By Ethen Lieser
Like students, teachers — especially the great ones — deserve praise every once in awhile.
Selected from more than 600 finalists in the United States, Jennifer Fong, a San Francisco Unified School District science teacher from Mission High School, was named by President George W. Bush as a recipient of the 2000 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
“It’s nice to have the government recognize teachers,” Fong said. “It’s a recognition of my work that goes beyond what my students tell me.”
The PAEMST awards are given annually by the National Science Foundation to recognize the nation’s outstanding K-12 mathematics and science teachers. Approximately 2 million science and mathematics teachers are eligible for the awards. A national panel of scientists, mathematicians and educators recommend the finalists.
The selected winners must portray exceptional work in two areas: devotion to the learning needs of students and upholding the high standards that exemplify American education at its finest.
“[Fong] really deserves the award,” said Mission High science teacher Michael Dunn. “She’s definitely helped [make] what the school is today.”
In addition to her teaching duties, Fong, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a master’s degree from Stanford, is an active member of her community and school. She volunteers as a coordinator at Mission High and has coached the school’s softball and volleyball teams.
“She would hold tutoring sessions after practices for players to keep their grades up,” said Susan Boshovan, an ESL / science teacher at Mission High. “She uses team spirit to keep her students motivated.”
Fong received her award in Washington, D.C., and met with members of Congress to discuss mathematics and science teaching issues. She also received a $7,500 educational grant for her school. She said she will use the grant to set up leadership programs at Mission High for other teachers. Each teacher who applies and procures the grant will receive $500 to start his or her work.
Boshovan applauded Fong’s ability to initiate various school programs. She has also landed grants to purchase computers for Mission High.
“She’s really good at pulling resources for her own programs,” Boshovan said. “This year’s summer program for ninth graders helped students falling behind by counseling them with a team of teachers.”
As the department head at Mission High, Fong also lends help to teachers.
“She is a very supportive and positive person,” said Dunn, who has been a teacher at Mission High for four years. “She’s just a good leader. She has the ability to get groups to work well together.”
Said Boshovan: “She listens and facilitates groups to get a chance to speak at meetings. She also makes up assessment tools for classroom management. It helps teachers become more consistent with how they do the grades. She makes it a more cohesive school.
“She’s always doing something.” |
