STAT Announcement on CAST 2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) is announcing today that the in-person Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST), that was scheduled to take place November 5-7, 2020, in Houston has been cancelled. Instead, STAT will deliver CAST 2020 as a virtual experience to be held over the same dates.

This was not an easy decision, but as an organization dedicated to advancing science teaching and learning, STAT leadership carefully considered all scenarios, data from scientists and guidance from public health officials. Ultimately, the significant challenges presented by COVID-19 and the health and safety risk to our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers and staff led all parties to conclude that it is impossible and irresponsible to hold our event as scheduled, so cancelling the in-person conference was the only responsible action.

Times like these are definitely not business as usual, but with science teachers and with STAT it never is. You encourage your students to look at the world in different ways and you inspire discovery of the world through science. And as your association, STAT naturally reflects that same spirit. You can trust that all of our creative energy is being put to work to do what STAT does best: embrace change, reinvent and innovate, and answer challenges with bold solutions.

While we look forward to a time when we can re-convene the Texas science educator community face-to-face, STAT is excited to re-imagine all of our learning, networking and inspirational activities to deliver an unforgettable virtual experience.

We know that many stakeholders are involved in making CAST a “must-attend” event each year. We are grateful to our hotel and venue partners in Houston for their cooperation and mutual understanding of the COVID-19-related factors beyond our control that led to this decision.

We would also like to thank the CAST 2020 Steering Committee chaired by Terry White, Spring Branch ISD. This dedicated group of volunteers will shift their efforts and work together with the STAT Executive Board, Affiliate leaders, industry partners and our staff team to ensure that the new event delivers the same valuable content, an exhibit hall showcasing innovative resources and meaningful opportunities to connect with each other!

In the coming weeks, we will be providing additional details about the new conference experience. So, don’t go far — you’ll want to be there when we raise the curtain!

Thank you for being part of the STAT community and we hope you and your loved ones remain safe and well during these unprecedented times.

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