Dow and Smithsonian Science Education Center Partner to Develop High Quality Teachers

The Dow Chemical Company and the Smithsonian Science Education Center announced today they will collaborate on The Dow Smithsonian Teacher Scholar Program. The program is designed to enhance teachers’ skills related to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education by providing tools, resources and new learning experiences in fields such as earth history, biodiversity or energy.

The 6-day program will host 32 teachers in Washington, D.C. and is part of the Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers (SSEATs). After the experience, participants will take their excitement and new skills back to the classroom, while receiving continued support from local peer participants and the Dow STEM Ambassador program. STEM Ambassadors support teachers and inspire students by providing real life examples to make challenging concepts easier to understand, while incorporating a strong focus on sharing exciting opportunities available through pursuing STEM careers.

Each teacher will participate in one of three programs focused on specific STEM related themes:

     Biodiversity, June 14-19
     Energy’s Innovations and Implications, July 12-17
     Earth’s History and Global Change, July 26-31

“Teachers are the key to driving student interest in STEM subjects, and ultimately in STEM careers,” said Rob Vallentine, director of corporate citizenship at Dow. “Dow is proud to collaborate with the Smithsonian Science Education Center to provide teachers in our communities with an inspirational experience and educational resources to help support their commitment to our students, and in turn drive creation of the next generation of the STEM workforce.”

“The Smithsonian Science Education Center is thrilled to continue our partnership with Dow to bring teachers to the nation’s capital for a week of professional development. This experience affords teachers the opportunity to learn directly from scientists, and go behind the scenes at Smithsonian Museums and Research Centers,” said Amy D’Amico, director of professional services at the Smithsonian Science Education Center. “We appreciate Dow’s continued commitment to teachers in their communities, and the investment Dow makes to provide students with a robust education so that all students have the opportunity for a future in a STEM field.”

Through its STEMtheGAP™ initiatives, Dow’s STEM mission is to build the workforce of tomorrow by supporting teachers, motivating student achievement, developing careers, and collaborating with communities to transform STEM education into a driver for innovation, manufacturing, and economic prosperity. In support of this mission, Dow’s partnership with Smithsonian will provide new resources and support to teachers in six strategic Dow communities:

California
    Jennifer Foster, Rancho Medanos Junior High, Pittsburg, Calif.
    Julie Hubbard, Liberty High School, Brentwood, Calif.
    Michele Miller, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Pleasant Hill, Calif.
    Lynda Ramos, Antioch Unified School District, Antioch, Calif.

Indiana
    Paul Legge, MSD of Lawrence Township, Indianapolis, Ind.

Louisiana
    Janell Albarez, West Baton Rouge, Brusly, La.
    Kacy Allensworth, St. Joseph’s Academy, Baton Rouge, La.
    Kimi Brignac, Brusley Middle School, West Baton Rouge Parish, Brusly, La.
    Jessica Fletcher, Lakewood Elementary, St. Charles Parish, Luling, La.
    Daniel Martin, Destrehan High School, St. Charles Parish, Destrehan, La.
    Brad Ohmer, Albert Cammon Middle School, St. Charles Parish, St. Rose, La.
    Brian Rowan, Plaquemine High School, Plaquemine, La.

Michigan
    Mary Jo Griffin, Adams Elementary, Midland Public Schools, Midland, Mich.
    Isabella Lopez, Freeland School District, Freeland, Mich.
    Andrea Loshaw, Saginaw Intermediate School District, St. Charles, Mich.
    Eric Marshall, Nouvel Catholic Central High School, Saginaw, Mich.
    Jennifer Snider, Birch Run Area Schools – Marshall Greene Middle School, Birch Run, Mich.
    Deb Yats, Nouvel Catholic Central High School, Saginaw, Mich.

Pennsylvania
    Isobel Dewey, Simon Gratz Mastery Charter High School, Philadelphia, Pa.
    Theresa Lewis-King, School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.

Texas
    Melissa Butterfield, Angleton ISD, Angleton, Texas
    Chris Gibson, SF Austin Elementary, Brazosport ISD, Jones Creek, Texas
    Catherine Goff, AP Beutel, Brazosport ISD, Lake Jackson, Texas
    Devin Hewer, Howell Middle School, Victoria ISD, Victoria, Texas
    Kristal LaBerge, Clute Intermediate School, Brazosport ISD, Clute, Texas
    Patricia Lausch, Danbury ISD, Danbury, Texas
    Danielle McDonald, Brazosport ISD, Velasco Elementary, Freeport, Texas
    Traci Perry, Brazosport ISD, Clute, Texas
    Kelly Rathbun, OM Roberts Elementary, Brazosport ISD, Lake Jackson, Texas
    Kathy Williams, Texas City ISD, Texas City, Texas