Congresswoman Duckworth Invites Schaumburg Science Teacher as Guest to State of the Union

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) is inviting Schaumburg teacher Michelle Burke, a science teacher at Jane Addams Junior High School, as her guest for this year’s State of the Union Address. Ms. Burke is instrumental in FUSE, a partnership with Northwestern University that is designed to expand STEAM  (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, Mathematics) programs in elementary classrooms throughout the greater Chicago area. Duckworth and Burke met on October 25th, 2013 when District 54 launched the program.

“It is truly an honor to have Michelle as my State of the Union guest,” said Duckworth. “When I met her last year it was immediately clear the enthusiasm she had for teaching and her dedication to her students. STEAM education is so important to the future of our country and Michelle is a wonderful role model for both her students and educators everywhere.”

“We need a trained workforce that can compete in the global economy and it is never too early to start training. Introducing students to STEAM activities, like robotics at Jane Addams Junior High, will help make them aware of opportunities and careers they might never have thought of. When I visit manufacturers right here in Illinois they tell me that they have job openings but don’t have the right candidates to fill the positions. STEAM education is crucial to providing good jobs for future generations and allowing Illinois businesses to succeed.”