Elementary School Teachers to Attend Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy
Two hundred teachers from 50 states to upgrade math and science
teaching skills
ExxonMobil partnered with PGA golfer Phil Mickelson to improve math
and science education
Academy has trained nearly 3,6000 teachers impacting more than 230,000
students
Two hundred elementary school teachers from across the United States
have been selected to attend the 2013 Mickelson
ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, a professional development program
designed to enhance math and science teaching skills. Participants learn
how to bring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to life in
the classroom, to inspire students to study and pursue careers in the
critical fields.
'Today′s teachers and students must learn how to "speak science′ to
ensure we remain competitive as a nation,? said PGA golfer Phil
Mickelson. 'The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy encourages
teachers to use real-world examples and in-class experiments to build
excitement about STEM learning, educating the next generation of
American innovators.?
The successful educators teach third through fifth grade and were chosen
from more than 1,500 applications submitted at www.sendmyteacher.com.
Selection was based on teacher qualifications, dedication to inspiring
students at an early age and overall commitment to enhancing the
teaching profession. A panel of educators from the National
Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National
Science Teachers Association selected participants to attend the
national academy, held July 22-26, 2013, at Liberty Science Center in
Jersey City, New Jersey.
The academy is an intensive, one-week, all-expenses-paid program
developed in 2005 when ExxonMobil partnered with Mickelson and his wife,
Amy. Launched with support from the National Science Teachers
Association and Math
Solutions, the initiative has trained 3,600 teachers benefiting more
than 230,000 students nationwide. In addition to the 200 teachers
attending this year′s national academy in New Jersey, 400 more teachers
will attend regional academies in Louisiana and Texas.
'The academy reaffirmed my belief that the classroom can and should be
one of the most exciting places a child visits,? said Krissy Venosdale,
a teacher from St. Louis who attended in 2012. 'Educators can
reinvigorate their classrooms by sharing real-world applications of
science and technology ? like our country′s space program.?
Currently, U.S. students rank 17th and 25th
globally in math and science, respectively, according to results from
the 2009 Programme for International Student Assessment. Research from
the National Science Foundation shows that eight of the 10 fastest
growing job sectors require math and science skills. Professional
development in these subjects builds confidence for educators to become
further advocates for STEM while igniting a passion in their students.
'Today′s teachers are critical to ensuring students are ready to pursue
STEM related careers, and ExxonMobil recognizes the ongoing need to
support these professionals,? said Suzanne McCarron, Exxon Mobil
Corporation's general manager of public and government affairs. 'The
academy equips teachers with the tools and strategies needed to build
enthusiasm about math and science and develop future scientists and
engineers.?
The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is part of ExxonMobil′s
long-term commitment to education. The company supports initiatives that
encourage students to take an active interest in math and science
careers, support the professional development of highly qualified
teachers and promote involvement by women and minority students.
For a complete list of teachers selected to attend the national 2013
Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, visit www.sendmyteacher.com.
The application process for the 2014 academy, which will celebrate the
program′s 10th anniversary, opens today.
About Exxon Mobil Corporation
Globally, ExxonMobil
provides funding to improve basic education, promote women as catalysts
for economic development, and combat malaria and other infectious
diseases in developing countries. In 2012, together with its employees
and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), its divisions and
affiliates, and the ExxonMobil Foundation provided $256 million in
contributions worldwide, of which $116 million was dedicated to
education. www.exxonmobil.com/community
Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation
Since its inception in 2004, the Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation is
focused on supporting a variety of youth and family initiatives
including the ?Mickelson
ExxonMobil Teachers Academy ?and ?Smart
Start. The Foundation′s mission is to operate exclusively for
charitable, educational and scientific purposes; established as a
501(c)3, it is a non-fundraising, private foundation. ?For more
information visit www.PhilMickelson.com.
National Science Teachers Association
The Arlington, VA-based National
Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest professional
organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science
teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes
approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors,
administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and
others involved in science education.
Math Solutions
Math Solutions, founded in 1984 by Marilyn Burns, has provided a wide
range of professional development services and resource materials to
more than 500 districts, in 47 states, helping more than 100,000
teachers and administrators across the country. For more information,
visit www.mathsolutions.com.
ExxonMobil
Media Relations, 972-444-1107
