Selene Verhofstad, Ed.D

J. Frank Dobie High School, Early College Chemistry Teacher, Academic Decathlon and Octathlon Coach, Science UIL Coach

San Jacinto Community College-Generation Park, Chemistry and Biology Adjunct

University of Houston-Clear Lake Adjunct-Science Teaching Methods (Grades 4-8) and Secondary

Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction with STEM Emphasis from University of Houston-Clear Lake

TLIIST is a collaboration between Rice University, Houston ISD (HISD), Houston Community College (HCC), the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) and the University of Houston. TLIIST provides five years of professional development in science pedagogical knowledge, leadership training, and mentoring opportunities with the goal of creating inquiry-based learning experiences and environments that will improve the quality of science teaching and learning in high-needs schools in the Greater Houston area.

Leadership for Knowledge Integration: by developing Master Teacher Fellows (MTFs) to have exceptional knowledge of inquiry-based science to improve student achievement and attitudes towards science. 

Year 1 Focus: Inquiry, Year 2: Biology, Year 3: Chemistry, Year 4: Space/Physical Science

Leadership in Classrooms and Schools: by building the skills of MTFs to lead teams of their peers, influence administrators, and affect change at their schools. 

Year 1 Focus: Favorite Five, Year 2: Favorite Five, Year 3: Crucial Conversations/Meaningful Interactions/Developing Action Research Projects, Year 4: Implementing Action Research Projects

Leading Future Science Leaders: by facilitating MTFs to support and mentor novice teachers to improve their self-efficacy, confidence, and pedagogy. 

Year 3 Focus: Mentoring Teachers, Year 4: Mentoring/Coaching/Leading Groups

Leadership on a Statewide Scale: by developing the expertise of the MTFs to promote high quality science teaching across the state of Texas. 

Years 1-5 Focus: Presenting/Volunteering/Leading CAST conference Houston, TX