What our members say about MAATSE
Engaging in MAASTE allows me to interact with a strong and local network that understands the unique affordances and challenges of the region, it gives me opportunities for learning and collaboration. I have gained many ideas for my courses from MAASTE and life long connections that support my professional growth.
I have always found MAASTE to be a very welcoming and supportive group to those in any stage of a professional scholarly career (grad student, early career faculty, mid-career faculty, and long-term faculty). I like how the annual conference encourages multiple formats for sharing one’s scholarly work. I have also enjoyed the many opportunities I have had to meet and engage with others who are engaged in scholarly work regarding science education.
As a graduate student, the first conference that I had the opportunity to attend was MAASTE. The kindness and consideration of the MAASTE community at this conference made me feel welcomed into the world of science education. I felt that I could ask questions, have meaningful conversations, and share my ideas with everyone without being judged. My introduction into this group at that conference was a formative experience for me, and I credit this group with my interest in and excitement about attending ASTE conferences in the future.
Even though MAASTE is not my ‘home’ region, I have found this group to be welcoming, innovative, and a wonderful group to interact with. I have enjoyed the different conference format, the interactive nature, and the smaller group. It’s a great place to bring grad students to present for the first time, or to try out a new idea.
MAASTE is an incredibly friendly and welcoming group. I first heard about it from a member, who encouraged me to join and present my dissertation research. I am very glad that I did; this community is incredible. I have been advised to apply for jobs and even received a recommendation for an external reader for my dissertation research. This is truly a special group of people who are all supportive and excited to hear about the work others are doing and seek ways to collaborate or support one another.