NAGTNews - Vol 26 - No 2

Initial Publication Date: February 12, 2026

The Benefits of Membership

This newsletter is a benefit of your membership! If you haven't yet renewed for 2026, this is your last newsletter. Renew today!

As a member of NAGT, you receive discounted registrations for NAGT professional development, access to Teach the Earth online resources, online access to NAGT's Journal of Geoscience Education and In the Trenches, this monthly email newsletter, supportive communities and networks (regional Sections and topical Divisions), eligibility for awards and grants and scholarships, and leadership opportunities at the regional and national level.

NAGT's partners and affiliates support you through a variety of benefits as well. The Geological Society of America offers decreased registration rates for the annual GSA Connects meeting. Taylor & Francis provides online access to the Journal of Environmental Education, and online access to Science Activities, which you can access through your membership page. In addition, AGI offers free access to the Geologize online course "Practical Geocommunication."

Announcing a New Member Discount for Brunton

We are proud to announce that Brunton is our newest partner! Brunton is offering 30% off website orders when NAGT members use the code NAGT_30, or you can use this link, https://www.brunton.com/discount/NAGT_30.

We encourage you to renew your membership today if you haven't yet done so to take advantage of these benefits! Enroll in auto-renewal for uninterrupted membership.

STUDENTS! Apply Now for a Field Study Scholarship

Deadline: February 14 Fieldcamp

NAGT supports students' participation in intensive field courses in any aspect of geoscience (including geophysics, soil science, hydrology, etc.) that focuses on students practicing skills of field observation, data collection, analysis and synthesis. Awardees are selected based on the importance of the field experience in meeting their educational and career goals, the quality of the field aspects of the course, and the importance of the financial award in allowing them to participate in the program.

Apply Now!
Deadline: February 14, 2026

2026 Earth Educators' Rendezvous

University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, July 20-23, 2026

Join us for the eleventh Earth Educators' Rendezvous (EER), held July 20-23, 2026, at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. The 2026 EER will have a new format with 2- and 4-day morning workshops, 1/2-day afternoon workshops, and oral and poster sessions, along with a Share-a-thon, exhibitor showcase, and opportunities to connect with colleagues and the community. You can also register for stand-alone field trips or for the entire 4-day event. Check out the Rendezvous program!

Get Updates on EER

Registration, oral and poster abstract submission, and Share-a-thon submission are now open!

Submit an abstract/presentation »
By March 4 Register »
By May 5 for the best rates

Submit a Design for the 2026 EER T-Shirt

Due February 15.

The EER Planning team is accepting design submissions for the 2026 Earth Educators' Rendezvous conference t-shirt! The design must include (1) the EER Swirl. (2) The following text in the Cinzel font style: Earth Educators' Rendezvous, Columbia, SC, and 2026. (3) Should be based on the local site and surrounding area. (4) Use 2–3 colors total for the design. We will be choosing t-shirt colors based on availability and price. And, (5) avoid very small design elements or thin lines that may be lost when the image is resized.

Submit a design by Feb 15

Sign up to be an EER Exhibitor

Share your products or services with EER participants by taking advantage of the University of South Carolina School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environmental Sciences venue. Exhibitors can showcase their products and services throughout the event in a dedicated exhibitor area and will have a dedicated time to share information during the Exhibitor Showcase.

Sponsor EER 2026

Gain visibility for your organization, program, or institution with EER Participants who work in the Earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences and allied fields in the full range of institution types and organizations around the country.

Get Involved in NAGT Leadership - Nominate Today

Nominations are open for Executive Committee, Section, and Division leadership positions. Learn about NAGT's leadership team and nominate yourself or a colleague who might be looking for ways to impact geoscience education, education advocacy, diversity and inclusion in the geosciences, GER, regional geoscience education, and more. A leadership role in an NAGT committee, Division, or section is a great next step! To nominate for a Section or Division position, contact the leader of that Section or Division. Nominations are open for the following national positions:

2nd Vice-President
Councilors-at-Large (2)

Questions about national positions can be directed to the chair of the nominations committee, Past President Rory McFadden. Elections occur in June and terms begin at the NAGT Annual Council Meeting in October 2026. Self-nominations are welcome!

