Secretary Spellings Highlights Math and Science Education at Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy

Fairfax, VA. - U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today joined professional golfer Phil Mickelson, his wife Amy, officials from ExxonMobil, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), and Math Solutions for a National Town Hall with elementary math and science teachers from across the country. The Town Hall expanded on the national dialogue emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Secretary Spellings emphasized the importance of preparing students to compete in the 21st century global workforce by arming them with the skills to succeed.

“Employers today need workers with ’pocket-protector’ skills, creative problem-solvers with strong math and science backgrounds,” said Secretary Spellings. “The more students we train to be entrepreneurs and creative problem solvers, the more jobs they’ll create, and the greater ability they’ll have to improve the quality of life for others.”

The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy was established in 2005 by ExxonMobil, Phil and Amy Mickelson, NSTA, and Math Solutions to provide third- through fifth-grade teachers from around the country with creative and innovative methods of teaching math and science. 200 teachers selected from school districts across the country participated in the National Town Hall today, and will spend the remainder of the week participating in Academy activities and lessons.

This summer, 600 educators will be served by the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy during five-day sessions held in Texas, Louisiana and Virginia. Math Solutions and the NSTA design the curriculum, provide instructors and manage the daily activities and logistics of the Academy.

Next year, No Child Left Behind will expand to include science assessments, so teachers and administrators can get the data they need to help students improve science skills and better prepare for college and the workforce. Secretary Spellings also launched the National Math Panel in 2006 to help identify the best research on teaching math and bring the findings to the classroom.