ExxonMobil Honors Newly Trained Math and Science Teachers

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Mon Jun 1, 2009 11:00am EDT

* Twenty teachers to take math and science knowledge into New Orleans classrooms

* Part of extensive training program at Xavier University 
* ExxonMobil has contributed $10 million to math and science education

NEW ORLEANS--(Business Wire)--
Twenty New Orleans-area middle school math teachers were honored last Friday by
Louisiana First Lady Supriya Jindal for completing the initial phase of an
extensive training program at the Math and Science Teacher Institute through
Xavier University of Louisiana - part of a $10 million commitment from the
ExxonMobil Foundation to help restore and enhance math and science education in
New Orleans. 

Through the ExxonMobil grant, the institute provides training and support to
local math and science teachers to help them build content knowledge, integrate
effective instructional methods and enhance classroom strategies. It was created
in partnership with Xavier University, which has developed and hosted the
training. 

"One of the best drivers of student success is the quality of classroom teachers
and the spark and encouragement they can provide," said Gerald McElvy, president
of the ExxonMobil Foundation. "When you impact a teacher`s knowledge-base, you
can impact more than 100 students per day. ExxonMobil is proud to partner with
Xavier University to start up the Math and Science Teacher Institute, and we
know this program will make a huge difference for New Orleans school children." 

The fourth through eighth grade teachers were selected through an application
process based on their willingness to improve their knowledge and skills, strong
commitment to closing the achievement gap and their commitment to remaining a
teacher in the Greater New Orleans area for at least two years after completing
the program. 

"We salute the ExxonMobil Foundation for recognizing the critical need for math
and science teachers and for funding this type of program," said Xavier
University President Dr. Norman C. Francis. "Xavier is committed to enhance
teacher preparation in New Orleans, specifically the teaching of mathematics and
science in the middle school years. It is an opportunity to make a major
difference in the education of a new generation of students." 

In addition to the initial training that consisted of a two-week summer
institute, teachers will meet twice a month for the remainder of the school year
with top local, national and international math educators who have developed
concepts for improving performance levels for all students. 

About ExxonMobil Foundation: 

ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil
Corporation in the United States. The Foundation and the Corporation engage in a
range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in
the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United
States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at
the K-12 and higher education levels. 

Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education and combat
malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2008, together
with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and
affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $225 million in contributions
worldwide, of which more than $89 million was dedicated to education. Additional
information on ExxonMobil`s community partnerships and contributions programs is
available at www.exxonmobil.com/community. 

About Xavier University 

Xavier University of Louisiana is a private, co-educational institution offering
a comprehensive liberal arts program and professional programs, including 41
undergraduate majors, seven masters degree programs and a doctor of pharmacy
program. Xavier is the only historically Black, Catholic university in the
United States and draws students from all fifty states, Washington, D.C., the
Virgin Islands and 35 countries. 





For ExxonMobil Foundation
Kim Quirk, 214-532-3771 



Copyright Business Wire 2009

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