Press Statement

Press Statement - April 1997 Horizontal Rule

Media contact:  Peter West  (703) 306-1070  pwest@nsf.gov

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Statement by Dr. Neal Lane
Director, National Science Foundation

On 1996 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Nobel Prize winners are not born with an innate knowledge of their disciplines. Medal of Science winners do not spring full-grown from the earth to take their seats on a laboratory bench. Somewhere along the way, a gifted teacher lights the spark of inquiry and points out the path to greater learning.

World-class scientists and mathematicians are shaped and nurtured in a variety of ways. Surely, one of the earliest and most important influences on any young, scientific mind is that teacher.

For what is science, if not a lifelong commitment to learning and understanding?

There is not a Nobelist alive who did not one day sit in a classroom and not only experience the excitement of science, but also learn the importance of its methods and mental discipline from a dedicated teacher. Many, in fact, owe the foundations of their success to that one adult who cared enough to take an interest in a developing mind.

I am reminded of the words of biologist Edward O. Wilson, winner of both the Medal of Science and the Pulitzer Prize, who, in his autobiography, "Naturalist," said; "The several best teachers of my life...have been those who told me that my very best was not yet good enough."

So I warmly congratulate the winners of the 1996 Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teaching, who represent the best that the teaching profession has to offer, not just in the United States, but in the world.

These outstanding teachers have dedicated themselves to insuring that all children, not just the "best and brightest," are challenged to excel in science and math.

Many have made significant financial sacrifices to stay in the classroom, rather than lending their considerable talents to industry or their minds to research. They may be poorer financially, but the nation is infinitely richer because of their choices.

Soon, and rightly so, the awardees will be publicly recognized by the President of the United States for their years of dedication to their profession.

But the monuments and memorials to their accomplishments can be found not in some public park. Instead, they are the scientists who toil in the nation's laboratories, in universities, in field camps and research stations; probing the secrets of nature, making the grand discoveries and applying what they learn to the betterment of society.

Without excellent teaching for every student -- sound, challenging, and vigorous teaching - science itself will diminish and whither.

The Presidential winners, through their lives and work, show us that science and math teaching not only are alive and vibrant, but vitally important to our society. As a nation, we must find ways to celebrate and share what they do as widely as possible, not only because they have earned our applause, but so others will be encouraged to follow their example.

See also:

  • News Release, "Presidential Awards Recognize the World's Best Teaching," 6/11/97
  • News Release, "White House Recognizes Outstanding Science and Mathematics Teachers," 4/16/97.
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