2025–2026 Executive Board Slate
The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) Nominating Committee has selected the following candidates to serve on the 2025–2026 STAT Executive Board. If elected by acclamation, these slated candidates will join continuing 2025–2026 Executive Board members in service to STAT beginning June 1, 2025.
Read the slated candidates' bios and position statements below.
President-Elect
 Dennis Johnson
Informal Educator
Studies Weekly (Region 5)
Bio: Born and raised in Southeast Texas, Dennis Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, before pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington. During his 15 years in Port Arthur ISD, Dennis taught at the adult education, high school, and elementary levels. Since 2024, he has served as a professional development trainer at Studies Weekly.
While teaching at Port Acres Elementary, he was recognized as the 2021 Teacher of the Year and later received the districtwide honor of Elementary District Teacher of the Year. In addition to being featured in the STAT Teacher Spotlight, Dennis was nominated for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in 2022.
A dedicated advocate for science education, Dennis has been an active member of STAT since 2019 and has also been involved with the Texas Science Education Leadership Association (TSELA) and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) since 2020. In 2023, he joined the STAT Executive Board, where he continues to support and advance science education across Texas.
Position Statement: STAT has become such an integral part of science teaching in Texas. Teachers across many districts look forward to the content STAT produces, as well as the annual Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST), presented by STAT. This event provides educators from districts of all sizes with valuable professional development and networking opportunities. These opportunities create a positive impact on students by exposing them to the best practices and resources available. I speak from personal experience—since joining STAT and attending CAST for the first time, my classroom practices have improved, and my students have benefited from the experiences and knowledge I’ve brought back. This highlights the meaningful impact STAT has on classrooms across the state. In my current role on the Executive Board, I have worked alongside fellow members to implement STAT’s strategic plan. My vision for STAT is not driven by a personal agenda or individual views, but rather by a commitment to advancing the association’s objectives. By continuing to execute the strategic plan, we can further strengthen STAT’s effectiveness and ensure it remains a leader in science education.
Treasurer
 Chris Carrell
Classroom Teacher
Llano ISD (Region 13)
Bio: Chris Carrell has served as a science teacher at Llano High School in Llano, Texas, for 10 years. Over the past decade, he has taught a variety of courses, including eighth-grade Science, AP Biology, dual-credit biology, dual-credit anatomy and physiology, engineering research and design, and forensics. In recognition of excellence in teaching, Chris was awarded Llano Junior High Teacher of the Year in 2016.
With a passion for inspiring students to pursue degrees in STEM fields, he focuses on teaching scientific writing, proper graphing and data analysis techniques, and alternative food sources through book studies and research projects. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in evolution, conservation, and ecology in 2007 and a master’s degree in wetland biology in 2009 from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Since attending his first CAST in 2016, Chris has actively contributed as a presenter, beginning with CAST19. Presenting multiple sessions each year, he has also taken on leadership roles with the Texas Association of Biology Teachers (TABT) and STAT. Since entering the TABT presidential chain in 2022 and attending the STAT leadership retreat in 2023, Chris has served on multiple STAT committees as an Affiliate member and has become one of the top contributors in the STAT365 community.
Position Statement: My vision for STAT over the next 3 years is to continue to be the No. 1 association for Texas science teachers. This can be achieved by continuing to lead and support Texas educators through in-person and online collaboration, growing our membership, and increasing awareness of current and future resources/benefits that STAT offers. I think there is great potential to retain and expand STAT’s membership throughout the summer months and through more precise targeting of teachers in distant regions of Texas and giving experienced teachers a platform to share their magic. Also, the STAT365 discussion forum and resource collective can be improved to increase outreach and educator collaboration.
STAT’s mission and values line up with my professional values. I believe the most important focus is being student-centered. Everything and everyone involved with STAT has proven to me to have these values. They all work tirelessly to educate those who educate our future leaders.
Board Member
 Gregory Drew
Classroom Teacher
Spring Branch ISD (Region 4)
Bio: Gregory Drew has worked in education for the last 11 years, with 6 years in higher education and 5 years in primary education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and marketing, as well as a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education. He served in various leadership roles in higher education before transitioning to elementary education.
