ExxonMobil Honors Newly Trained Math and Science Teachers

• Twenty teachers to take math and science knowledge into New Orleans classrooms
• Part of extensive training program at Xavier University
• ExxonMobil has contributed $10 million to math and science education

NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Twenty New Orleans-area middle school math teachers were honored last Friday by Louisiana First Lady Supriya Jindal for completing the initial phase of an extensive training program at the Math and Science Teacher Institute through Xavier University of Louisiana – part of a $10 million commitment from the ExxonMobil Foundation to help restore and enhance math and science education in New Orleans.

“We salute the ExxonMobil Foundation for recognizing the critical need for math and science teachers and for funding this type of program”

Through the ExxonMobil grant, the institute provides training and support to local math and science teachers to help them build content knowledge, integrate effective instructional methods and enhance classroom strategies. It was created in partnership with Xavier University, which has developed and hosted the training.

“One of the best drivers of student success is the quality of classroom teachers and the spark and encouragement they can provide,” said Gerald McElvy, president of the ExxonMobil Foundation. “When you impact a teacher’s knowledge-base, you can impact more than 100 students per day. ExxonMobil is proud to partner with Xavier University to start up the Math and Science Teacher Institute, and we know this program will make a huge difference for New Orleans school children.”

The fourth through eighth grade teachers were selected through an application process based on their willingness to improve their knowledge and skills, strong commitment to closing the achievement gap and their commitment to remaining a teacher in the Greater New Orleans area for at least two years after completing the program.

“We salute the ExxonMobil Foundation for recognizing the critical need for math and science teachers and for funding this type of program,” said Xavier University President Dr. Norman C. Francis. “Xavier is committed to enhance teacher preparation in New Orleans, specifically the teaching of mathematics and science in the middle school years. It is an opportunity to make a major difference in the education of a new generation of students.”

In addition to the initial training that consisted of a two-week summer institute, teachers will meet twice a month for the remainder of the school year with top local, national and international math educators who have developed concepts for improving performance levels for all students.

About ExxonMobil Foundation:

ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation and the Corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels.

Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2008, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $225 million in contributions worldwide, of which more than $89 million was dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.

About Xavier University

Xavier University of Louisiana is a private, co-educational institution offering a comprehensive liberal arts program and professional programs, including 41 undergraduate majors, seven masters degree programs and a doctor of pharmacy program. Xavier is the only historically Black, Catholic university in the United States and draws students from all fifty states, Washington, D.C., the Virgin Islands and 35 countries.