Robert Ettinger, a teacher at Mercer Middle School, was recently awarded a 2011 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence, with a prize of $10,000 ($5,000 for the teacher and $5,000 for the school). This year, 34 recipients throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada will receive this honor. The award was celebrated with a special ceremony in Ettinger's classroom.
Ettinger was chosen to receive the award because of his creative teaching methods and effectiveness in the classroom. The number of students at Mercer Middle School meeting or exceeding standard on the state science test has more than doubled from 31 percent in 2008 to 69 percent in 2010. Ettinger's goal is to have 90 percent of the children pass the state science test.
"Mr. Ettinger has a passion for science and shares that passion with his students, not only to get them to learn science, but to love it as well," says Carol Pawlak, who is responsible for Amgen's philanthropy in Washington. "Mr. Ettinger lives science and translates his teacher development and summer science adventures into exciting, relevant curriculum for his students. When Mr. Ettinger looks at his class, he doesn't just see students, he sees scientists."
Ettinger is among four recipients of the 2011 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence in Washington. The other teachers haven't yet been announced, and are expected to learn about their award in mid-May.
The program was designed by biotechnology company Amgen to recognize teachers in public and private schools whose dedication to their student's education has had a significant impact on the learning and interest of the future generation of scientists. Each teacher receives an unrestricted $5,000 grant and their schools receive a restricted $5,000 grant, which can be used for the expansion or enhancement of a school science program, science resources or the professional development of the school's science teachers.
Nominations are solicited every fall with winners selected based on the following criteria: Innovative science lesson plan showcasing novel teaching methods in the classroom, creativity and effectiveness of teaching methods, and the plan for the use of grant money to improve science education resources in their schools. For more information, visit www.amgen.com/citizenship/aaste.html.
