For promoting high standards of content and rigor in
Math, Science, and Technology Education
Purpose of the Award
During the 1990s, the content of K-12 mathematics and science courses came under attack by the education establishment. These “new math,” “integrated math,” “discovery math,” etc. courses sought to protect students from difficulties in learning traditional mathematical skills. But it failed to provide students with the proper mathematical skills. Science education also suffered due to an “anti-science movement.” This includes attacks on what scientists do, how they affect society and the scientific method of reaching objective truth.
However, there are many teachers who still recognize that their job is to teach mathematics and science skills, and not to fall to the whims of administrators. These teachers display great integrity in defying the education establishment to ensure that their students actually learn mathematics and science.
The SVEC Keeper of the Flame award recognizes and honors those heroes of middle and high school education who have distinguished themselves as Keepers of the Flame of knowledge by maintaining high standards of content in mathematics and science instruction in the face of significant challenges. This award is not intended just to recognize outstanding teaching ability.
Technology teachers also eligible to receive Keepers of the Flame award.
The award will consist of a cash grant given directly to the winning teacher. The award funds are to be used by the teacher for educational purposes. Each year, up to two teachers will be recognized.
For questions, please contact keeper-of-flame@svec.org.
Awards Committee
The granting of awards under this program will be based on the criteria identified below, with specifics of the selection process to be determined by Keeper of the Flame Awards Committee of four members, comprised of:
The SVEC Board member who is currently serving as SVEC Education Director,
A member of the Executive Committee of Silicon Valley Engineering Council appointed by the SVEC President, and
Two at-large educator-representatives to be selected by the SVEC Executive Board. These two individuals must be active science, math, technology and/or pre-engineering teachers in the middle and high school system.
(Unresolved tie votes within the Awards Committee will be decided by the SVEC President.)
Awards Eligibility and Criteria
The Silicon Valley Engineering Council Keeper of the Flame Award recognizes and supports outstanding teachers in the elementary, middle school and high schools whose programs maintain rigorous standards of performance and student participation in mathematics and science in the face of significant challenges. Teachers in Engineering, Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology may be nominated.
Nominees must live or work within the SVEC region of service (See http://www.svec.org ). The selection of awardees under this program will consider the following factors. The nominee must demonstrate:
- A commitment to high standards of achievement in mathematics, science, technology and engineering problem solving that extend beyond the classroom and has maintained these standards in the face of significant challenges
- The teaching of mathematics, science and technology fundamentals to develop problem solving providing an effective balance of theory and practice,
- Strong academic performance as shown by academic degrees, professional presentations and contributions,
- Strong recommendations from fellow faculty, students, and/or supervisors,
- Involvement in the promotion of professional and/or student activities, student competitions, or projects,
- Involvement in community and/or social services activities,
- Innovative approaches to inviting student participation and involvement
Keep these factors in mind while completing this nomination.
Timeline
The 2024 Awards applications are due on February 9, 2024 (postmarked).
The awardees will be notied by email and will be announced on the SVEC website. For more information, please visit http://www.svec.org.