Two Arizona teachers to participate in national academy

Two science teachers from Arizona have been chosen as part of 200 middle and secondary science teachers from across the country to participate in the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) New Science Teacher Academy. As an Amgen-NSTA Fellow or Associate Fellow, the following teachers will, among other activities, engage in Web-based professional development activities and attend the NSTA National Conference on Science:   John Giacobbe, South Pointe High School, Phoenix Heather De Herrera, Connolly Middle School, Tempe   There is a high attrition rate in the teaching profession, especially in science. This revolving-door phenomenon is leaving many classrooms without qualified teachers. The rate of turnover for all teachers, especially those new to the profession, is higher than in many other occupations.  The NSTA science teacher survey found that nearly 40 percent of science teachers polled are thinking about abandoning the profession.  By comparison, the business community considers six percent cause for alarm.  The New Science Teacher Academy, co-founded by a three-year, $3 million grant from the Amgen Foundation, is a new program designed to encourage and support new middle and secondary school science educators in their first few years of teaching. The press release about the program follows: 2007 Amgen-NSTA Fellows and Associate Fellows Announced 200 New Middle and Secondary School Science Teachers From Across the Country to Begin Professional Development Journey as First Cohort in NSTA New Science Teacher Academy   ARLINGTON, VA - November 29, 2007 - The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, in partnership with the Amgen Foundation, today announced the 2007 Amgen-NSTA Fellows and Associate Fellows in the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy. Selected from nearly a thousand applications from across the country, the 200 Amgen-NSTA Fellows and Associate Fellows will take part in a year-long program in a host of science-related activities and professional development opportunities.   Representing 37 states and the District of Columbia, the 2007 Amgen-NSTA Fellows and Associate Fellows were selected on the basis of several criteria, including displaying a strong interest in growing as a professional science educator. During their fellowship, recipients will: *        Engage in web-based professional development activities, including a specially designated online learning community; *        Attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, March 27-30, 2008; and *        Participate in the Research Dissemination Conference or a Professional Development Institute. Amgen-NSTA Fellows will also receive online e-mentoring with trained mentors who teach in the same discipline.   "Each of the Amgen-NSTA Fellows and Associate Fellows has conveyed a desire to develop their skills as teachers so that they can better foster their students' interest in science," said John Whitsett, president, NSTA. "We are very proud of this year's group of fellows and associate fellows and are grateful for their commitment to science education and to their students."   Co-founded by the Amgen Foundation with a 3-year, $3 million grant, the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy was established to help promote quality science teaching in the U.S. by providing professional development and mentoring support to early-career science teachers.   "The opportunity for professional development is critical to success in any field, and none more important than in teaching," said Jean J. Lim, president, Amgen Foundation.  "We are pleased to partner with the NSTA to support teachers whose work will ultimately help to shape student achievement in the sciences."   For a list of the 2007 Amgen-NSTA Fellows and Associate Fellows or to learn more about the NSTA New Science Teachers Academy, please visit www.nsta.org/academy In April, the online application for the 2008-2009 fellows and associate fellows will become available. A link to the application will be posted on the site.   About NSTA The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (www.nsta.org ) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.   About The Amgen Foundation The Amgen Foundation (http://www.amgen.com/citizenship/overview.html) seeks to advance science education; improve patient access to quality care; and strengthen the communities where Amgen staff members live and work. Since 1991, the Foundation has made more than $85 million in grants to local, regional, and national nonprofit organizations that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. It has also supported disaster relief efforts both domestically and internationally.

 

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