The Museum Institute for Teaching Science is excited to announce that Don DeRosa, Ed.D, Director of Boston University’s CityLab, has joined its board of directors. He received his Master of Arts in Teaching Science Education followed by his Doctorate of Education from Boston University. At Boston University, Don wears many hats. He is the Science Program Director of Boston University School of Education, a Clinical Associate Professor of Science Education as well as the Director of CityLab (a fully equipped Biotechnology laboratory for middle and high school students).

At a professional conference, Don met Emily “Paddy” Wade, founder and board president of the Museum Institute for Teaching Science (MITS). Their conversations about science education left Don energized and inspired. When asked what sparked his interest in joining the MITS board of directors himself, Don said, “I was very impressed by the MITS staff, their support, dedication, and mission as well as the content and quality of their summer institutes. I was delighted to receive an invitation to join the MITS board, hoping I would both contribute to MITS and learn from my affiliation with the organization.”

While leading an April 2016 MITS Professional Development Seminar addressing the science and engineering practice of Planning and Carrying Out Investigations, Don became familiar with the rigor of MITS programs and the educators who often return for more. Don’s seminar introduced science teaching methods – framing the question, exploration of problematic investigations, the five D’s of planning and carrying out investigations and systems thinking strategy. To exemplify these points, he captured the educators’ curiosity with an investigation of termite trail-following behavior.

As a MITS board member, Don adds his expertise to the program committee. MITS programs are ever expanding: Summer Professional Development Institutes, a winter Professional Development Seminar Series, ongoing Customized School Services and various workshops with partner organizations. Don brings thirty-two years of experience teaching grades 7-12 and college, publishing academic papers, and presenting conference workshops. He also provides valuable insight into successful grant writing to support programming.

“MITS acknowledges the richness and complementarity of both informal and formal science education. Its leadership and staff bring theory and practical experience to support teachers through professional development that responds to the needs of teachers and students.”

What are his future aspirations for the organization? Don says, “I see MITS continuing to serve and expand as the intersection where scientists and educators meet and collaborate to translate and share effective science teaching that models active participation in the nature and ways of knowing of science.”

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The Museum Institute for Teaching Science specializes in providing hands-on, minds-on, inquiry-based STEM professional development for formal and informal educators.  For more information, visit www.mits.org or call 617-328-1515.