Academic Magnet High School teacher recognized by SC Academy of Science

COLUMBIA – A faculty member at North Charleston’s Academic Magnet High School today was named the South Carolina Academy of Science’s 2009 Teacher of the Year.

Katherine Lee Metzner-Roop, a teacher for 17 years, was honored at a joint meeting of the Academy of Science and the Junior Academy of Science in Columbia. April 12-18 is being celebrated as South Carolina Science and Mathematics Week.

Metzner-Roop was her school’s teacher of the year for 2003-04 and was named Junior Science Academy sponsor of the year for 2004-05. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in marine science from the College of Charleston/University of Charleston, with additional studies at The Citadel and North Carolina State University.

Metzner-Roop has been an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston for nine years. She teaches health and honors-level physical science and marine science courses at Academic Magnet High and is pursuing National Board teacher certification.

“She is a dedicated teacher who truly loves our school and works tirelessly on providing students with relevant and fun extracurricular activities such as camping trips, pep clubs and the Junior Academy of Science,” said science department chairman Murray Eicher. “She takes the initiative to deliver quality field trips for her classes and works to improve the quality of her teaching. All of her students go on to seek higher education.”

Metzner-Roop says she tries to “open people’s minds through science” and believes “there is nothing better than to introduce students to something they have never known, and to watch them as they experience the joy of discovery for the first time.”

She and her classes undertook a long-term research project to monitor water and soil quality around Noisette Creek, a marsh waterway that runs through the Academic Magnet campus. They presented their findings at the 2006 Coastal American Student Summit in Washington, DC, and spoke on protecting the environment before members of the President’s Cabinet, national lawmakers and world-renowned scientists.

Metzner-Roop receives a $500 cash award for teacher of the year honors, plus a plaque and an all-expense paid trip to the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting next February in San Diego.

Five teachers named state finalists for 2008 Presidential Math and

Five South Carolina school teachers have been named state finalists to be considered for the prestigious 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The annual award is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade math or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1983, the program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The state finalists for science teaching are:

• Alyssa Mann, a third grade teacher at Diamond Hill Elementary in Abbeville County;
• Mary Meggett, a fifth grade teacher at Stiles Point Elementary, Charleston County; and
• Mirandi Squires, a third grade teacher at Johnsonville Elementary, Florence District Five.
  

The state finalists for mathematics teaching are:

• Christi Fricks, a sixth grade teacher at Lakeside Middle School, Anderson District Five; and
• Miriam Hunt, a teacher in grades 3-5 at Orchard Park Elementary in York District Four.

Each year, a national panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators recommends up to 108 teachers to receive Presidential Awards – one math teacher and one science teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, US territories and schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Agency. Those selected for the honor receive a $10,000 award, a Presidential citation and a trip to Washington, DC for a series of recognition events, information exchange programs and an awards ceremony.

The program’s goal is to expand and exemplify the definition of excellent science and mathematics teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspirations to their communities and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Grade levels are recognized by the program in alternating years. The 2008 awards are for teachers working in grades K-6, while teachers in grades 7-12 are eligible for awards in 2009.

Turf School takes to the road

Clemson University's Turfgrass Program will take its 2009 Turf School on the road in February, calling on three cities across the state.

The one-day course will visit Myrtle Beach on Feb. 16, Columbia on Feb. 17 and Greenville on Feb. 18. The cost is $50 per person, which includes lunch.

This year's class will focus on the technical challenges of maintaining high-quality turfgrass.

The program is conducted by Clemson scientists and is tailored for professionals who work in a variety of turfgrass environments, including sports fields, grounds, lawns and recreational parks management, or in sod production.

Pesticide Recertification Credits also will be awarded.

The class will show how to identify and manage water quality, insects, pathology, fertilization and weeds. Sessions throughout the day include the management of turfgrass insects, irrigation water quality and warm-season turfgrass fertilizers.

Clemson University's turfgrass program is dedicated to research and education that promotes environmentally friendly turfgrass management.

Through scientific trials, Clemson scientists are working to minimize economic and environmental costs of turfgrass management while meeting federal and state guidelines and regulations.
The 2009 Turf School locations are:

* Feb. 16: Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Myrtle Beach.
* Feb. 17: Clemson University Sandhill Research and Education Center, Columbia.
* Feb. 18: The University Center auditorium at McAlister Square, Greenville.

To view the full course agenda and for registration details, click here.

Teacher of the Year Blog

South Carolina Teacher of the Year Jenna Hallman is recording her experiences this year on a personal blog - Jenna’s Journey.

A science teacher at Calhoun Academy for the Arts in Anderson School District 5, Hallman was named South Carolina Teacher of the Year this past April. As the representative for more than 50,000 teachers, Hallman is participating in a yearlong residency at the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement.

Her activities also involve several other statewide organizations such as Leadership South Carolina and the South Carolina Association of School Administrators' Education Policy Fellowship Program.

“This year I have the wonderful opportunity to visit schools, classrooms, colleges, and universities across the state,” Hallman said. “I am able to talk with teachers, administrators, future teachers and students about a wide variety of issues affecting education in South Carolina today.”

The ambassador says that her travels provide her a unique view of public education in the Palmetto State. Since her tenure began in August, she’s logged more than 11,000 miles.

“I am able to witness first-hand all of the amazing instruction that is happening in classrooms. My blog allows me to serve as a personal tour guide to others who are not able to view education from this vantage point.”