JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Charlotte Atkinson, a science teacher at Wolfson High School, and Mary Maddox, a science teacher at Terry Parker High School, are among nine science teachers throughout Florida who will become fellows in a year-long professional-development program created specifically for science teachers.
A total of 244 teachers will take part in the program that is supported by the National Science Teachers Association. The program is designed to help promote quality science teaching, enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence, and improve teacher content knowledge. Some of the Fellows started the program in October while the others started in November.
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The 2012-13 Fellows were selected on the basis of criteria including showing evidence of a solid science background and displaying a strong interest in growing as a professional science educator. Each Fellow will receive a comprehensive NSTA membership package, online mentoring with trained mentors who teach in the same discipline, and the opportunity to participate in a variety of web-based professional development activities, including web seminars. In addition, each Fellow will receive financial support to attend and participate in NSTA's 2013 National Conference on Science Education in San Antonio.
"I am grateful that corporations understand the need for educators to continue expanding their knowledge of the science and technology fields," said Nikolai P. Vitti, superintendent of Duval Schools. "We want our teachers to be exposed to the latest findings and the finest leaders. These unique opportunities create wins for teachers and students alike."
The NSTA is based in Arlington, Virginia and is the largest professional organization in the world that promotes excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes approximately 60,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.