Throughout April and May, Amgen honored 32 science teachers in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada as the 2008 recipients of the 17th annual Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence (AASTE). All of the teachers were selected for their outstanding contributions to science education and their ability to instill a passion for discovery in young learners.
The awardees were chosen from nominations submitted from across the U.S., Puerto Rico and for the first time in Canada, and were honored during awards ceremonies and school-based assemblies by Amgen sites. Each recipient received a $5,000 award for their own use plus a $5,000 restricted cash grant to their school for use in science programs, resources or professional development.
“Amgen is honored to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of these teachers who have embraced the opportunity to transform young lives by sparking a love of learning and a love of science,” said Laurel Junk, vice president of supply chain and contract manufacturing, who presented the AASTE to the teachers in Kentucky.
Teachers Surprised at Award Presentations
This year marked the first time that some of the winning teachers were surprised with the AASTE honor in their classrooms or at school assemblies. Amgen representatives from sites in California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Washington visited the teachers’ in their states at their individual schools to present the award in front of the students, faculty and staff.
In California, six teachers were honored along the state from Northern California to Southern California. Colfax High School teacher Suzanna Gough Johnson told the Sacramento Bee that the best part of the day was when she returned to class and received applause from her students. "What really matters is how the kids feel about their learning environment," she said.
In Colorado, among the four honorees, Redlands Middle School science teacher Keith Loucks received the AASTE recognition during the last day of school.
At John D. Philbrick Elementary in Roslindale, Mass., teacher Erin L. Flynn was not only surprised to receive the AASTE, but also was video taped by a reporter who from WBZ News Radio in Boston who later posted the video to the radio station’s website.
In Washington, Jessica Levine, who teaches sixth grade science at Eckstein Middle School in Seattle, emphasizes teaching environmental sustainability in her classroom and was also recently named an “Earth Hero” by King County. “I believe education should be relevant, experienced-based, hands-on, and participatory,” said Levine.
Ceremonies Recognized Teaching Excellence
Rhode Island, Kentucky and Puerto Rico hosted award ceremonies in their communities. The work of each teacher was highlighted with a short video presentation that captured their daily activities and excitement for science.
Amgen Rhode Island hosted a ceremony in Providence where Governor Donald Carcieri congratulated the teachers. In Kentucky, the Amgen Louisville Distribution Center honored recipients in Louisville. In Puerto Rico, Amgen partnered with the Puerto Rico Science Teachers Association to host a Science Teachers Seminar. The four winners from Puerto Rico were honored at the Seminar during a lunch that was attended by 200 of their peers.
In Canada, teacher Gregg Mitchell from Timberline Secondary School in Campbell River, British Columbia received the award during a reception held at the annual meeting of the British Columbia Science Teachers’ Association.
In a Campbell River Mirror news article, Mitchell stated “receiving the AASTE award is such an honour. I strive each and every day to make science fun and hands-on. Helping my students to live what they learn is very rewarding.”
About AASTE
Amgen established the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence to demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing science education. Since the program’s inception in 1992, Amgen has awarded more than $2 million to educators who have made exceptional science-teaching contributions and who have had a measurable impact on the lives of their students.
To learn more about this year’s winners, click here to read a complete profile of each teacher.
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