CLEARWATER – Valerie Christou of Clearwater, a science teacher at St. Petersburg High, was recently chosen for a yearlong fellowship program in the prestigious National Science Teachers Association’s new science teacher academy.
One of nine teachers selected from Florida, Christou 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, she will receive financial support to attend and participate in NSTA’s 2013 National Conference on Science Education in San Antonio.
“We are thrilled to provide these teachers with the resources and support needed to help them feel confident and passionate about the critical work they do in inspiring today’s youth to become tomorrow’s leading STEM professionals,” said Gerry Wheeler, interim executive director, NSTA.
Hundreds of people applied, but only nine teachers from Florida were selected to receive the fellowship.
“Lockheed Martin values the importance of providing training and resources to teachers so they are better equipped to teach the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians,” said Emily Simone, Lockheed Martin’s director of Global Community Outreach. “We’re excited to partner with NSTA and support the fellows.”
The 2012 Fellows were selected on the basis of several criteria. The criteria considered by tge NSTA included showing evidence of a solid science background and displaying a strong interest in growing as a professional science educator.
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