Building a Presence for Science

Fill in the blanks, personalize the form, and send to all newspapers and radio stations that reach your geographic area. Include university publications, alumni publications, school district publications, state science teacher association newsletters, etc.

Print on appropriate letterhead:

Contact: ____________ (name of knowledgeable person)
____________ (phone, fax, e-mail)
Date: ____________ (day this is mailed)

____________ (state or name of local area) EDUCATOR SELECTED AS KEY LEADER IN NATIONAL PROGRAM

____________ (city, state where news release originates)—____________ (first, last name), a ____________ (teacher or title, such as science supervisor) for ____________ (school name or school district), has been named a Key Leader in the Building a Presence for Science program administered by the National Science Teachers Association, and funded by the ExxonMobil Foundation ____________ (or another funding source).

The program is establishing a network of Key Leaders in ____________ (state name) and identifying a Point of Contact for science in every school in the U.S. The Building a Presence network offers professional development and is designed to end teacher isolation and promote standards-based teaching and learning.

Over ______ (number for your state) individuals active in science education in ____________ (state name) are being named as Key Leaders in this program. Each Key Leader is responsible for 20–30 schools and is a resource person for a Point of Contact for science at each of these schools.

As a Key Leader, ____________ (last name) will participate in a professional development session on the National Science Education Standards and ___________ (state standards) and conduct a similar workshop for (his/her) Points of Contact.

Provide degree and other information about the KLs professional credentials and accomplishments.

Founded in 1944, the NSTA is the world’s largest organization dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. The Association’s 53,000 members include science teachers, science supervisors, educational administrators, scientists, and business and industry representatives.

(insert background information on funders, such as this paragraph) ExxonMobil Foundation has contributed more than $6 million to the Building a Presence for Science program. ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation engages in a broad range of philanthropic activities focusing on the communities where Exxon Mobil Corporation has significant operations. In addition, the Foundation supports research and dissemination on selected topics of national interest to the energy industry. Focus areas include education, health and environment. In 2001, ExxonMobil Foundation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, and its divisions and affiliates provided more than $126 million in contributions worldwide.