

Leslie Davis, Austin Community College (2023 OAFA Recipient)
Kusali Gamage, Austin Community College (2021 OAFA Recipient)

We were honored to receive the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award (OAFA). Adjunct faculty are critical to teaching in community colleges; this award is a tribute to the dedication, expertise, and passion we bring to our classrooms. As past annual award recipients of this honor, we, Leslie Davis and Kusali Gamage, were deeply moved and hope to inspire others to celebrate geoscience adjunct faculty nationwide.

At Austin Community College (ACC), we experienced both the challenges and rewards of teaching as adjuncts. For the first time in the history of our institution's geology department, we successfully secured two NSF grants, bringing innovative research opportunities to the community college and opening doors for our students. Yet, like many adjuncts, we often felt invisible within the institutional framework. The OAFA recognized and validated these efforts, providing a platform to showcase how adjunct faculty can drive transformative change and create lasting impacts in geoscience education.

When we received the OAFA, we had ambitious plans for the award funds, such as purchasing teaching tools and creating new resources. However, we chose to focus on strengthening our work with our students and enriching their experiences.The two NSF grants we ran required significant engagement with students over a five-year period. When research activities and field trips included travel and long study days, we provided pizza and snacks for students and guest lecturers. These simple gestures transformed routine learning environments into bonding moments among community college students, faculty, and guest lecturers who typically do not experience the setting of a traditional, residential college campus.

For our professional development, we used a portion of the funds to attend geoscience conferences and workshops to better support our community college students. At the most recent AGU conference in Washington, D.C., we had the opportunity for a congressional visit to discuss funding for two-year colleges (2YCs) and the future of critical mineral mining in the U.S. We advocated for 2YCs as vital hubs for workforce development in mining and related industries.These experiences underscored that the OAFA is not just an award—it is a catalyst for change. It empowers adjunct faculty to enhance their students' experiences and invest in their professional growth. For us, the OAFA was a reminder that small, thoughtful actions—whether sharing a slice of pizza or attending a conference—can have a significant impact on students and educators alike. We believe adjunct faculty deserve to be celebrated for their dedication and ingenuity. By promoting awards like the OAFA, we can foster a culture of recognition that uplifts educators and strengthens the academic community.

To all adjunct faculty: Your work matters. Your impact is profound. Your efforts deserve recognition. Apply for the OAFA, share your story, and continue to inspire the next generation of geoscience learners and leaders.

Recognize your peers

To our readership - tell us about yourself or your adjunct colleagues!  What wonderful ideas and strategies are you bringing to your corners of the geoscience world?  Note, these colleagues DO NOT have to be current members of NAGT or the Geo2YC Division to be recognized. Please complete an Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award nomination today. Please give yourself or your colleagues the recognition they deserve!

2YC Funding Opportunities through NAGT this spring 

The Dorothy Stout Grant has awards just for this community! Annual deadline is April 15.  Please encourage students to apply!
Do you need money to attend a conference?  Do you have your eyes on some cool model or classroom materials?  Then please consider submitting an application to the Dottie Stout Professional Development Grant.  This is a grant that is in honor of the outstanding work and dedication Dorothy "Dottie" LaLonde Stout had on Earth Science education at all levels, 2YC and K-12.  It is an annual award that has supported classes for Professional Development, attendance at workshops, meetings, or field trips, and purchase of materials for class use. The 3 categories for the $750 award are Community College Faculty, Community College Student and K-12 Educator. Note that for the last 2 years there have not been any applicants from the 2YC community--faculty or students.

Your 1-2-page grant proposal is due before 15 April.  The proposal should include what you plan to do, why is it important to what you do, and the costs of what you are going to do.  For more information, please see the online Dorothy Stout Grant application form.  Please send questions or comments to David Voorhees, Waubonsee Community College, dvoorhees@waubonsee.edu or Monica Bruckner, NAGT, mbruckne@carleton.edu

Apply for a Geo2YC Faculty Development Grant! Next deadline is April 15. 
Open to members of the Geo2YC Division of NAGT, the Geo2YC Faculty Development Grant offers mini-grants up to $500 to support an activity (workshop, field trip, etc.) which benefits faculty from multiple institutions and travel grants of $100 to support attending professional development activities. If you plan on attending GSA or AGU this fall, this is a chance to get a bit of support!  Rolling deadlines annually on April 15 and September 15.  Apply here.