Learn More

Journal of Geoscience Education

The Journal of Geoscience Education is always looking for submissions related to learning and teaching in the geosciences and related domains.

Submit a paper to JGE View the latest issue of JGE

Article of the Month

Each month, the editorial staff of JGE select a paper to be free to access. For February 2026, they selected "How and why gamified course design leads to student success in introductory geology: the power of control and choice," by Karen M. Kortz and published online October 6, 2026. Congratulations, Dr. Kortz!

In The Trenches

A new term is underway for many of you. How is that new class or new instructional strategy going? Consider writing up your ideas and sharing them in NAGT's online member publication, In the Trenches (ITT).

ITT is an interactive online publication designed to provide a venue for NAGT members to learn about and discuss teaching strategies and resources, the work of NAGT committees, sections, and divisions, and other ideas relevant to Earth educators and education researchers. Share your work through ITT!

Suggest ITT Content Submit an Article

Explore Exemplary Teach the Earth Activities

Teach the Earth is a portal to thousands of resources from dozens of Earth Education websites. Managed by NAGT, this portal supports teaching and learning about the Earth by providing online resources for K-12 and undergraduate educators in the geosciences and related fields. Resources include classroom activities, course descriptions and syllabi, information about pedagogical strategies, topical collections, and more.

February's Teach the Earth Featured Resource: Teleconnections

This module was developed by K.J. Farrell and C.C. Carey. Students learn how ecosystems are influenced by teleconnections, distant meteorological, societal, and ecological phenomena that link remote regions via cause-and-effect relationships. Students set up a lake model and "force" it with climate scenarios, testing hypotheses about how far-away drivers interact with local lake characteristics to affect lake temperatures and ice cover in different lakes. The structure of this module makes it flexible and adaptable to a range of student levels and course designs.

It's Nomination Season! Take a look at all the different ways to recognize your and your colleagues' innovations and exceptional contributions.

Nominate today for NAGT Awards

Nomination Deadline: April 15

NAGT awards are presented annually, with nominations solicited from the community and awardees selected by committees. These awards include the following:

More Information on Association Awards

GSA - Biggs Earth Science Teaching Award

Nomination Deadline: March 1

The Geological Society of America - Geoscience Education Division asks you to consider nominating your colleagues for the Biggs Earth Science Teaching Award, which recognizes innovative and effective teaching in college-level earth science. Earth Science instructors and faculty members from any academic institution engaged in undergraduate education who have been teaching full-time for 10 years or fewer are eligible (part-time teaching is not counted in the 10-years-or-fewer requirement). Peer- and self-nominations are accepted for this award.

Biggs Nomination Form

Announcing the GSA Iris Moreno Totten Award Recipients

Every year at the GSA Connects meeting, the Iris Moreno Totten Research in Geoscience Education Session allows all students and early career presenters to compete for the Iris Moreno Totten Geoscience Education Research Award.

The winner of the 2025 early career Totten award was Dr. Annie Klyce with her presentation titled, "Student Recruitment into the Geosciences: Driving factors for Entrance and Continued Engagement in Geoscience Courses."

The winner of the 2025 student award was Grace Gasaway with her presentation titled, "Framework for Measuring Service and Outreach Impact on Women's Geoscience Identity and Retention."

Students and early-career faculty conducting geoscience education research are encouraged to submit an abstract to GSA Connects Totten Session. Having a dedicated session for the Totten award has significantly improved the judging and awarding processes. If you are interested in serving on the award committee as a judge during the session, please reach out to the GSA-Geoscience Education Division board.

Do you have good news related to your geoscience education work that you would like to share with the NAGT community? Submit it to NAGT's Community Kudos!

Course Design Workshop

Online Workshop: June 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, and 24, 2026, 9:30 am - 11:00 am PT | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm MT | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm CT | 12:30 - 2:00 pm ET

Are you developing a new course or revising a course you have taught before? This workshop will help you use backwards design to generate assessments and instructional activities that meet both content and skills-based objectives. This highly interactive, synchronous online workshop will provide time for you to build foundational knowledge of best practices for course design, share strategies and exchange ideas with colleagues, work independently on developing your course, and provide and receive feedback from peers.

