Zs Mickelson Tees Up for Math and Science Academy (NAPSA)—From the golf links to the links between math and science, a new training academy is helping elementary school teachers enhance their teaching skills in math and science and discover engaging ways to increase student interest and achievement in these subjects. Called the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, the program is sponsored by Professional Golf Association (PGA) golfer Phil Mickelson, his wife Amy and the ExxonMobil Foundation. This year the one-week training program takes place in Fairfax, VA. The annual intensive professional development program will train 200 third- through fifthgrade teachers selected from 20 communities located near the 2005 golf tournaments where Phil Mickelson will play or where major ExxonMobil employee sites are located. “T think the academy can create an opportunity for teachers to share ideas,” said Mickelson, the first winner of back-to-back tournaments on the 2005 tour. “Teachers will also have a chance to learn new approaches and techniques they can use in their own classrooms.” Participating teachers will investigate links between math and science and apply that knowledge to support student learning in the classroom and beyond. The teachers will also network with others involved in elementary school mathematics and science education. College credit will be available to Academyparticipants. Faculty provided by an organization called Math Solutions and A new program hasbeen created to help teachers improve the way they teach math and science. by the National Science Teachers Association will train program instructors. The instructors are mathematics and science educators with years of classroom experience. “We're excited about the relationship with ExxonMobil because they have a long, demonstrated history of supporting innovation in the areas of education and scholarship. We believe this program can make a measurable difference nationally in the way science and math are taught,” said Amy Mickelson. “We need strong, innovative teachers to provide students with a solid grounding in math andscience,” said Lee Raymond, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation. “The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is one more step in ExxonMobil’s long-term effort to strengthen the quality of education globally and to build the next generation of math and science-savvy citizens in this country.” To learn more about the program, visit www.exxonmobil.com or www.philmickelson.com.
