Toms River Science Teacher Honored In 2 Programs

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River Regional Schools science teacher Christine Girtain has received a pair of honors for her work as a science teacher.

Girtain, who leads the district's authentic science research program, has been named a Society for Science Advocate, and also is a New Jersey state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching.

Both honors were announced over the summer.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for K-12 math and science teachers, and there are three finalists in math and three in science from each state. One science and one math teacher from each state will be chosen as Presidential Awardees, and will receive a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. Science awardees also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

The Society for Science Advocate program honors science teachers across the country and gives them a stipend to help support students' scientific research. Girtain, who received $3,000, is one of 66 across the United States to receive funding.

"I am so excited to be affiliated with Society for Science and the amazing STEM outreach they do," Girtain said. "The training I am receiving through the Advocate program will enhance our Authentic Science Research course and allow more students to compete in STEM competitions and symposia."

The Advocate program focuses on working with students from underrepresented groups and from low-income households, by helping them to develop STEM projects that can then be entered into science research competitions.

The Society for Science runs several science research competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, International Science and Engineering Fair, and Broadcom MASTERS, but participants may also choose outside science research competitions.

Two Toms River school district students participated in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair last school year. Read more: 2 Toms River Students Earn Spots At International Science Fair

"In the face of shifting learning environments and an evolving public health emergency, it is critical that we guide students in science research in diverse learning environments and help them thrive in STEM competitions," a news release from the Society for Science said. The Advocate program aims to ensure students do not fall behind in STEM fields.

Now in its seventh year, the Advocate Program strives to educate and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators through hands-on research and competition, and supports full representation of all identities in STEM fields.

“Students and teachers will have to remain flexible during a fluctuating public health emergency,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science and publisher of Science News. “Through the Advocate Program, we hope students continue to participate in meaningful and transformative science research experiences. We hope this program continues to be a catalyst for underrepresented students to consider future STEM careers."

The Advocate Program not only has teachers mentoring students and encouraging them to become the next generation of scientists and engineers, it allows teachers to learn from each other.

For the 2021-22 school year, the Advocates are from 31 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and include 23 middle school teachers, three who work with both middle and high school students, 29 high school teachers, six affiliated with universities and five out-of-school educators.

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