Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy Announces “Send Your Teacher” Component
A new way for elementary school teachers to attend the five day 2009 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy was recently announced. The Academy enables teachers to hone their science and math teaching skills, facilitate student learning through problem solving and inquiry, use links between math and science that support student learning and understanding, and discover innovative new ways to inspire students. To date, nearly 1000 teachers have attended the Academy, developed in collaboration with NSTA and Math Solutions.
Students can nominate teachers from Grades 3, 4, and 5 or urge them to apply for an all-expense paid trip to the Academy’s professional development program. Teacher applications are due by October 31, 2008 and selections will be announced in February 2009.

Minnesota Presidential Award Winners in Math and Science Teaching
Each year Minnesota honors three math teacher finalists and three science teacher finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The NSF-sponsored competition alternates each year between teachers of grades K-6 and teachers of grades 7-12. From the state finalists one teacher is selected as representative of the state at a week of professional development opportunities in Washington, D. C. and receives a $10,000 award. The 2008 finalists for secondary mathematics are: Lisa Cozemius, Detroit Lakes, Donna Forbes, Mahtomedi and Karen Hyers, Maplewood-Oakdale-North St. Pau. Finalists for secondary science are: Tom Meagher, Owatonna and Scot Hovan, Moundsview. Elementary Applications for 2008 have been submitted. Secondary teachers may apply for 2009.

Teacher Resource Network
The Teacher Resource Network (TRN) is a research collaboration of Minnesota higher education faculty in the math and science education fields. The Network was established in 1998 for the purpose of conducting a five year study of new K-12 science and math teachers in their first three years of teaching. The study, Getting to the Fourth Year, addressed a concern among teacher educators about the high percentage of beginning science and math teachers dropping out of teaching during their first three years of teaching. By examining the context in which are beginning teachers teach math and science, perhaps some insights may be gained as what factors might be causing this high drop out rate. The study was funded by SciMathMN and the Minnesota Department of Education. The study's instruments, protocols, and findings can be found here.

Why is Algebra I Important in Grade 8?
What studies support the learning of algebra in grade 8? Why is this more than merely passing the Algebra I textbook from high school down to the middle school? Click here.

Evolution is Essential Science
SciMathMN has long advocated that evolution is a critical piece of scientific knowledge. A variety of resources are available to help educators. Click here.

Science Matters
Science Matters, a free 24-page booklet sponsored by the Medtronic Foundation, was designed as a tool for parents and educators to help K-6 students unlock the world of science and discovery at home and school. Learn more about the publication and where to pick up a free copy or download an electronic version today.

Help Determine State Assessment
Items and Scoring
Educators from around the state are always needed at several stages in the development and review of MCA test items and to validate the rubrics and anchor papers used in scoring constructed response items. Sign up on the MDE website to be part of an Advisory Panel.