Recognition of Recipients of the “Devil Rays Environmental Education Award” - Sharon Cutler of Chiles Elementary School and Amy Petersen of MacFarlane Park Magnet Elementary School (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

The Devil Rays Environmental Education Award, a partnership between the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Earthwatch Institute, provides opportunities for educators to gain global perspectives on conservation challenges through Earthwatch expeditions. Over the past 35 years, more than 4,000 teacher fellowships have been awarded. Classrooms across the nation also benefit from the Earthwatch “Live from the Field” Program, where students can follow the adventures of teachers in the field. Award recipients work alongside leading scientists on research expeditions around the globe and share what they have learned with their students, colleagues, and the community.

Sharon Cutler, a Gifted Science teacher at Chiles Elementary, will be a part of the "Diamondback Terrapins of Barnegat Bay Expedition" in New Jersey for nine days. Amy Peterson, a Grade 2 teacher at MacFarlane Park Magnet School for International Studies, will participate in the "Prehistoric Pueblos of the American Southwest Expedition" in New Mexico for ten days. These outstanding teachers will participate in the expeditions in the summer this year. The awards were presented in a pre-game ceremony at Tropicana Field on April 30, 2006.

Goal 3 - Student Performance on FCAT science will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.

The Devil Rays Environmental Education Award will cover all expedition expenses of $5,695. In addition, Chiles Elementary School and MacFarlane Park Magnet Elementary School will receive $2,500 each.