Client Story – The GLOBE Program
By Ron Zwerin, Director of Communications
Ron Zwerin
If you have ever been inspired by a great teacher – an educator who had such a profound impact on your life by taking an interest in you, sparking your curiosity in a particular subject or even by encouraging you to do your best, you will undoubtedly think of that teacher (or teachers) and recall the moments or events that ignited your passion the most.
According to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, teacher stress is a growing issue. In fact, it is becoming more common for the teacher of today to suffer from some sort of stress malady. Clearly, educators in many instances have more demands on him/her than at any time before. In addition, keeping ahead of the shifting sand of technology and advancements in education is not easily achieved as class size increases, budgets shrink and demands from parents and school administrators mount.
From a policy perspective, much needs to be done in order to improve the lives and working conditions of teachers. Not many would argue that good teachers are essential to the betterment of the students they teach and the society they represent.
The Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program is a science and education program that connects a network of students, teachers and scientists from around the world to better understand, sustain and improve Earth’s environment at local, regional and global scales. Within the United States, GLOBE is directly supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). At GLOBE, we are keenly focused on providing teachers with recourses that allow them to cultivate and usher in the next generation of scientists.
Last fall, Microsoft released a study that suggests teachers are the key to getting students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). More than half of the STEM college students surveyed (57 percent) said that before going to college it was a teacher or class that got them interested in STEM. It found that 78 percent of STEM
college students decided to study STEM in high school or earlier; 21 percent decided in middle school or earlier.
STEM education is a pressing topic with big implications in the U.S.: currently the number of college students earning degrees in STEM fields is far short of demand for graduates with these skills.
At GLOBE, we believe it is imperative to acknowledge the people who inspire us, nurture our curiosities and captivate our minds. For all of you who work tirelessly to close the gap and engage students, the GLOBE Program would like to thank you. We value your efforts and we recognize the impact you have on the lives of the students you teach every day.
We commence the school year by showing our appreciation with a Salute to Teachers video. We encourage you to watch it and share the link with your friends, family, school administrators and, of course, all of the educators you know and appreciate so much.
http://youtu.be/ypFRxw9czi4
