Pointers for Parents Helping Teachers Make The Grad (NAPSA)—Thenewschool year has just begun, but students already have a way to shape what they will learn in classrooms next year. Only a few weeksareleft for students to nominate their most | ila, influential third-, fourth- and fifth-grade teachers to attend the 2009 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy. The Academy helps teachers hone their math- and scienceteaching skills and find new ways to inspire students in the classroom. Students can nominate their favorite third-, fourthand fifth-grade teacher by visiting www.sendmyteacher.com. The application deadline is October 31, 2008. A panel of educators from the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) will review the applications received and select 100 teachers to attend the Academy. Smart Ways To Teach Developed in conjunction with Math Solutions and the National Science Teachers Association, the Academyis a five-day, all-expensepaid professional development program described by USA Today as giving teachers “new ideas, tools and networking opportunities.” The 2009 Academy will be held at the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey. Teachers will be instructed by educators from Math Solutions and the National Science Teachers Association as they learn with fellow teachers from across the country. Among other topics, lessons will focus on teaching math and science in kid-friendly ways and A unique program lets students help engageteachers. using fun props such asballoons, marbles and rockets to educate. Teachers learn through problem solving and inquiry and by identifying links between math and science that support student learning and understanding. A Pressing Need The Academy comes at a time of slumping math and science scores and as educationis a particular concern for a growing number of parents. It was founded by PGA golfer Phil Mickelson andhis wife, Amy, along with their partners, in an effort to develop a program that inspires teachers and equips them with interactive teaching tools to ignite their students’ passion in math andscience. Mickelson, who recently testified before the House Committee on Education and Laborregarding the state of math and science education in the U.S., also participated in a National Town Hall Forum to help bring attention to the Academyandits goals. “We must raise awareness, focus attention and dedicate additional resources toward solving the growingcrisis in math andscience education,” he says. For more information or to nominate a teacher, visit www. sendmyteacher.com.
