Arlington, Va. —September 10 , 2008 —The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, in partnership with the Amgen Foundation; Agilent Technologies Foundation; Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (“Astellas”); and Bayer Corporation, today announced the 185 new middle and secondary science teachers from across the country who will take part as Fellows in the 2008 NSTA New Science Teacher Academy. Selected from hundreds of applications from across the country, the Fellows will participate in a year-long professional development program established to help reduce the high attrition rate among science teachers new to the teaching profession.
“The Amgen Foundation congratulates the new science teachers who will join the Academy this year,” said Jean Lim, president, Amgen Foundation. “The Academy Fellows are making a long-term commitment to give their very best to their students—and to society, as they inspire the scientists of tomorrow.”
Representing 49 states, the District of Columbia and a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school, the 2008 Fellows were selected on the basis of several criteria, including displaying a strong interest in growing as a professional science educator. Fellows 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 2009 National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans.
“Astellas is committed to cultivating the careers of new science teachers who play a crucial role in inspiring passion for science among their students,” said Maribeth Landwehr, director of corporate communications, Astellas. “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the NSTA in support of the New Science Teachers Academy to help further science education in the classroom.”
For this academic year, Agilent Technologies Foundation and Bayer Corporation will each fund the participation of 10 science teachers as Agilent Foundation-NSTA Fellows and Bayer-NSTA Fellows, respectively. Astellas will support 15 science teachers from the Chicago area as Astellas-NSTA Fellows. The remaining 150 science teachers will be supported by the Amgen Foundation and named Amgen-NSTA Fellows.
Co-founded by the Amgen Foundation, the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy was created to help promote quality science teaching, enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence and improve teacher content knowledge by providing professional development and mentoring support to early-career science teachers.
For a list of the 2008 Fellows or to learn more about the NSTA New Science Teachers Academy, please visit www.nsta.org/academy. In early March, the online application for the 2009 Fellows will become available. A link to the application will be posted on the Academy web page.
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (www.nsta.org) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA’s current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
About The Amgen Foundation
The Amgen Foundation (www.amgen.com/citizenship/overview.html) seeks to advance science education; improve patient access to quality care; and strengthen the communities where Amgen staff members live and work. Since 1991, the Foundation has made nearly $110 million in grants to nonprofit organizations across the United States, Puerto Rico and Europe that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. It has also supported disaster relief efforts both domestically and internationally.
About the Agilent Technologies Foundation
The Agilent Technologies Foundation is a separate, non-profit organization funded by Agilent Technologies. The Agilent Technologies Foundation supports initiatives that will have a lasting effect in the field of science education around the world. It also funds university research at the frontiers of measurement in electronics, chemical and bio sciences. The Foundation makes pre-selected, Foundation-initiated grants in countries where Agilent is located.
About Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Astellas Pharma US, Inc., located in Deerfield, Illinois, is a U.S. affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. The organization is committed to becoming a global category leader in focused areas by combining outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities. In the U.S., Astellas markets products in the areas of immunology, urology, anti-infectives, cardiovascular and dermatology. For more information about Astellas Pharma US, Inc., please visit our Web site at www.astellas.com/us.
About Bayer Corporation and Making Science Make Sense
Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, an international health care, nutrition and innovative materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. In North America, Bayer had 2007 net sales of 8.1 billion euros and employed 16,800 at year end. Bayer’s three subgroups, Bayer HealthCare, Bayer CropScience and Bayer MaterialScience, improve people’s lives through a broad range of essential products that help diagnose, prevent and treat diseases; protect crops and enhance yields; and advance automobile safety and durability.
Formalized in 1995, Making Science Make Sense is Bayer’s award-winning initiative to advances science literacy through hands-on, inquiry-based science learning, employee volunteerism and public education.
Contact Information
Kate Meyer
National Science Teachers Association
kmeyer@nsta.org
(703) 312-9211