(Press Release)

WACO, TEXAS--Twenty area science teachers will be recognized at an "Honoring the Teachers" breakfast and ceremony sponsored by the Texas Regional Collaboratives (TRC) for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching, the AT&T Foundation, and the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12. The special event will take place from 9 a.m. to Noon, today at ESC Region 12 in Waco.

The recognized science teachers have mentored a minimum of five other teachers and obtained 105 hours of training in the last year about the latest methods and techniques to engage students in science learning experiences. These mentors return to their schools and districts to assist other teachers in incorporating the methods and techniques into their curriculum. In addition, the event will recognize the Science Mentors of the Year for 2006-07 and the Science Teachers of the Year for 2006-07.

The teachers will be presented with a Certificate of Achievement and award plaque. They will be recognized by state Rep. Doc Anderson and state Sen. Troy Fraser. Joel Carter, vice-president of marketing for Innovation First, Inc. will deliver the keynote.

Science Teacher Mentorees: Brandy Alley, Temple ISD; Pam Baldree, Blooming Grove ISD; Sandra Barnett, Waco ISD; Andrea Bruce, Copperas Cove ISD; Lisa Cobb, La Vega ISD; Jennifer Davies, Temple ISD; Tabatha Davis, Connally ISD; Prisscilla Fricke, Connally ISD; Shari Harris, Blooming Grove ISD; Linda Hewgley, La Vega ISD; Angie King, Robinson ISD; Diane Leggott, Midway ISD; Dennis Marler, Killeen ISD; Linda McClure, Rogers ISD; Christy Moix, Temple ISD; Thelma Rose, Rogers ISD; Christina Salter-Wilson, Killeen ISD; Mary Tate, Marlin ISD; Sue Wernecke, Cranfills Gap ISD; and Tracie Wetzel, Fairfield ISD.

Science Mentors of the Year for 2006-07 are Pam Baldree of Blooming Grove ISD, Diane Leggott of Midway ISD, and Mary Tate of Marlin ISD.

Science Teachers of the Year for 2006-2007 are Christy Moix of Temple ISD, Linda Hewgley of La Vega ISD, and Prisscilla Fricke of Connally ISD.

In addition, a $500 cash award (from the Shell Foundation & TRC) will be given to two teachers who taught the top student winners in the Central Texas Science & Engineering Fair (CTSEF). They are James Dorman (junior division) in Mexia ISD and Jennifer Milsap (senior division) in McGregor ISD.

The mission of the TRC is to provide Texas science teachers with support systems of scientifically researched, sustained, and high intensity professional development and mentoring to assist them in the implementation of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The programs equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to engage students in meaningful science learning experiences that are designed to improve students' scientific, mathematical and technological literacy, and inspire them to pursue science and engineering related careers.
About ESC Region 12

One of 20 centers throughout Texas, the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 provides professional training and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students. Based in Waco, with offices in Corsicana, Goldthwaite, Hillsboro, Nolanville, and Teague, the ESC Region 12's service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, Mills, McLennan and Navarro counties.