Our History
For over three decades, we have worked to ensure that what is taught in science classrooms and beyond is accurate and consistent with the best current understanding of the scientific community.
1981
National Center for Science Education is founded.
NCSE forms in 1981 with the purpose of serving as a national coordinating center for local grassroots pro-science organizations working to prevent creationism from being taught alongside or instead of evolution.
1987
First full-time employee.
Eugenie C. Scott, a physical anthropologist, becomse the organization’s first Executive Director and its first full-time employee.
1999
Recognition in the New York Times
NCSE is profiled in The New York Times and garners national attention.
2005
Kitzmiller vs. Dover
NCSE is a driving force for the plaintiffs in the landmark 2005 case Kitzmiller v. Dover, which established the unconstitutionality of teaching “intelligent design” in public schools.
2000
Teacher Support Program Launches
NCSE hires a staff member to focus exclusively on providing support and resources to science teachers. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR TEACHER SUPPORT PROGRAM
2012
Climate Change
NCSE adds climate change to its mission after it becomes clear that politicization of the topic is affecting how it is being taught.
2014
New Executive Director
Ann Reid, director of the American Academy of Microbiology, is named NCSE's new Executive Director.
2014
First National Survey of Climate Change Education
NCSE, with researchers from Penn State University, conducts the first nationwide survey of climate education in public schools, which shows only 30% of science teachers provide their student with the scientific consensus on the human causes of recent climate change. READ OUR WHITE PAPER ABOUT THE SURVEY
2014
2014 NCSETeach Newsletter Launches
NCSE expands its reach to educators with the publication of a monthly newsletter
SIGN UP FOR NCSETEACH
2015
Outreach Program Launches
NCSE pilots its first volunteer-led outreach effort in Iowa City, Iowa. These local affiliates provide accessible and fun evolution and climate change activities and help break down the barriers to science and science education that can sometimes exist in local communities. Find OUt More About our Breaking Down Barriers Program
2017
First Teacher Ambassadors Named
NCSE unveils a capacity-building model focused on equipping master teachers with high-quality lesson plans and professional development opportunities to give colleagues and peers the skills and confidence they need to teach evolution and climate change. Meet Our Teacher Ambassadors
2019
New Names for Programs
NCSE updates the names for its three core programs: Breaking Down Barriers is the new name for its outreach work, Catalyzing Action defines its efforts to monitor and mobilize against anti-science legislation, and Supporting Teachers encompasses its direct work with science educators.