Registration is Open!

Workshop for Early Career Geoscience Faculty

In-person at Macalester College, St. Paul, MN | June 21-25, 2026

Faculty in the first three years of their position are invited to join this multi-day workshop that features sessions on topics including effective and engaging teaching strategies, designing a course, conducting research projects with students, balancing professional and personal responsibilities, managing time, and establishing a research program. Build your network and community of early-career peers.

Learn more about the workshop and apply by March 31

Preparing for an Academic Career in the Geosciences

In-person at the 2026 Earth Educator Rendezvous, Columbia, South Carolina | July 20-23, 2026

Join this highly interactive four-day workshop at the Earth Educators' Rendezvous. The workshop is designed specifically for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and others interested in pursuing academic careers in the geosciences. (Faculty already in full-time positions should consider attending the Workshop for Early Career Geoscience Faculty described above.) Workshop facilitators will lead sessions and provide guidance that will help participants become stronger candidates for academic positions and succeed in academic jobs, including:

Selecting the right institutional fit
Crafting competitive research and teaching statements
Securing your first grant
Meeting tenure requirements
Developing your career plan

Participants will practice developing their job application materials, refine their elevator pitch, and create actionable plans for their next career stage.

Stipends Available: Limited stipends are offered thanks to NAGT member donations.

Learn more about the workshop and apply for Stipend by April 15 » Register for EER26 »

Traveling Workshops: Bring Our Experienced Leaders to You

The Traveling Workshops Program (TWP) brings NAGT's professional development program to you, working with you to customize a workshop to meet your group's needs. The TWP has well-tested workshop sessions on adapting to change, (re)designing your courses and curriculum, inclusive mentoring, supporting all students, and more. Are you preparing for a program review or responding to feedback from one? Have you seen changes in the faculty in your department through new hires or retirements? Do you feel you could do a better job serving your students? We can help you! Choose your workshop or learn more about the program.

Request a Traveling Workshop »

Catch past NAGT Webinars on YouTube!

Did you miss a webinar hosted by NAGT? Check out the NAGT Webinar Series YouTube Channel! Find a selection of recordings from webinars in the series and sponsored projects at your fingertips. Remember to subscribe!

Your Regional Section is Growing!

Come be a part of the action. NAGT Regional Sections are the grassroots of geoscience education in North America. The 2023 reorganization of Sections focused members' efforts on regional issues. If you haven't connected with your section leadership, we encourage you to do so! Check out the Regional Section web pages to learn more about your Section and efforts to engage and support geoscience education in your region.

Eastern Section

Join us for the Eastern Section's Spring 2026 meeting, hosted by Callan Bentley at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville, Virginia, May 7-9, 2026. If you have not attended a meeting in several years, or have never attended a meeting, why not make the plans now and consider joining us in Charlottesville, Virginia, for the spring 2026 meeting? If you haven't already, be sure to check out our newsletter: Fall 2025 NAGT-ES Bulletin CB.pdf.

Pacific Northwest Section

Our next annual meeting will be hosted in June 2026, at Highline College in Des Moines, Washington by Jacob Selander, jselander@highline.edu. More information on our upcoming June 2026 meeting or last year's June Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon can be found on the section's annual meeting web page.

Rocky Mountain Section

Check out our January 2026 RM NAGT Newsletter, and find us at the 76th Annual Meeting of the GSA Rocky Mountain Section in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 17-20 May 2026!

Topical Divisions

Geo2YC Division

The Geo2YC Division is a home for NAGT members who have a shared professional interest in geoscience education at two-year colleges. Two-year college faculty are an integral part of NAGT. Explore the seasonal Geo2YC Newsletter!

Looking for financial support for your ideas? Two grant options via NAGT for 2YC educators to support your teaching and professional development are the Dorothy Stout Grant and the Geo2YC Faculty Development Grant. See the Geo2YC website for further information. Applications are due for both on April 15.

Join Geo2YC

Geoscience Education Research (GER) Division

The Geoscience Education Research Division (GER) is committed to the promotion of high-quality, scholarly research in geoscience education that improves teaching and learning in K-12, higher education, and informal learning environments.

