Joëlle Clark (PEC Chair-Elect)

Science Education Coordinator, Center for Science Teaching & Learning, Northern Arizona University, Box 5697, Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Telephone:(928) 523-8797; Fax (928) 523-7953
Joelle.Clark@nau.edu

Description of past and current involvement in public education and outreach

I am a Science Education Coordinator at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, Northern Arizona University where I have been employed for the past 11 years.  My background is in geology, archaeology, and education. I have designed and taught curricula and professional development programs with preservice, inservice, and informal educators. I work extensively with K-8 schools in Arizona and across the country; primarily in rural and reservation areas and with informal education agencies and organizations. I have been an archaeology educator since 1985 and have directed numerous archaeology education efforts including managing education at Elden Pueblo Archaeological Project. I am a Project Archaeology facilitator and co-state coordinator for Arizona.

Interest in PEC membership

I have been a member of the SAA Public Education Committee since 1992 and am currently Chair-Elect. As an archaeologist and an educator, I believe strongly in professionalism. Being part of the Public Education Committee is a commitment to this professionalism because I have an opportunity to contribute to not only the greater good of the organization (SAA), but also to archaeology and education.

As a PEC member I expect to contribute to the initiatives and work of the committee and in return I acquire more experience, knowledge, and collegial relationships in the field of archaeology education. I offer the PEC almost 20 years of archaeology education experience, a national network of educators and educational organizations with whom I work, and a commitment to PEC efforts. I also offer the PEC (at least temporarily) to host the SAAPEC-L listserv.

Area of interest:  Working with Native American Education; Formalizing a network of archaeology educators and educators nationwide and internationally; and establishing “standards” for archaeology education

Target audience(s):  indigenous people, professional archaeologists, and formal and informal educators.