Teachers Named For Felllowship, Professional Development Conference

Two school teachers have received notification of prestigious acceptances into two different competitive programs.

teacher Susan Speirs teaches medical investigations within the science department. She has been named one of 17 across the country to participate in the 2011 Frontiers in Physiology Professional Development Fellowship through the American Physiological Society.

Speirs told school board members Monday that she'll be working with Dr. Patrick Mueller of Wayne State University's Medical School this summer doing research. The research will focus on how exercise affects the neuro-plasticity of the brain particularly in the brainstem and how the cardiac and sympathetic nervous system work together to achieve it. 

In introducing Speirs to the board, Superintendent C. Suzanne Klein described the experience as "quite an extraordinary opportunity." 

Speirs told the board after the fellowship she will share her experience with the Advanced Placement Biology and Applied Medical Research classes at North as part of the curriculum. The medical investigations classes offer the high schoolers the opportunity to observe and research some of the work that goes on in hospitals and the students visit area hospitals routinely. 

"I'm going to try to become a scientist this summer," Speirs said, laughing. "It's great. Thank you."

fourth grade teacher Susan Howey has also been named to participate in a weeklong professional development workshop this summer through Mickelson Exxon Mobil Teachers Academy. 

Howey has attended this conference three times previously and is one of 100 teachers selected nationwide. The conference is intended to help teachers foster curiosity and interest in learning in math and science. 

The curriculum is developed by the National Science Teachers Association and Math Solutions, a national teacher training program. The intent is to enhance teachers knowledge on links between math and science and for them to take it back to their own classroom. 

Trombly Principal Walter Fitzpatrick said in an email he is proud of Howey, noting this will be her fourth year in a row to attend. Teachers are selected after submitting applications for the conference.