The Sally Ride Science Academy brought to you by ExxonMobil

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ExxonMobil has partnered with Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel in space, to conduct professional development programs for elementary school math and science teachers, specialists and administrators. The Sally Ride Science Academy brought to you by ExxonMobil will encourage student interest in math and science education though curriculum augmentation, programs to make math and science more relevant, constructive feedback skills training and tools to promote careers in math and science. In addition, the Academy will provide gender equity training to help educators foster an encouraging and collaborative learning environment.

The Academy is designed to address three key objectives:

  • Spark Interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The Academy will provide supplemental materials to schools’ standard math and science lesson plans, helping to spark students’ interests in these fields.
  • Address Gender Balance Issues. The Academy will provide gender equity teacher training to help teachers foster an encouraging and collaborative learning environment and guide them on providing specific and constructive feedback to students.
  • Redefine STEM Career Perceptions. The Academy will provide teachers and counselors with career information focused on dispelling negative stereotypes of  STEM .

Each district participating in the program will nominate:

  • Two to four upper elementary classroom teachers who demonstrate a willingness and ability to provide professional development for their colleagues,
  • A science specialist/coordinator who is responsible for district coordination and support following the Academy; and
  • A guidance counselor or educator who provides career guidance in district schools.

As part of their full participation in the Academy, each team is required to develop an action plan for the school district to implement.

The inaugural Academy was held in July 2009 in California and will serve as the template to expand the program to develop annual training programs for elementary school math and science teachers, specialists and administrators across the country.