Grove Elementary teacher selected for exclusive teachers academy

Tracy Donath (left) has been selected to attend the 2015 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in New Jersey. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – A 4th grade teacher at Grove Elementary School was one of 155 teachers nationwide selected to attend the 2015 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in New Jersey.

Tracy Donath said the week-long event, which will take place this summer, provides an opportunity to learn how to be a better science teacher.

“I’m real excited because I get an opportunity to learn some new things that I can use in my classroom,” said Donath. “There’s things I’m doing already, but I’m always looking for ways to make it more fun for my students and learn a lot more for how to be a better science teacher.”

Donath was recognized by the Unit 5 Board of Education this week. She said 1,500 teachers applied for the academy.

“We will be able to learn from other teachers who have been through the same experience and how best to improve out student’s learning,” Donath said.

Pro golfer Phil Mickelson and ExxonMobil sponsor the event.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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