December, 2000

Regional Ramblings

A cohort of twenty Region 17 science teachers have just completed the first year of a four-year graduate program designed and approved specifically for science teachers. This master's degree program is the first of its kind and funding support is provided through the Texas Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science Teaching.

Thirty-three science teachers in the Texas panhandle were recognized for completing 108 hours of professional development at an "Honoring the Teacher" event on May 20. Senator Ted Bivins, chairman of the Senate Education Committee gave the keynote address and Representatives Warren Chisum and David Swirford were in attendance. The presence of Chris Coomer, TEA Director of Science, Dr. Kamil Jberfly, Texas Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science Teaching, Director, Dr. James Banufald, Principal Investigator, Texas Regional Collaboratives, and Joel Blassingame, Program Coordinator; Texas Regional Collaborative, and area superintendents and principals rounded out the support for the teachers. The luncheon was sponsored by Southwestern Bell Foundation. The Region XVI Collaborative consists of instructors from Amarillo College, West Texas A & M University and the Region XVI Education Service Center education specialist. Exxon Mini-Grant Awardees