[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 20, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S5454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ALASKA RECIPIENTS OF PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS 
                          AND SCIENCE TEACHING

 Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I have come to the Senate floor 
today to congratulate three exceptional teachers in Alaska--Douglas 
Heetderks of Anchorage, Lura Hegg of Palmer, and Gretchen Murphy of 
Fairbanks. President Clinton named these Alaskans as recipients of the 
1999 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science 
Teaching. This is our Nation's highest honor for mathematics and 
science teachers in grades K through 12.
  Each year, a national panel of distinguished scientists, 
mathematicians and educators recommends one elementary and one 
secondary math teacher and one elementary and one secondary science 
teacher from each state or territory to receive a presidential award. 
The 1999 recipients were selected from among 650 finalists.
  The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science 
Teaching Program is administered by the National Science Foundation 
(NSF) on behalf of the White House. The program was established in 1983 
and is designed to recognize and reward outstanding teachers. In 
addition to a presidential citation and a trip to Washington, DC, each 
recipient's school receives a NSF grant of $7,500 to be used under the 
direction of the teacher, to supplement other resources for improving 
science or mathematics programs in their school system.
  Douglas Heetderks, Lura Hegg and Gretchen Murphy are exceptional and 
highly dedicated teachers. Douglas Heetderks teaches Elementary Science 
at Susitna Elementary in Anchorage; Lura Hegg teaches Secondary Science 
at Colony Middle School in Palmer; and Gretchen Murphy teaches 
Elementary Math at University Park Elementary School in Fairbanks. In 
addition to having extensive knowledge of math and science, they have 
demonstrated an understanding of how students learn and have the 
ability to engage students, foster curiosity and generate excitement. 
Mr. Heetderks, Ms. Hegg, and Ms. Murphy have displayed an experimental 
and innovative attitude in their approach to teaching and are highly 
respected for their leadership.
  Mr. President, our nation's future depends on today's teachers. 
Currently, 40 percent of America's 4th graders read below the basic 
level on national reading tests. On international tests, the nation's 
12th graders rank last in Advanced Physics compared with students in 18 
other countries. And one-third of all incoming college freshmen must 
enroll in a remedial reading, writing, or mathematics class before 
taking regular courses.
  If we are to turn these dismal statistics around we are going to need 
more and talented teachers like Mr. Heetderks, Ms. Hegg and Ms. Murphy. 
I applaud them for their hard work and dedication to our children. They 
are educating those who will lead this country in creating, developing, 
and putting to work new ideas and technology.

                          ____________________