Expanded Opportunities For Teachers (NAPSA)—There’s a new way for elementary school teachers to get a chance to improve their math andscience teaching skills. Students can visit www.send myteacher.com to urge their third-, fourth- and fifth-grade teachers to apply for an allexpense paid trip to the 2009 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, a math andscience professional development program. Previously, all 600 teachers attending the academy each year were selected in consultation with local school districts in communities where golfer Phil Mickelson plays on the PGA Tour or where ExxonMobil has operations. For the 2009 sessions, 100 teachers will be selected through the nomination process. “Since the Mickelson Exxon Mobil Teachers Academy was launched in 2004, we have received an overwhelmingly positive response from the education community,” said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman andchief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation. “Now we are further expanding the opportunity for teachers from across the country to attend this valuable program that will help develop future math andscience graduates who will fill a skills gap that is diminishing America’s competitiveness.” Developed in conjunction with the National Science Teachers Association and Math Solutions, the Academy helps teachers hone their science and math teaching skills, enhance their curricula and discover innovative new ways to inspire students. The teachers will spend five days in July at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, N.J., deepening their understanding of Phil and Amy Mickelson encourage students to nominate teachers for a program that sharpens math and scienceteachingskills. mathematics and science content, building expertise in facilitating student learning through problem solving and inquiry and using links between math and science that support student learning and understanding in the classroom. “Our goal is to equip teachers with the skills and tools they need to inspire their students in math and science,” said Phil Mickelson, who, along with his wife, Amy, plays a key role in the Academy. “Amy and I are excited to expand the opportunity for more teachers to attend the Academy and help ignite these teachers’ own passion for these subjects.” Teacher applications are due by October 31, 2008. The National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics will convene a panel of math and science experts to evaluate the entries and announce the selections in February 2009. To nominate a teacher or to learn more about the program, go to www.sendmyteacher.com.
