MONTGOMERY, AL – Three Alabama public school teachers – out of only 23 teachers nationwide – were recognized by the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) as its 2011 All American Teachers of the Year. In a Washington, D.C., ceremony, NMSI and ExxonMobil presented All American Teacher of the Year Awards to these Alabama teachers:

·         Susan Caraway, Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature teacher, Clay Chalkville High School, Jefferson County Schools

·         Matthew Massey, AP Calculus teacher, Buckhorn High School, Madison County Schools

·         Shani Forbes, AP Biology teacher, Huffman High School, Birmingham City Schools

Alabama’s three All American Teachers of the Year receive a cash award for their contributions and will serve as AP Lead Teachers for their school districts, mentoring and coaching other AP teachers in their disciplines. All three Alabama teachers participate in A+ College Ready’s AP Training and Incentive Program (APTIP) made possible through a grant from the National Math and Science Initiative. The awards are given to one teacher each in AP  math, science and English from the six participating states in NMSI’s APTIP.

While in Washington, Alabama’s All American Teachers met with members of Senator Richard Shelby’s staff, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Congressman Mo Brooks and Congressman Spencer Bachus.

“The need for math and science education has never been greater, so it is a privilege to be able to recognize our three teachers from Alabama for the tremendous service they are providing,” said Congressman Bachus. “They are equipping our young people with the skills that they will need to succeed and prosper on Main Street and in the global community, and are great representatives for all of our valued teachers.”

To be eligible for All American Teacher of the Year, candidates must be a current AP math, science or English classroom teacher in a public high school participating in NMSI APTIP, Initiative for Military Families, or in the virtual program; demonstrate positive results in APTIP; and demonstrate a commitment to teaching as a career and be an inspiring model of excellence to others. Teachers were nominated for the awards by program content directors, board members from each state AP organization, school leaders or colleagues. A NMSI judging committee of educators reviewed all nominations.

For more information, contact A+ College Ready:  Mary Boehm, President, at 205-537-5350 or marydboehm@bellsouth.net; or NMSI:  Rena Pederson, Communications Director, at 214-665-2523 or rpederson@nationalmathandscience.org.

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