Megan Sullivan, a 5th grade teacher at Brookwood School, works with student Ti Thurmond on a science lesson on mold. Sullivan has been selected to participate in the Mickelson ExxonMobile Academy this summer.
While Meghan Sullivan’s students are off this summer enjoying some time away from school, she will be in the classroom learning how to better equip her students. Sutton is one of 150 highly qualified third through fifth grade teachers from around the country who has been selected to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy.
Sullivan teaches fifth grade at Brookwood and was nominated to complete the application by her principal, Dr. Celeste Martin. Over 1,100 teachers nationwide applied to participate in the program this year.
“I am honored that one of Brookwood’s teachers was selected for this prestigious invitation,” said Dr. Martin. “The selection process was nationwide and very competitive. Having teachers like Mrs. Sullivan willing to increase her knowledge in the fields of math and science adds tremendous value to the work we are doing with STEM in our school.”
“I heard about the Mickelson ExxonMobile Academy on television and through Dr. Martin,” Ms. Sullivan said. “It’s very exciting to be selected to participate this summer. I’m looking forward to learning more about math and science integration in the classroom, and working with the field experts from the National Science Teachers Association and Math Solutions. It’s also a great opportunity to network with my peers from across the country that are doing STEM-related work in the classroom. I know I’ll gain a lot of good information that I can use in my classroom as well as share with my fellow teachers at Brookwood.”
The academy, held at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, strengthens teachers’ skills in teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) areas. A panel of educators from the National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics and the National Science Teachers Association selected the participants from the applications submitted. Teachers were chosen based on their qualifications, dedication to inspiring students at an early age, and overall commitment to enhancing the teaching profession.
"Through innovative learning techniques, the Academy equips teachers with the tools and strategies to increase their students' interest and excitement about math and science, helping to develop future scientists and engineers," said Suzanne McCarron, Exxon Mobil Corporation's general manager of public and government affairs
Celebrating its 10th year of providing math and science education through professional development for teachers, the Mickelson ExxonMobile Teachers Academy is the collaboration of PGA Golfer Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, and the ExxonMobil Corporation. ExxonMobile supports initiatives that encourage students to take an active interest in math and science careers, support the professional development of highly qualified teachers, and promote involvement by women and minority students. More than 4,100 teachers have been trained at the Academy, impacting the lives of more than 290,000 students nationwide.
Mr. Mickelson frequently talks about the importance of science in his golf game, using calculations of force, motion, angles and distance to excel at the game. “Amy and I are extremely proud of this Academy milestone, and one of the highlights of our summer is visiting with and seeing first-hand the impact this program has made on teachers across the country,” said Mr. Mickelson. “We know interest in STEM subjects start at an early age, and we’re committed to training teachers to ignite a lifelong learning for these important subjects.”