Join GER

Teacher Education (TED) Division

The NAGT Teacher Education Division (TED) seeks to improve geoscience teaching by improving teacher content and pedagogical knowledge and by encouraging research on best teaching practices. TED is in search of a new Media Director! We have a great leadership team. Do you want to know what we've been up to? Do you want to stay informed about how the Teacher Education Division supports you, as members of NAGT and TED? Find us on Facebook!

Join TED

EarthScope & Geophysics Learning Opportunities

Near-surface Geophysics Community Input Survey

Deadline February 12, 2026
The newly funded U.S. NSF National Geophysical Facility (NGF) will be expanding support for near-surface geophysics, and we are seeking input on what will best serve community needs. This builds on earlier work (e.g., 2022 AGU-facilitated report) with an aim to inform facility-level planning. Your input can help shape future efforts for research and teaching as the National Geophysical Facility expands near-surface geophysics support.

Summer of Applied Geophysics Experience

Deadline February 14, 2026
SAGE actively educates students in all phases of geophysics using modern field equipment and the latest computer processing and interpretation tools. SAGE participants employ investigative subsurface methods and learn integrated interpretation of geophysical data at different scales. Methods may include: reflection/refraction & passive seismic, magnetotellurics & time-domain electromagnetics, ground-penetrating radar, temperature logging & distributed temperature sensing (DTS), and gravity and magnetics. Encourage your students to APPLY NOW

EarthScope's 2026 Student Career Internship Program

Deadline February 15, 2026
The EarthScope Student Career Internship Program offers unique real-world work experience for undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates (within 1 year of graduating at time of application) related to the interns' academic and career goals. Each intern is an integral member of the team and plays an important role by contributing their knowledge, skills, and abilities to specific projects. Project managers teach interns what it is like to work in a non-profit organization that facilitates geoscience research and education. In doing so, we anticipate that we are able to share expertise, leverage best practices and forge lasting relationships. Encourage your student to APPLY NOW

Instructor Survey: Do you use analogies in your geoscience classroom?

Complete the survey by February 27, 2026

Do you use analogies in your geoscience classroom? Do you teach upper-level/majors courses? If yes, please consider participating in our survey-based study! We are exploring geoscience instructor perspectives on analogies in upper-level geoscience courses. This short 10-15 minute digital survey will ask questions surrounding how you, as an instructor, use analogies in your classroom, what analogies you find yourself using, and how you feel about analogy effectiveness.

A $20 Amazon gift card will be offered to the first 75 participants (there are still some of these left!)

Before beginning the survey, take a second to think about what analogies you have used throughout your time as a geoscience instructor. You will be asked to provide an example.

If you are interested in participating, please click the following link to access the survey: https://niu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39tJYadtTdT289U

The survey will be open until February 27, 2026, after which compensation will be emailed to the first 75 participants.

CIRES-CEEE Resilient Futures Teacher Workshop 2026

Boulder, Colorado: July 28-30, 2026

Pre-registration is now open for the 2026 Resilient Futures Teacher Workshop! Middle school and high school educators are invited to a three-day in-person teacher workshop. Engage with sessions on education resources, including scientist talks, lab tours, and networking sessions by CEEE, NOAA, and friends. This session will cover topics such as climate science, natural hazards, water resources, climate mental health, data literacy, and more. Participants will leave with a variety of classroom-ready lessons and activities. They can receive a 20-hour PD certificate OR 1-2 Continuing Education credits from the University of Colorado Boulder upon course completion.

After pre-registration closes, a small registration fee will be required when the official registration opens. Participants who complete the course will receive a gift card.

Pre-Register Today

STUDENTS! Fresh Solutions to Salty Struggles Summer Camp for Undergrads: Exploring Soil Salinization Dynamics

East Carolina University, Greenville and Wanchese, North Carolina, July 12-25, 2026

The Fresh Solutions to Salty Struggles (FS3) Summer Program invites undergraduate students to embark on a two-week journey exploring the science of soil salinization and saltwater intrusion. Participants in this opportunity are eligible to receive financial support, such as stipends, travel reimbursements, and conference funding. This program is ideal for undergraduate students with an interest in environmental science, agriculture, geology, or related fields.

