News

Anderson teacher meets president on visit to White House

January 6, 2010

When Lakeside Middle School teacher Christi Fricks met President Barack Obama on Wednesday, it was the highlight of a week filled with highlights.

“It’s just been a wonderful experience,” she said. “It’s been a breath of fresh air to know we have so much support here in Washington, and we have so many resources from which to call on.”

Fricks is one of two South Carolina teachers who were winners of the 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

On Wednesday, Fricks and the other 86 winning teachers had lunch at the White House and were able to sit in on a speech given by the president about the importance of education.

Obama said: “We are here today to honor teachers and mentors … who are upholding their responsibility not just to the young people who they teach but to our country by inspiring and educating a new generation in math and science. But we're also here because this responsibility can't be theirs alone. All of us have a role to play in building an education system that is worthy of our children and ready to help us seize the opportunities and meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“Whether it's improving our health or harnessing clean energy, protecting our security or succeeding in the global economy, our future depends on reaffirming America's role as the world's engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation. And that leadership tomorrow depends on how we educate our students today, especially in math, science, technology, and engineering.”

Ficks, a sixth-grade math teacher in Anderson School District 5, said she found new inspiration in the week’s events, as well as new ideas, new resources and new programs to take back to her school and classroom.

“We had a wonderful session today and I will work hard to get our school involved in it. It is a new program called National Lab Day,” she said. “It works to put scientist in the classroom to help provide hands-on real world experiences.”

Since Sunday, Fricks, her husband and her son have been in Washington, D.C. While Fricks participates in education workshops, her family explores the city.

“They’re having a great time out there,” she said. “It has been such a wonderful week. I wish my colleagues were here to share this with me.”

Fricks said that during workshops this week, all 87 teachers from across the country have been able to talk with members of the National Science Foundation, to participate in live feeds with scientists drilling in the ocean and share ideas and insights with one another.

“That’s been one of the great parts about this week, sharing with and meeting other teachers,” she said. “Everybody is under the same stress and pressure to improve. Everyone is stressed about assessments and everyone keeps saying, ‘Let’s stop teaching to the test and teach the child.’ The whole underlying theme for all of us is the kids, which is so refreshing to me because that’s how I teach.”

Fricks was nominated by her principal, Martha Hanwell, for the 2006 award and again for the 2008 award. To qualify, Fricks had to submit an application packet that included a video of her teaching as well as a paper on her teaching style and abilities.

But for her, her abilities were only part of her success.

“I feel truly blessed because throughout my career I have been encouraged and supported by some of the most accomplished educators,” she said. “All of them have played a great role in shaping me into the teacher I am today and for that I am very grateful.”

Fricks credited her students as well.

“I can’t wait to get back to the classroom to share with them everything I’ve done and seen,” she said. “They work really hard and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.”

 

Originally post by the Independent