MacGregor Educator Selected For Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy
Susan Cave jumps up and down when she learns of her selection during a surprise party
March 25, 2011
Susan Cave is one of those teachers who loves her job. In fact, she didn’t want to attend a school event because it would mean time away from her science lab.
March 25, 2011
Students “high-five” Science Teacher Susan Cave after she is selected for Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy
“Honestly, I was upset because I had a fifth-grade class that I really wanted to teach. I was saying, ‘Oh, I hope this is great because I’m missing my fifth-grade class.’” She soon learned why she had been called to the auditorium when her students yelled, “Surprise!” They ran up to give her a hug while Principal Patricia Allen went to the microphone to make the announcement: Cave is one of 200 teachers nationwide selected to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy.
When Cave heard the news, she started jumping up and down, and within seconds, was moved to tears. “This is fantastic. Is it real?” Cave asked a short time later.
The Academy is an intensive, week-long, all-expense-paid professional development program created through a partnership with ExxonMobil, professional golfer Phil Mickelson, the National Science Teachers Association and Math Solutions. Cave describes it as summer school for teachers.
“I have to go become a student and say ‘Aha! This is a better way to teach that lesson,’” Cave explained. “I want children to get the love for science, because you can teach children anything, but if you teach them to love it, then even when you are not there, they will continue to love it.”
During the party on March 24, students gave Cave “high-fives” and said they always look forward to science labs. “We have fun learning. We are never bored,” fifth-grade student Brandon Taylor said. “Ms. Cave inspires me to take care of the world and to try to be a scientist.”
Amanda Santana, a teacher at the Rice School was selected to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Academy, in 2009.