Press Statement - July 20, 1999

PS 99-12
Media contact:	Bill Noxon	(703) 292-8070	wnoxon@nsf.gov

Statement by Dr. Rita R. Colwell
Director
National Science Foundation

On Being Appointed to the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century

I am honored to join the stellar group of national leaders, educators and researchers Secretary of Education Richard Riley has formed under his America Counts initiative. I am pleased to work with these experts in seeking solutions to the difficult challenges we face in finding, educating, training, developing and keeping high quality teachers for K-12 math and science education.

What a unique opportunity we have, 30 years after America’s first moon landing, to reinvigorate the process which John Glenn did so much to inspire. I look forward with great enthusiasm to serving him on this important and distinguished body of individuals who will develop a strategy to raise the bar for mathematics and science teaching in our nation. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is now to develop the cadre of motivated teachers who will carry a new commitment into the next century, using the skills we help them obtain, to teach our students how to master critical mathematics and science concepts to prepare them for the workforce of the new century.

The paradox we face is multi-faceted. We lead the world in innovation and discovery, but we trail our international counterparts in K-12 math and science education. We have a surge in the number of school-aged children, but a growing shortage of teaching professionals, especially in areas of math and science.

As NSF director, I am committed to strengthening science and mathematics education at all levels and involving our scientists more in the education process. But it all begins with those teachers who encourage and mentor us at the very earliest stages. The support they receive for developing their skills and confidence translates into student enthusiasm and excitement for learning.