As a former board member of the National Science Teaching Association, Dr. Crawford was invited by the CEO, Bob Lay, to participate in a Congressional fly-in, which is a day of meetings with Congress’s and senators’ staffers to advocate for science education. 

Tuesday was a day of prep and planning. History of funding in Education and specifically science & math programs. They created talking points and researched the senators and congressional leaders we would be meeting with the following day. 

Wednesday was up and out early – they headed to “the hill”. As a group we had 27 meetings planned. They met with staffers from Senators offices and a few Congress members. Dr. Crawford met with reps from NY- Chuck Schumer, Georgia, NJ- Both Andy Kim’s office and Corey Booker, lastly, Rep. Analilia Mejia from District 11, which includes Chatham. 

They advocated to bring back funding for Title II and continued/increased funding for Title IV. Assistance with the ongoing science teacher shortage etc.. 

It was an amazing experience. 

Dr. Crawford also invited them to come to MAS for Earth Day and explore Kelly’s pond!