Membership FAQ

Questions Frequently Asked about NSTA Membership

1. How much does it cost to join NSTA?
2. Once I join, when will I receive my membership card, new member kit, journal, and NSTA Reports (NSTA's member newspaper)?
3. When I join NSTA, am I automatically enrolled in my state or local Association?
4. Do I need a sponsor to join NSTA? What does my sponsor get?
5. How do I update my membership record?
6. Can I change my journal selection?
7. If I leave my organization, does my membership "travel" with me?
8. What is the difference between the Institutional and Individual memberships?
9. Should I use my school or home address?
10. What documentation do you require for student and first year teachers?
11. Can I just get a subscription to the journal of my choice?
12. How do I know if I am a member of the National Science Teachers Association?
13. What is my membership identification number?

1. How much does it cost to join NSTA?
   The current dues table can be found here.
2. Once I join, when will I receive my membership card, new member kit, journal and NSTA Reports (NSTA's member newspaper)?
   You'll receive your new-member kit, including your membership card, your first issue of your chosen journal(s), and your first copy of NSTA Reports, within one month of the completed processing of your membership by NSTA.
3. When I join NSTA, am I automatically enrolled in my state or local Association?
   No. However, we urge you to also join your state or local associations to gain full access to professional development and networking opportunities in your geographic area. (Click here for a list of the NSTA Chapters and Associated Groups.)
4. Do I need a sponsor to join NSTA? What does my sponsor get?
   We welcome all new members with or without a sponsor. New-member sponsors receive a referral thank you, in the form of a $5.00 gift certificate, good for books, registrations, and membership. NSTA encourages all members to sponsor new members to help strengthen the association. All referral applications should be mailed to headquarters and include the name and address of the sponsor so we can mail them their gift certificate.
5. How do I update my membership record?
   You can renew your membership and change your address online. For additional membership needs you can contact our Membership Department by calling us toll-free at 1-800-722-6782. We are here for you Monday–Friday, 9–5 Eastern Time, or e-mail us at [email protected].
6. Can I change my journal selection?
   Yes! Please contact our membership department at headquarters if you need to change your journal preference.
7. If I leave my organization, does my membership "travel " with me?
   Individual membership in NSTA is personal and fully portable should you change employment. With your permission, NSTA will transfer your membership to another individual if you leave the teaching profession and your membership is no longer applicable.
8. What is the difference between the Institutional and Individual memberships?
   The institutional membership offers a discount on NSTA teaching materials as this membership was primary created for the school or library. Institutional memberships do not receive discounts on registrations at NSTA conferences.
9. Should I use my school or home address?
   We recommend that you use your home address because we mail out NSTA Reports and additional correspondence even in the summer months. However, institutional memberships should always list their school address.
10. What documentation do you require for student and first year teachers?
    We require a copy of your student identification, student schedule, new hire letter, or letter from your school principal or professor. Student and First-Year Teacher memberships must be mailed to our membership department at headquarters. The address is The National Science Teachers Association, Attn: Membership, PO Box 90214, Washington DC 20090-014.
11. Can I just get a subscription to the journal of my choice?
    No. Our journals are designed to support teachers in the classroom and are only offered as part of our member benefit package.
12. How do I know if I am a member of the National Science Teachers Association?
    If you are a current member then you are receiving one of our four journals and NSTA Reports. You can also call our membership department and a support staff can verify your membership over the phone.
13. What is my membership identification number?
    Your membership number can be found on your journal label. Click here for details. To request an additional membership card, please contact our Membership Department.