Students in the FS3 Program will work hands-on with advanced geophysical and hydrogeological methods to uncover the dynamics of saltwater intrusion in agricultural and coastal landscapes. Field experiences include day trips to local research sites in North Carolina and overnight travel to sites in Virginia. Students will collaborate with peers and researchers to analyze data sets and explore spatial and temporal controls on soil salinization. This immersive experience equips participants with critical, industry-aligned skills and connects them with leading scientists in the field, building a network for future educational and career opportunities.

Apply Now!

Call for Proposal for GSA Connects 2026

GSA is accepting proposals for GSA Connects 2026, welcoming submissions from both national and international members of the geoscience community. NAGT encourages our members to consider proposing a technical session, short courses, field trips, or Pardee Keynote Symposia.

For proposal details and submission instructions, please visit this GSA Connects 2026 page. The proposal deadline is 11:59 PM (Pacific Time), Thursday, 19 February 2026.

In addition to the Call for Proposals, GSA has several initiatives that support international geoscience students, early-career professionals, and experienced scientists. Including the following Awards and Grants

GSA Honorary Fellow Award: Recognizes exceptional non-North American geoscientists for distinguished contributions to the field. Candidates must demonstrate internationally recognized achievements and do not need to be GSA members to be considered. Nomination deadline is 15 February
International Distinguished Career Award: Honors GSA members for significant contributions to advancing international geological sciences. Nomination deadline is 15 February
GSA James B. Thompson, Jr. Distinguished International Lectureship: Supports two lecture tours: one by a distinguished non-North American scientist to lecture at North American institutions, and another by a distinguished North American scientist to lecture outside North America. For the 2026-2027 lectureship, nominations close on 15 February. Self-nominations are encouraged and welcome.
Farouk El-Baz Student Research Grants: Supports students worldwide (senior undergraduates, Master's, or Ph.D.) conducting research in warm desert studies. Application deadline is 18 February.
GSA International 2026 Travel Grant: Provides travel funding for students and early career professionals residing outside North America to present research at GSA Connects 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Application period: 12 January - 15 March 2026.
Christopher I. and Irene N. Chalokwu Travel Grant (for African Students): Supports African students presenting research on African geology at GSA Connects 2026. Application period: 12 January – 15 March 2026.

AGU Action: Sign on in opposition to the U.S. leaving the IPCC and other critical global climate and environment organizations and treaties

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) invites you to join scientists from diverse climate, Earth, and environmental disciplines in denouncing the U.S. withdrawal from global organizations and treaties addressing climate change and environmental degradation. At a time when climate impacts—including uninsurable homes, agricultural losses, damaged infrastructure, and health crises—are accelerating and requiring hundreds of billions of dollars in annual recovery costs, this withdrawal represents a critical setback. By removing U.S. scientific expertise from bodies such as the UNFCCC, WHO, and UN environmental agencies, it creates avoidable gaps in data, research, and capacity that will slow global progress precisely when coordinated action is most urgent. Sign this petition to call on the Trump Administration to re-engage with international cooperation and recognize that climate and environmental challenges can only be addressed through global scientific collaboration and evidence-based decision-making to secure a livable future for all.

Learn more and sign on at https://agu.quorum.us/campaign/152816/

West Virginia University - Teaching Assistant Professor with a specialization in Earth Science & Sustainability

Screening process begins March 15, 2026

The Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Professor with a specialization in Earth Science and Sustainability starting August 14, 2026. The successful candidate must demonstrate the potential to teach several courses related to the majors (e.g., Sustainable Earth, First Year Seminar/Careers/Senior Capstone, Earth Systems, Rocks and Minerals, Geomorphology, GIS, Environmental Geology, Geochemistry, and Hydrogeology).

Northwestern University - Visiting Assistant Professor of Instruction in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning March 2, 2026

Visiting Assistant Professor teaching 200-level courses (major and introductory) in a one-year appointment, with an option to renew for a second year. Also teaching upper level courses in sub-disciplines, which align with expertise and prior teaching experience and the curricular needs of the department.