Kimberlin Academy for Excellence fifth-grade teacher Bonnie Martinez earned a sought-after professional development opportunity, thanks to her commitment to Garland ISD students and 21st-century instruction. The dedicated educator is one of just 155 nationwide selected to attend the 2015 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy July 27-31 at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, N.J.
“I was quite shocked when I learned I was chosen,” she said. “As educators, we do not always give ourselves the credit we deserve for the hard work we pour into our students, families and classrooms. Receiving a token of gratitude, like this teacher’s academy, makes me proud. The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy will provide me the tools, ideas and experiences to truly challenge students with real-world practices.”
More than 1,500 professionals from across the nation applied for this one-week, all-expense paid conference. A panel of math and science educators selected attendees based on their qualifications and passion.
“Bonnie’s commitment to teaching stood out among the rest,” states a press release. “At the Academy, Bonnie will learn innovative ways to capture and inspire students in math and science. The Academy curriculum was developed around the three principles most common to national educational benchmarks for the third through fifth-grade age range: Newton’s laws of motion, action and reaction and motion and forces.”
Martinez is not only eager to learn from experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, but also excited to work with her counterparts.
“I am most looking forward to connecting with other educators from across the country, while learning the best practices of merging math and science,” the bilingual teacher explained. “I am hoping to participate in a lot of hands-on learning experiences that I can share.”
Martinez will certainly have the chance to enlighten her GISD colleagues in 2015-16, as the driven educator will take on a new role of Title I Technology Specialist.
“This Academy is going to help me in my new position. I want to be able to show teachers how to create challenging yet fun learning content for students. Our district is progressing towards STEM-based learning, and understanding how to merge math and science will help teachers and campuses enrich and increase academic rigor.”
To learn more about the 2015 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, or nominate a teacher for the 2016 conference, visit the program’s website.