Science Committee Democrats Recognize Outstanding Math and Science Teachers
(Washington, DC) - In recognition of the outstanding contributions of America’s teachers, the House Science Committee today convened a hearing with winners of the 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
"There is no more important job than the one these teachers perform everyday,” stated Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN). As the son of two teachers, I understand and admire the great contribution these men and women are making in the lives of our young students."
Science Committee Members heard testimony from five of the 2004 winners at today’s hearing. "I’m especially proud to note that one of today’s distinguished honorees teaches at a school in my Congressional District. Ms. Cindy Cliche’s efforts are helping inspire the next generation of Tennessee’s scientists, mathematicians and engineers," added Rep. Gordon.
Numerous Science Committee hearings on reform of K-12 science and math education have made clear that no single factor is the key to better student performance. However, one thing that is clear is the importance of having teachers in the classroom with both good content knowledge and skills to communicate that knowledge to students.
"Look into an effective teacher’s classroom and the children are engaged, talking and learning," testified Ms. Cliche. "With the challenges our nation faces today, we need talented, well educated children with the ability to solve the problems of tomorrow." Ms. Cliche, a teacher since 1979, currently teaches the first grade at Homer Pittard Campus School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She is also a Math Methods instructor at Middle Tennessee State University.
"Ms. Cliche is right, and we must reinvigorate efforts to strengthen math and science education, not cut NSF programs that have a long record of supporting teacher professional development and creating better educational materials," added Rep. Gordon.
Substantial cuts to the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) K-12 science education activities - a proposed 51% reduction over 2 years - are pending in the federal budget at a time when U.S. children are falling behind their international counterparts in math and science skills.
For example, a recent study by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranked U.S. high school students 24th out of the 29 nations evaluated in their ability to solve real-world math problems, and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) made similar findings about the relative standing of U.S. student performance in science and math.
"An educated workforce is critical to the well-being of our economy. Math and science teachers, like the ones we are recognizing here today, are the foundation for that success. As a Congress, we should be doing everything in our power to support them," concluded Rep. Gordon.
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