Sam Shaw has made many contributions as a science education leader that include service as a CSSS Board member, ad hoc committee co-chair, and a liaison for a CSSS special project. Sam served as the state science supervisor of South Dakota from 2010-2017. During that time, he led South Dakota as a NGSS lead state. As a CSSS Board member, Sam formerly served as the Professional Learning Committee Co-Chair and Board Liaison 2014-2017 when the committee developed the Science Professional Learning Standards (CSSS 2018). Sam was a co-principal investigator from 2015-2017 for the ACESSE 13 project. Sam assumed the role of CSSS financial officer in 2017 following C.J. Evans. Although Sam left state-level science education in 2018, he continues to be a science education leader as the Director of Science Review for EdReports.org. In addition, Sam Shaw currently serves as the CSSS Instructional Resources Adhoc Committee Research Partner.

Catherine Mackey exemplifies what outstanding service to science education means. Cathy taught high school science near her home in rural Arkansas for many years. She then moved to the state level to become one of the earliest Arkansas members of CSSS. As the state science assessment specialist in the early 2000’s, she led the development, policy changes, and professional learning for the Arkansas End-of-Course science assessments. In 2011, Cathy represented Arkansas in providing feedback during the development of the Common Core State Standards (2010) and the Framework for K-12 Science Education (NRC, 2012). Cathy served on the Arkansas NGSS lead state team and was a tireless advocate for the teaching science, particularly the teaching of evolution. Following the adoption of the NGSS in Arkansas, Cathy went on to lead the development and implementation of the Grasping Phenomenal Science Professional Learning System that continues to be a leading exemplar for science professional learning for teachers nationally.  To support the NGSS implementation in Arkansas, Cathy Mackey was one of the leading partners in the ACESSE 13 project and was instrumental in the use and development of the ACESSE 13 practical measures for professional learning. Cathy Mackey was one of the original members to serve as co-chair on the Professional Learning Adhoc committee for CSSS and helped author the Science Professional Learning Standards (CSSS 2018). One of her most noteworthy contributions to science education was prior to her retirement when she represented CSSS in the final editing of Science and Engineering for Grades 6-12: Investigation and Design at the Center (NRC 2018).

At the 2021 meeting of the national Council of State Science Supervisors (CS3), Dr. Tom Keller of STEM Education Strategies LLC, based in Newcastle, Maine, was awarded the prestigious C. J. Evans Award. Participating in the award ceremony were Shari Templeton of Maine, Dr. Ellen Ebert of Washington, Tiffany Neill of Oklahoma, and Dr. Stephen Pruitt of Georgia. The awarding of this honor was due to Dr. Keller’s steadfast support of new members to the organization and continual willingness to assist the president and board. A recent notable innovation was his development and implementation of a monthly series of virtual meetings particularly for new members, focusing on topics such as working with legislative policymakers and standards for professional development. He is a former president and treasurer of the organization and served as state science supervisor in Maine for 18 years.