Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy

Two teachers from Longford Primary School attended the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in the United States

Employing more than 14,000 scientists and engineers globally, ExxonMobil knows only too well the importance of inspiring future generations to think about maths and science as a career pathway. 

Today’s fastest growing careers, from medicine to energy, demand a solid foundation in maths and science.

However, the number of young people interested in these fields has been decreasing.

In response to this need, in 2005 ExxonMobil and PGA golfer Phil Mickelson launched an innovative new teaching academy in the United States, designed to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to motivate students to pursue careers in science and math.   

In a first for the program, four Australian teachers from primary schools in Victoria were invited to participate in this exciting training experience during the 2009 northern hemisphere summer.  They were the first teachers outside of the United States to be involved.  

Sponsored by ExxonMobil in Australia, the teachers flew to Houston, Texas joining 200 teachers from West Texas and Western United States primary schools at the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy. 

Central to the Academy’s methods is a belief that “hands-on” fun experiments are the key to inspiring primary age children to develop an interest in science and maths concepts.   The teachers’ intensive training included a week-long, all-expense-paid professional development program designed to hone teaching skills, enhance curriculum and discover innovative new ways to inspire students in maths and science. 

Once home the teachers were keen to start using their new skills.  Chris Wenzlau, Grade 5 teacher and maths coordinator at Seaholme Primary School in Melbourne’s western surburbs, said the training was all about getting students involved and excited about maths and science.  Every lesson at the Academy was accompanied by a hands-on exercise, science experiments and maths games.  “The Academy was the most professionally organised and in-depth training program that I have attended and it has given me new activities and ideas to help me deliver the maths and science curriculum in my classroom,” said Chris. 

The Academy graduates are encouraged to keep in touch and share ideas.  The Australian teachers found the networking with the American teachers at the Academy invaluable and are looking at ways to develop joint programs with the students.

Teachers were invited to attend from schools close to ExxonMobil’s operations in Victoria:

• Longford Primary School, near Sale, Gippsland (2 teachers)
• Seaholme Primary School, Altona, Melbourne
• Altona North Primary School, Altona, Melbourne

Video – Along with PGA golfer Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, ExxonMobil founded the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy to provide third through fifth grade math and science teachers with new and innovative ways to motivate their students.

Learn more about ExxonMobil’s involvement in the Academy in the United States.