The Willard Jacobson Lecture and Award

The Science Education Section of the New York Academy of Sciences holds meetings throughout the year. The group's programming features active educators, who examine methods and issues related to teaching in different fields of study. The group also holds an annual Archie Lacey Lecture to recognize a scholar for substantial contributions in the recruitment of minority Americans into the sciences.

The Willard Jacobson Award

The Willard Jacobson Award is given to a science teacher who has made major contributions to the field of science education.

Willard James Jacobson, founder of the NYAS Science Education Section, was known for his pioneering achievements in science education and far-reaching contributions to national education policy. He directed public attention to the national problem of "a sadly deficient" science education in the 1950s and was recognized for his efforts at international science education.

Abstract

America's Pressing Challenge – Building A Stronger Foundation
Jo Anne Vasquez
Arizona State University and Member, National Science Board (Governing Board of the National Science Foundation)

Research shows that a child who has teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to teach mathematics and science effectively in pre-college grades is more likely to be able to close the achievement gaps that he or she experiences and be prepared as an individual for success in work and life. Yet in both urban and rural areas of this country finding and keeping qualified teachers of science is reaching a crisis. How can we recruit, retrain and retain the thousands of teachers that will be needed as the experienced ones leave the field? America's competitive edge in this "flat world," its strength and versatility, all depend on an educational pipeline capable of producing a steady supply of young people well prepared in science and mathematics. Are we running the risk of raising a generation of students who do not know how to think critically, and make informed decisions based on their understanding of information? The National Science Board has appointed a Commission on 21st STEM Education, NOT to study the causes for the lack of this preparation, we have had numerous reports on the whys but this commission's charge is to come up with an action plan for moving this nation's and NSF's STEM education forward. This presentation will give a preview of this action plan and how each of you can get involved in the public comments period, before it goes to Congress. We have reached the tipping point and the time is now for a call to action!