MOULTRIE — ExxonMobil partnered with PGA golfer Phil Mickelson to improve math and science education. The Teacher Academy has trained nearly 4,500 teachers impacting more than 300,000 students nationwide.

G.E.A.R. Gifted Center teacher Lisa Duncan is among the 200 elementary school teachers from across the United States that have been selected to attend the 2015 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers’ Academy, a professional development program designed to enhance math and science teaching skills.

Participants learn how to bring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to life in the classroom, to inspire students to study and pursue careers in the critical fields.

Donna Marshall, G.E.A.R Gifted Center Director, nominated Duncan earlier this year and was overwhelmed with excitement to hear of her selection.

“I was in complete shock when I received the phone call explaining that I have been selected to attend the Exxon Mobil Teacher Academy,” Duncan said. “I am beyond excited to represent Colquitt County and the state of Georgia at the national level. I can only imagine the impact this experience will have on my teaching career. I cannot wait to come back to school next fall and implement many new ideas.”

Marshall commented on Duncan’s selection, “Lisa Duncan is one of those teachers whose understanding of the vast needs of her students stands above others. She offers a unique perspective and embraces the true interventions and accommodations necessary for her students, as well as others, to show success in the classroom and in the community. Her reputation of excellence in the classroom superseded her. Her character and reputation in education are unmatched.

“Lisa Duncan is an eager learner, engaging and inspirational teacher, who is always willing to go the extra mile in any task that she undertakes,” Marshall continued. “Her energy level is limitless, never reaching the ‘near empty’ mark on the gauge. She is a constant motivator for all with whom she comes in contact. Her communication skills with both parents and staff members are far beyond her years.”

“Today’s teachers and students must learn how to ‘speak science’ to ensure we remain competitive as a nation,” Mickelson said in a press release. “The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy encourages teachers to use real-world examples and in-class experiments to build excitement about STEM learning, educating the next generation of American innovators.”

These successful educators teach third through fifth grade, and were chosen from more than 1,500 applications submitted at www.sendmyteacher.com. Selection was based on teacher qualifications, dedication to inspiring students at an early age, and overall commitment to enhancing the teaching profession. A panel of educators from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Science Teachers Association selected participants to attend the National Academy, held July 27-31 at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, N.J.

During the week-long Academy, participants will work with a curriculum developed by the National Science Teachers Association and Math Solutions. After the program, teachers will return to their classrooms reinvigorated with the passion to teach students how to be science literate, using hands-on experiments that show how math and science surround us daily, the Colquitt County Schools press release said.

The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is part of ExxonMobil’s long-term commitment to education. The company supports initiatives that encourage students to take an active interest in math and science careers, support the professional development of highly qualified teachers, and promote involvement by women and minority students.