The national Building a Presence model developed by the National Science Teachers Association aims to help reduce teacher isolation by enlisting and supporting a teacher Point of Contact (POC) in every public and private school. ExxonMobil Foundation provided the funding to NSTA to set up the current national infrastructure and statewide networks. Each state establishes a network to enlist and support the Points of Contact.

The CABAP network has at least 3 levels:

• STATEWIDE LEADERSHIP - five partner organizations that work statewide in K-12 science education
• KEY LEADERS (KL) - approximately 300 Key Leaders who enlist and support the local Points of Contact
• POINTS OF CONTACT (POC) - teacher(s) in a school who as POCs inform and support other teachers at the school

All 3 levels are supported by NSTA Building a Presence. An online database and communication system facilitates registration of KLs and POCs, as well as sharing information through electronic communications.

Use the links on the left to find more about the statewide partners, Building a Presence nationally, who the local CABAP contacts are for a particular school, or to view responses to Frequently Asked Questions.

The goals of the national Building a Presence for Science program are to:

• Enlist one or more Points of Contact to support standards-based science teaching in every school
• Establish an electronic network of science educators at state and national levels
• Create an infrastructure of national and state partners who are advocates for effective science teaching and learning

Building a Presence for Science networks are being implemented in 26 states throughout the country. California joined the network in the Fall of 2001.

For more information, visit the NSTA Building a Presence website.