Crosby, TX (September 28, 2023) – Science teacher, Ms. Cristina Eilers from Newport Elementary School, is one of twenty-four (24) teachers named regional winners in the annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Ms. Eilers is receiving a school science lab makeover support package valued at $15,000, sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). The Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge Competition recognizes exceptional and innovative science educators, who do outstanding work utilizing limited school and laboratory resources for student science lab instruction.
"These teachers are passionate, and their support is essential for students. And, their dedication to providing science-based reasoning skills in the classroom makes them outstanding," says Frazier Wilson, Director, Shell Workforce Development & Diversity Outreach. "Equipping every student with technical competencies, scientific experiences, and critical thinking will prepare them for a successful future. At Shell, we believe students can reach new heights when they have access to the right tools."
To enter the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, K–12 science teachers located in select school districts near Shell assets were asked to describe their school’s current laboratory resources, explain why laboratory upgrade support is needed, and describe their approach to science education instruction using their school’s current lab facilities. A panel of science educators then reviewed and selected the top entries.
"Teachers need resources in order to be able to provide their students with high-quality instruction. NSTA is proud to partner with Shell to give these teachers the classrooms they and their students deserve," says Erika Shugart, Ph.D., CEO and executive director, NSTA.
The regional winners each received a school science lab makeover support package valued at $15,000 (for the elementary level) and $20,000 (for the middle and high school level). Ms. Eilers will utilize some of the money to purchase STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) kits, which include several hands-on science experiments for her 1st through 5th grade students at Newport Elementary School.
Ms. Eilers also advances to the national phase of the competition, in which she will have a chance to win an additional $5,000 of support to attend a future NSTA National Conference on Science Education, where the winning teachers will be honored during a special evening celebration.
Houston Asset
Elementary Level: Cristina Eilers, Newport Elementary School, Crosby, Texas
For more information about the Challenge, visit the competition website at https://www.nsta.org/shell-science-lab-regional-challenge and here https://www.nsta.org/press-release/regional-winners-shell-science-lab-regional-challenge-competition-announced-1
About Crosby ISD
Crosby ISD serves the needs of more than 6800 children in the communities of Crosby and Barrett Station in East Harris County, Texas. Our mission is to produce literate, responsible citizens capable of learning and applying academic and social skills successfully in any life setting. For more information, visit www.crosbyisd.org. or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
About NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit https://www.nsta.org/, or follow NSTA on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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