Collaboration and Excellence in Teaching Recognized at the Alamo

SAN ANTONIO, Tex., April 11, 2013 – William F. Weber, vice president, DuPont Protection Technologies, North America, told more than 200 science educators and science education leaders that they are a key to developing future innovators of advanced protection materials.  Weber was the keynote speaker at a dinner hosted by DuPont at the Alamo during the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Convention, April 11 to 14 in San Antonio, Tex. 

With the evening’s theme, “Through Science – Finding Solutions that Safeguard Life and the Environment,” the dinner celebrated the contributions of science teachers around the country and efforts to engage and educate youth in science, technology, engineering, mathematic (STEM) solutions for the world’s many challenges.

“As the world’s population increases, one of our greatest challenges in the coming decades will be to adequately protect the world we share,” said Weber. “Working with customers, governments, academia and others, DuPont is collaborating on advanced materials, technologies and consulting solutions that will help ensure the protection of life and help safeguard our environment.  But it will take many energized scientists and engineers to develop those innovations and sustainable solutions,” he added.  

DuPont recognized the contributions of teachers and organizations that embody the training required and the enthusiasm necessary to help students flourish in science-related fields.

Teachers Sponsored:  DuPont sponsors more than 70 science teachers to NSTA’s annual convention.  Sponsored teachers came from middle schools and high schools in 19 towns and cities where DuPont has manufacturing facilities.  Others came in joint sponsorship with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and DuPont Legal and the Delaware BioScience Association.  Since 1984, DuPont and its Office of Education have sponsored more than 3,000 teachers to the annual NSTA convention. 

DuPont continues to collaborate on a variety of NSTA projects and programs, including conference workshops and short courses.  Annually, a select panel of NSTA members judge the nearly 10,000 entries in The DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition.  

Sponsoring Teachers of the 2012 DuPont Challenge winners attended the convention as special guests of DuPont.  Dr. Stephanie Kawamura, Collegiate High School, North Logan, Utah and Eric Zhang, Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, N.J. were formally recognized at the NSTA Teachers Awards Gala.

“We must continue to support our teachers, youth organizations and their daily efforts to give today’s students the necessary scientific and technical knowledge,” Weber said. “We need teachers that are grounded in the best methods to prepare the next generation who will help solve the challenges of our changing world.”

George Washington Carver AgriSCIENCE Teacher’s Award was presented to Barbara Lemmer, agriscience teacher, Linn-Mar High School, Marion, Iowa, by Jay Jackman, executive director of the National Association of Agriculture Educators (NAAE). The Carver Award recognizes the member of the DuPont National AgriScience Teacher Ambassador Academy (NATAA) who demonstrates and advocates inquiry-based science teaching and inspires students to pursue science excellence. The award also honors George Washington Carver (1864 -1943), agricultural scientist, researcher, inventor, teacher and mentor of Henry C. Wallace the founder of DuPont Pioneer.

DuPont Collaboratory Partnership Award:  This award is presented annually to organizations that partner with the DuPont Office of Education to advance science education.  For 2013, Weber presented the DuPont Collaboratory Partnership Award to Daytona International Speedway and Clemson University for their teaming with DuPont to develop and nurture Driving SCIENCE.

Driving SCIENCE, a professional development institute sponsored by DuPont, Daytona International Speedway and Clemson University - International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), is designed to strengthen content knowledge in STEM disciplines, model best practices for student achievement and promote awareness of motorsports careers.  

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.         

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4/11/13