When fourteen local teachers return to class next school year, they will be equipped with new resources to prepare their students for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The teachers achieved this by participating in Arkema Inc.’s annual Science Teachers Program.

This program, which took place August 6-8 at Arkema Inc.’s headquarters in King of Prussia, is designed for teachers of grades 3 to 6.

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Throughout the program, the teachers worked side-by-side with scientifically trained Arkema employees.  They spent much of their time exploring science kits developed to spark students’ interest. The kits, provided by Arkema, meet national science education standards and supply teachers with eight weeks of curriculum to make learning enjoyable and to make scientific applications relatable to daily life.

The teachers who completed the program were:

• Madelyn Askin and Mary Beth Buchhofer from St. Anthony of Padua School, Camden, NJ

• Amy Faust from Penn Christian Academy, East Norriton, Pa.

• Judy Tilles and Cynthia Rost-Frick from Tinicum Elementary, Essington, Pa.

• Ellen Martin from Girard College, Philadelphia

• Kasie Patterson and Michele DeClerico from Edwin Forest Elementary School, Philadelphia

• Kimberley Gallagher and Geralyn McGinty from John B. Kelly Elementary, Philadelphia

• Chris Booth and Avalon Lee from Kenderton Elementary, Philadelphia

• Amanda Dorneman and Caron Forman from Richard R. Wright Elementary School, Philadelphia

“This is a wonderful program,” said Geralyn McGinty from Philadelphia’s John B. Kelly Elementary School. “The Science Teachers Program gives us resources we haven’t had before. The experiments in our science kits will expand the curiosity of our students and increase their knowledge of science.“

A study by the Pew Research Center found that more than 50 percent of Americans believe young students steer away from STEM because the classes are too difficult. Arkema’s Science Teachers Program counteracts that perception by providing teachers with tools to make science more interesting and accessible to students.

With a STEM background, young people have a better chance of career success. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 93 out of 100 STEM jobs have wages higher than the national average. BLS research also shows that STEM employment is growing at twice the rate of non-STEM occupations.

“We hope that the Science Teachers Program helps educators inspire their students to learn and love science,” said Kelly Lutz, who coordinated the program. “Many jobs of today and tomorrow are in technology and science, so it’s crucial that our students are prepared for the future. We’re pleased that these teachers have chosen to team up with us, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to contribute to their curriculum and to their students’ success.”

Since 1996, the Arkema Science Teachers Program has benefitted hundreds of teachers and thousands of students across the United States. In addition to this program, many Arkema sites support local education by offering internship opportunities, funding scholarships, hosting students at Arkema plants, or sending scientists and engineers to speak at local schools. These efforts are part of Arkema’s Common Ground® program, which focuses on building relationships based on mutual knowledge and trust within the communities in which Arkema operates.

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