K-12 Teacher Advisory Board Charter
1. Introduction
The Algae Foundation’s (AF) Teacher Advisory Board (the “Board”) is a group of educators who partner with the Algae Foundation’s K-12 initiatives (Algae Academy, Cultivate, Summer Algae Science Institute) to shape the future of our programs. What began as an informal working group of dedicated teachers is now being formalized into a structured advisory body.
This charter outlines the Board’s purpose, goals, structure, and the commitments expected of participating teachers. It is intended to provide clarity for current and prospective members and to ensure the Board operates with consistency and impact.
2. Mission
The Teacher Advisory Board exists to AF K-12 programs are shaped by the people who use them every day: classroom educators. The Board serves as the teacher voice in program development, bridges classroom realities with program design, and champions AF programming across the broader education community.
3. Goals & Objectives
The Board pursues four interconnected goals:
• Curriculum feedback and improvement Review existing materials, identify gaps, and recommend enhancements based on real classroom experience.
• Pilot testing Serve as the first to trial new lessons, kits, or activities and provide structured feedback before broader release.
• Program advocacy and outreach Promote AF programs to peer educators, at conferences, within school districts, and through professional networks.
• Strategic input Advise on program direction, new initiatives, and the evolving needs of students and teachers.
4. Board Composition
The Board is composed of practicing educators selected to reflect a range of perspectives. In building the Board, AF seeks diversity across:
• Grade levels and subject areas taught
• Geographic regions
• School types (public, private, charter, rural, urban, suburban)
• Years of teaching experience
• Experience with AF programs
Members are selected through a combination of nomination and application. Selection criteria include demonstrated classroom experience with hands-on science instruction, a commitment to student engagement, and willingness to participate actively in Board work.
5. Term of Service
Members serve two-year terms. To ensure continuity and prevent full turnover in any given year, terms are staggered: in the inaugural cohort, approximately half of members will serve an initial one-year term and half will serve a two-year term. Thereafter, all terms will be two years in length.
Members may serve up to two consecutive terms, for a maximum of four years of continuous service. Following a one-year hiatus, former members are eligible to reapply for future cohorts. In the event a member is unable to complete their term, they are asked to provide written notice to the Algae Foundation as soon as reasonably possible. A replacement may be appointed to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
6. Time Commitment & Responsibilities
Board members commit to approximately 3–5 hours per month, which includes:
• Meetings: Attending virtual Board meetings (bi-monthly, approximately one hour each).
• Between-meeting work: Reviewing materials, completing surveys, or providing written feedback on curriculum and program initiatives.
• Classroom piloting: When applicable, piloting new lessons, kits, or activities and reporting back on student response and instructional fit.
• Annual project: Leading or contributing to at least one annual initiative such as an advocacy effort, conference presentation, content creation project, or peer outreach campaign.
• Responsiveness: Replying to Board communications within a reasonable window (typically one week).
7. Stipend & Recognition
The Algae Foundation values the time and expertise of Board members. In recognition of their contribution, members receive:
• Annual stipend: $250 per year of service, paid at the close of each year of active participation.
• Formal recognition as an Algae Academy Teacher Advisory Board member, including listing on the Algae Academy website.
• A certificate of service suitable for professional portfolios.
• Early access to new Algae Academy materials, kits, and resources.
• Letters of recommendation or documentation of professional development hours, where applicable.
8. Meeting Structure & Communication
Board meetings are held virtually to enable participation from members across regions. Meetings are scheduled with sufficient notice and recorded when possible so members who must miss a session can stay informed.
Between meetings, the Board communicates through email, a shared workspace for documents and feedback (Google Drive), and periodic short surveys. Members are not expected to be available outside of normal work hours, AF will be mindful of school calendars and major holidays when scheduling.
9. Board Liaison
The Board has a dedicated point of contact at the Algae Foundation to make participation as smooth as possible. The Board Liaison handles scheduling, communications, stipend administration, and serves as the first point of contact for any questions or concerns.
Primary contact: Marissa Nalley, Senior Director of Programs and Operations
Email: mnalley@thealgaefoundation.org
Phone: 309-261-9130
Marissa typically responds within two business days. Board members are encouraged to reach out anytime with questions, ideas, scheduling conflicts, or feedback they'd like to share outside of a formal meeting.
10. Governance & Decision-Making
The Board is advisory in nature. Members provide guidance, feedback, and recommendations to the AF program team, which retains final decision-making authority over program content, structure, and operations. The strength of the Board lies in the depth and honesty of its input, not in formal voting authority.
AF commits to transparency about how Board feedback is used. After major review cycles, the program team will share back with the Board which recommendations were adopted, which were not, and the reasoning behind those decisions.
11. Code of Conduct
Board members agree to:
• Maintain confidentiality regarding unreleased materials, internal program plans, and any information shared in confidence during Board work.
• Engage with fellow members, AF staff, and the broader community with respect and professionalism.
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including affiliations with competing programs or commercial relationships that could be perceived as influencing Board input.
• Represent AF accurately in any public-facing advocacy or outreach undertaken on the Board’s behalf.
12. Onboarding & Offboarding
New Board members participate in an orientation session covering AF programs, current priorities, Board operations, and an introduction to fellow members. Onboarding materials, including a member handbook and access to shared resources, are provided at the start of each term.
At the conclusion of service, members are recognized for their contributions and invited to remain connected as Advisory Board alumni. Alumni may be called upon occasionally for input on specific initiatives and are welcome at periodic alumni gatherings.
13. Application & Next Steps
Teachers interested in joining the Algae Foundation’s Teacher Advisory Board may apply through the application process announced on the Algae Foundation website. Nominations from current Board members, school administrators, and AF partners are also welcome.
For questions about the Board or the application process, please contact the Board Liaison, Marissa Nalley, Senior Director of Programs and Operations.
Thank you for your interest in shaping the future of the Algae Foundation K-12 programs