Kathy DiRanna, WestEd’s K–12 Alliance Statewide Director, received the 2015 Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award from the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA).

This prestigious award recognizes and honors an NSELA member, who through their professional work has demonstrated outstanding leadership in science education at the school, district, county, regional, and/or national level. The award is presented during the annual National Science Teachers Association National Conference.

DiRanna has been an advocate for quality science and mathematics education in California for more than 25 years. The K–12 Alliance has worked with numerous elementary, middle, and high schools, impacting thousands of teachers and millions of students.

In addition, DiRanna co-developed K–12 statewide and national professional learning for leadership in science education, content, pedagogy, and using data. Her work has helped to build district capacity as well as increase teacher content knowledge and pedagogical skills.

“Kathy is a leader in providing outstanding teacher professional development to positively change the practice of teachers in classrooms,” says Steve Schneider, Director of WestEd’s STEM program. “Kathy’s current work (supported by the Bechtel Foundation) to assist California school districts implement the new, challenging Next Generation Science Standards is a testament to her ability to lead curricula and instructional changes across many schools. This award could not have been presented to a more deserving science educator.”

Visit the NSLA Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award web page, which lists DiRanna as 2015 award recipient and includes a photo of DiRanna with her award.