The Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE) has selected Jon Pedersen, associate dean for research in the UNL College of Education and Human Sciences and science education director for the Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education, for its Outstanding Longtime Service Award. Pedersen received the award at the ASTE Annual Conference in Portland, Ore., on Jan. 10.
A former high school science teacher, Pedersen has served on the board of directors of ASTE a total of 11 years, including serving as president. He has presented at the annual conference more than 30 times and has served on the editorial review board of the organization's "Journal of Science Teacher Education."
"He clearly and consistently exhibits his excitement and passion for working with others to improve science education, and this has certainly been a hallmark of Jon's service to numerous professional organizations, but particularly to ASTE," said Kevin Finson, professor of science education at Bradley University. “ASTE has absolutely been positively impacted by Jon's long and ongoing service, and is much the better organization for it."
ASTE’s award provides recognition for outstanding service by a senior member (minimum 15 years) whose efforts address issues, goals and actions that have intellectual merit and broader impact on science teacher education, while simultaneously serving the needs of ASTE members. ASTE is a non-profit professional organization composed of over 800 members from countries around the globe. The mission of ASTE is to promote excellence in science teacher education worldwide through scholarship and innovation. ASTE is an international association of science teacher educators, scientists, science coordinators and supervisors, and informal science educators who prepare and provide professional development for teachers of science at all grade levels.
Written by:
College of Education and Human Sciences