Calling all Geoscience student clubs!

Does your campus have a geoscience club?  Then we want to hear about it!  We are looking for stories from students themselves (although advisors can weigh in too!) to help us put together a themed issue on geoscience clubs. Need some ideas - consider this list:

  • Tell us about your advocacy/outreach days - how do you interact with your campus or local communities?
  • How do you attract and sustain members?  What makes your club successful?  Have you had any challenges to overcome?
  • How are you filling a need on your campus?  
  • Does your club have a favorite mineral/rock/fossil?  
  • Show us your cool club t-shirts!

Please share your stories and pictures with us by June 20, 2025!

Get involved with NAGT Webinars

NAGT Webinar Series 
Check out the schedule for the NAGT Webinar Series!  Lots of great opportunities for learning and discussion through these events, and even if you cannot attend, you can register so the link to the recording is sent straight to your inbox. An archive of prior webinars is also available.

NAGT Webinar Committee is looking for webinar hosts
NAGT offers a wide range of webinars each month to bring the latest in geoscience and pedagogy to our members. The NAGT Webinar Committee is looking for members who would be willing to host a webinar this coming academic year.  Consider sharing a fun teaching technique, resources you've used in your classroom, or collaborate with colleagues to tell us more about what's been going on in your professional world. If you have some ideas, please reach out to the current chair, Beth Pratt-Sitaula (beth.pratt-sitaula@earthscope.org).

Next Fireside Chat

Join us for our next Fireside Chat (open to all membership - feel free to invite colleagues) on Monday, April 28 at 8p EST/ 5p PST. Our topic of discussion is Promoting Geoscience in Uncertain Climates. Many of our members have seen changes to curricula, programs, and institutional priorities, as declining enrollments and budgets impact our classrooms. How do we best prepare students for an ever-changing workforce landscape? Come share your experiences and ideas!

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87055593469?pwd=oTz2loQLpE9uJdUbdFuwR1eJD7bBlS.1

Earth Science Education Advocacy

NAGT recently added a new page to the Advocacy section of our website. Calling your Representatives and Senators in Congress is one of the most effective ways to interact with Congress because they know it takes time and effort. Calling provides the opportunity to express your support and/or concern about federal government policies and actions.

The page provides guidance that includes finding the phone number, preparing a focused message, making the call, and following up after the call.  The process is simple, straightforward, and only takes a little bit of time.  It does make a difference.

Please share the page with friends and colleagues and encourage them to engage their local Congressperson.

https://nagt.org/nagt/policy/advocate_earth_science.html

Depending on the issue, it might be helpful to share one of the Position Statements NAGT has developed on specific issues that involve the interface between science and society. You can see the complete list of position statements here. Two new position statements have been recently approved by NAGT leadership: 

If you find this interaction meaningful, we also encourage NAGT members who also belong to the American Geophysical Union to join AGU's Local Science Partners program.  The AGU organizes visits to Capitol Hill each year.  They provide training, funding for travel, and set up and facilitate meetings with members of Congress and their staff.  While the 2025 cohort of new participants is closed, it will reopen in the early Fall.  NAGT works with AGU and both organizations would like to have more educators included in the program. https://www.agu.org/honors/local-science-partners

If you have any questions, please contact Mike Phillips, NAGT Advocacy Chair (and 2YC faculty member) at mike_phillips@ivcc.edu

Research opportunities for students

Here is an up-to-date list of ongoing research programs that are accepting 2YC students!  Please share widely with your student networks.

Send us your Field Notes

We want to hear about and see what you are doing with your students in the field.  Please share pictures of students in the field and a brief description of what they are doing.

 

 

 

 

 

Where in the world are NAGT Geo2YC pencils?

Don't have a pencil (or one of our snazzy new pens) and want one?  Email any of the Geo2YC officers and we'll get some out for you to keep and share with your colleagues.  Send us your pencil pictures to share in the newsletter.