As a certified educator (EC-6), Gregory currently teaches as the only male classroom teacher on his campus—a distinction his students love to highlight. Passionate about inspiring young minds, he challenges students to exceed expectations, embrace exploration, and strive for excellence. His teaching experience includes 2 years in first grade (self-contained) and 3 years in second grade (departmentalized).
In addition to his classroom role, Gregory has completed all coursework for the principal certification program at Lamar University. He also serves as a Science Liaison, helping lead his campus in science education while fostering a passion for leadership. A dedicated mentor, he is committed to making a lasting impact on education and student success.
Beyond his work in the classroom, Gregory has held leadership positions, including serving as chapter secretary on the executive board of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. His contributions have been recognized with several honors, including being named a Prairie View A&M University International Programs honoree, receiving the Gold Service Award from Stephen F. Austin State University, being named "Brother of the Year" by Men of Achievement, and earning lifetime membership recognition from the executive director of the SFA Alumni Association.
Position Statement: My vision for STAT over the next 3 years would be to continuously leverage science education beyond the scope of instruction and to take on initiatives that promote quality science education. I believe my vision aligns with STAT’s current strategic plan because they both are centered on the future success of science education and ignite a strong need to incorporate initiative in action that are purposeful. I want to continue to elevate our science community and help foster new opportunities to grow our organization (both professionally/ holistically) and the work being done.
Board Member
 Natasha Garza
Classroom Teacher
Franklin ISD (Region 6)
Bio: Natasha Garza has been an educator for 12 years and currently teaches eighth-grade science at Franklin Middle School. Holding certifications in Agricultural Science Education, Generalist 4-8, English as a Second Language (ESL), and as a principal, Garza is dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences for students while providing support to fellow educators.
Beyond the classroom, Garza is actively involved in professional development, regularly leading district-level training sessions. In 2024, they had the opportunity to present at CAST, sharing insights and strategies with educators from across Texas. For the past 2 years, they have also participated in the District Leadership Program, helping to shape instructional practices and foster collaboration among teachers and administrators.
As an engaged member of STAT, Garza continuously seeks opportunities for professional growth and ways to contribute to the broader science education community. Outside of education, they serve as the Chapter Leader for the Central Texas Chapter of the TEARS Foundation, organizing community events, leading grief support sessions, and managing volunteers to provide essential resources for families in need.
At the core of their work, Garza is driven by a passion for learning, a commitment to student success, and a dedication to supporting fellow educators in creating engaging and impactful classrooms.
Position Statement: I’ve always believed that the best way to grow as an educator is to connect with others who share the same passion. Science teaching isn’t just about delivering content—it’s about inspiring curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for the future. That’s why I’m excited about the opportunity to take on a leadership role with STAT. I want to help build a stronger, more connected community where teachers across Texas feel supported, valued, and equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
My vision for STAT is simple: Make it more accessible to every science teacher in Texas, no matter where they are. I know that not every educator has the same opportunities for networking, professional development, or advocacy, and I want to help bridge that gap. If given the chance to serve, my goals would include:
- Expanding Community Engagement: I’d love to see more teachers actively involved in STAT, whether through local meetups, online discussions, or collaborative projects. A strong community is built on relationships, and I want to create more spaces where teachers can connect, learn from each other, and feel like they belong.
- Boosting Professional Development: High-quality PD should be easy to access and relevant to teachers’ needs. I’d work to expand opportunities like virtual workshops, mentoring programs, and resource-sharing platforms so that all educators—regardless of location—can grow and improve their practice.
- Strengthening Advocacy for Science Teachers: Teachers’ voices matter, especially when it comes to decisions that impact our classrooms. I want to help amplify those voices by advocating for policies that support science educators, ensuring that STAT is at the forefront of important discussions about curriculum, funding, and professional support.
- Making CAST Even More Impactful: CAST is one of the best things about STAT, and I want to help make it even more accessible. Whether it’s increasing outreach to first-time attendees, offering more virtual options, or finding ways to lower barriers to participation, I want more teachers to experience the energy, inspiration, and learning that CAST provides.
At the end of the day, my goal is to help STAT continue being a place where science teachers feel supported, inspired, and empowered. I’m excited about the possibility of giving back to a community that has done so much for educators across Texas, and I’d love the chance to help shape its future.
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