Silicon Valley recognizes stellar math and science teachers, creates new ones
EnCorps Teachers Program, which helps math and science professionals transition into classroom teaching, and the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, which presents summer algebra programs for middle schoolers, announced a partnership today to connect 100 STEM (science, math, engineering and technology) professionals with Silicon Valley classrooms as teachers, tutors and mentors by the end of 2012.
In addition, several outstanding Silicon Valley teachers were singled out with top honors for their exceptional commitment to helping students with math and science achievement at an awards ceremony May 7 at Agilent Technologies in Santa Clara.
The awards recognizing these math and science educators from underserved schools were presented jointly by the EnCorps Teachers Program and the Silicon Valley Education Foundation on the final day of National Teacher Appreciation Week. The teachers were singled out for activities ranging from creating award-winning school science fair entrants to securing corporate grants for student materials to seeking out fossils for a science project.
Michelle Lyle of Northwood School in San Jose received the Jaime Escalante Legacy Award, named for the tenacious teacher at Los Angeles’ gang-ridden Garfield High School who created a successful math and calculus program at the school. His story was the focus of the acclaimed 1988 film “Stand and Deliver.” “ Michelle is relentless in her efforts to structure her classroom and teaching so that each student achieves at the highest possible level”, says Sandra Yellenberg, Science Coordinator SCCOE.
Other recognized teachers included:
Carol Evans of Oak Grove High School, whose students have qualified to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair every year from 2000 to 2008, an honor that goes to only 12 students from the county each year. Carol’s efforts to support her students include evening carpools to a university lab so they can use equipment not available at the high school and weekends spent on the computer finding content area mentors to help them work on projects outside of Carol’s own area of expertise.
Dawn O’Connor of Solorsano Middle School is California’s 2008 award winner for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program who has secured corporate funds to support her school’s science fair and to offer an advanced bio-research program to encourage student achievement in more real-world activities.
Mary Sommers of Silver Creek High School, brings her AP level knowledge and expectations to students at all levels of high school science. From supervising the cheerleading squad to building biology benchmark assessments, Ms. Sommers exudes commitment to student success.
“We are delighted to partner with the EnCorps Teachers Program to connect professionals with the teaching world so they can pass on their invaluable math and science knowledge and real-world experience to our youngsters,” said SVEF CEO Muhammed Chaudhry. “We need to arm students, especially at underserved schools, with better tools to go on to good colleges and successful careers as our future engineers and scientists.”
In addition to EnCorps and the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, representatives from a variety of corporate, professional and educational organizations convened to create a pathway for STEM professionals to become math and science educators through the EnCorps Teachers Program, including Alliant University, Berryessa Union School District, Citizen Schools, Civic Ventures, Silicon Valley Engineering Council.
EnCorps Teachers Program
As many talented mid-career professionals are looking for a career change, EnCorps is helping them make the transition to teaching. EnCorps recruits STEP (skilled transitioning experienced professionals) from STEM professions to become credentialed math and science teachers for under-served middle and high schools across California. EnCorps' unique approach involves a disciplined, structured pathway, allowing the candidate time and experience in the classroom with students and master teachers before committing to a full-time teaching program. A rigorous application and preliminary assessment begin the process. Once accepted, EnCorps’ BEST (basic educational support team) partners with each candidate as they follow their pathway to becoming an EnCorps Educator.
Silicon Valley Education Foundation
Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) focuses on raising student performance in the critical areas of math, science, and English language arts - while supporting the arts across all 33 Santa Clara County pre-k - 12 school districts. SVEFs' goal is to be the leading advocate for public education in their region. The SVEF is known for their clear focus on achieving results, partnering, and emphasizing creativity and innovation. Beyond serving students, teachers, and administrators, they provide value to the larger community by making investing in education easy.
EnCorps Teachers Program
http://encorpsteachers.org
Silicon Valley Education Foundation
http://www.svefoundation.org/svefoundation/
http://www.svefoundation.org/svefoundation/howwehelp/stem_why.php
Million Ways to Teach
http://www.millionwaystoteach.org/
SJ2020
http://www.sccoe.k12.ca.us/sj2020/
Education Outlook, Vital Signs Issue - Winter 2008
http://www.sccoe.k12.ca.us/newsandfacts/edoutlook/pdfdocs/EdOutlook.pdf
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