The Virginia Association of Science Teachers, Inc. (VAST) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
VAST is a comprehensive educational organization dedicated to the nurturing and advancement of superior science education. Its objectives are to advance the study of science, to promote excellence in the teaching of science and to provide opportunity for communication among science educators in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Leadership is provided by promoting the study of science at all grade-levels, supporting conditions which ensure an optimal environment for the teaching of science, advocating high quality science instruction for all students at all levels and by providing an avenue for communication among the members of the science education community.
Formed in 1952, it is the Virginia chapter affiliated with the National Science Teachers Association.
Famous quotes containing the words association, science and/or teachers:
“In this great association we know no North, no South, no East, no West. This has been our pride for all these years. We have no political party. We never have inquired what anybody’s religion is. All we ever have asked is simply, “Do you believe in perfect equality for women?” This is the one article in our creed.”
—Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906)
“Science is intimately integrated with the whole social structure and cultural tradition. They mutually support one other—only in certain types of society can science flourish, and conversely without a continuous and healthy development and application of science such a society cannot function properly.”
—Talcott Parsons (1902–1979)
“Too many existing classrooms for young children have this overriding goal: To get the children ready for first grade. This goal is unworthy. It is hurtful. This goal has had the most distorting impact on five-year-olds. It causes kindergartens to be merely the handmaidens of first grade.... Kindergarten teachers cannot look at their own children and plan for their present needs as five-year-olds.”
—James L. Hymes, Jr. (20th century)