Release Date: 6/10/2009
Alliance supports initiative that provides professional development for middle school science teachers
San Diego—Battelle today presented $6,000 to the San Diego Science Alliance (SDSA) for its support of the Middle School Science Education Leadership Initiative (MSSELLI). The check was presented at the monthly NDIA Luncheon meeting attended by 150 San Diego business leaders to emphasize Battelle’s relationship with NDIA and the strong support that the local chapter provides to the STEM initiative.
“This check exemplifies Battelle’s support of STEM nationwide and is presented to MSSELLI in recognition of the outstanding work it does to better prepare teachers to inspire students to pursue the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Battelle San Diego Market Manager George Klein.
The Initiative seeks to improve science education in San Diego County middle schools by identifying teachers with high potential and investing in their leadership development by committing to a three-year professional development program. The SDSA administers the program in cooperation with the San Diego County Office of Education and San Diego Unified School District.
As part of the participants’ three-year commitment, they attend a week-long intensive summer academy each year followed by six Collaborative Lesson Study days at school sites during the academic year. The initiative equips teachers with tools designed to enhance their instructional practice, improve student achievement, understand effective curriculum and pedagogy, and develop leadership.
Since its inception in 2003, the MSSELLI has impacted approximately 6,500 students in 37 San Diego middle schools by engaging 62 teachers who have participated in the leadership program.
Battelle is the world’s largest non-profit independent research and development organization, providing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing needs through its four global businesses: Laboratory Management, National Security, Energy Technology, and Health and Life Sciences. It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $5.2 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 20,400 employees in more than 130 locations worldwide, including seven national laboratories which Battelle manages or co-manages for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and two international laboratories—a nuclear energy lab in the United Kingdom and a renewable energy lab in Malaysia. Battelle also is one of the nation’s leading charitable trusts focusing on societal and economic impact and actively supporting and promoting science and math education.
Media Contacts: Katy Delaney, (410) 306-8638, delaneyk@battelle.org or T.R. Massey, (614) 424-5544, masseytr@battelle.org.
