[Section Introduction]: Feminist Leadership in the Academy

Feminists have consistently pointed to the significant role science plays in the validation of cultural constructions of gender. Feminist critics from both inside and outside the sciences have explored how scientific authority has consistently been used to justify and reinforce inequitable gender power structures. This chapter provides a myriad of examples of the ways in which the field of feminist science studies has begun a constructive discourse between feminism and education. The very nature of border-crossing provides the freedom to engage in the transformative feminist leadership of science education to which we are profoundly committed. There is a widespread movement devoted to reforming K-16 science education. These efforts center on changing science curricula, teaching, and assessment practices. To work toward a bridge between science and feminist education and enact feminist reforms in science education, it is crucial to document our experiences within the sciences so schooling can be a key part of transforming sciences culture.