Thornwood Elementary School teacher Mario Romero attended the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in Jersey City, N.J., the summer. This weeklong professional development session was held from July 21-26 and was designed especially for third- through fifth-grade teachers. The academy helps teachers motivate students in science, technology, engineering and math learning through rich, inquiry-based methods of group instruction. Academy sessions also focus on “best practices” in teaching.
(Please see application link below to apply for the 2014 Teachers Academy.)
During the summer Teachers Academy, professional golfer and academy supporter Phil Mickelson returned from Scotland where he had just won his fifth professional title during the Open Championship, the oldest of four major championships in professional golf.
The teachers mobbed Mickelson when he visited the group, Mario said. A former SBISD Teacher of the Year, Mario joined about 200 teachers invited to the summer Academy. “The central theme that I walked away with from the Academy is to always maintain the ‘5E Model’ in every lesson that I teach this year.
This includes: Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend and Evaluate. Keeping my students focused in this lesson cycle will provide that rigor and relevance that we are encouraged to teach with in SBISD,” he said. “I strongly believe that if we encourage our students to investigate, wonder, explore and make real-world connections in math and science, they will perform with distinction in any formal and informal assessment,” Mario said.
“Our students in SBISD are hungry for learning! By giving them STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) applications in their learning, they will rise to the occasion!” At the Academy, Mario said that he also shared ideas that have worked for him at Thornwood Elementary, and he also learned innovative and new methods that teachers use across the United States.
The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is seeking applications now for the 2014 Teachers Academy. The application deadline is Oct. 31, 2013.
For more information, please visit: http://www.sendmyteacher.com/
Mr. Romero is a gifted teacher! I am so glad he can share what he has learned with others; every one can benefit from his experience!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mrs. Alexander! You too are an amazing teacher, and I know your new endeavor will help many teachers and students in your learning community.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mrs. Alexander! You too are an amazing teacher, and I know your new endeavor will help many students and staff in your learning community.
ReplyDelete