C.J. Hick's Elementary School teacher Nandi Jno-Charles was recently selected by the National Council of Teachers in Mathematics and the National Science Teachers Association to attend the 2009 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey. Jno-Charles will participate in a week-long development program July 19 - 24 that provides third through fifth grade teachers the opportunity to learn innovative ways to teach math and science.

During the Academy, teachers will discover new ways to excite students using experiments that demonstrate various math and science concepts including force, gravity and probability. The Academy curriculum works to deepen teachers' understanding of these principles by conducting hands-on experiments that teachers can share with their students in the classroom.

"Investing in educational resources will develop students with a solid foundation in math and science and enable our country to remain competitive with other global leaders," said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer for Exxon Mobil Corporation. "As a company, we recognize the importance of equipping teachers with the innovative tools to develop the next generation of science savvy citizens."

Last year, the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy launched www.sendmyteacher.com to expand professional development opportunities to teachers nationwide who want to hone their math and science teaching skills. More than 1,600 teachers applied to attend the Academy.

A panel of educators from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Science Teachers Association reviewed each application and selected the teachers to attend this year's Academy. The panel based their decision on each applicant's qualifications, dedication to students and their overall commitment to enhancing the teaching profession.

"We are thrilled that the Academy received such an overwhelming response from teachers seeking to enhance their understanding in math and science education," said Phil Mickelson, PGA golfer and co-founder of the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy. "Working with ExxonMobil, we designed the Academy to be an exciting learning experience that will provide more teachers with tools to inspire students in these critical areas at such an important time in our nation's history."

The Academy is designed to engage students in math and science at an early age and keep their interest in these subjects through college and into their careers. To date, the Academy has helped more than 1,400 teachers, affecting more than 30,000 students across the country.