‘VolsTeach Program’ at Lunch with League on Tuesday

Submitted

“VolsTeach” will be the focus of a presentation by university faculty member Peggy Bertrand, the guest speaker at “Lunch with the League” at noon Tuesday in the Social Hall of the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church.

“VolsTeach” is a University of Tennessee program targeted to undergraduate math, science, or engineering majors who are interested in expanding their professional skills and exploring a career in secondary teaching. Without any additional credit hours, students can graduate in four years with a degree and obtain licensure as highly qualified teachers in their respective content areas. The program emphasizes early and ongoing field-based experiences.

Bertrand was a teacher and science department coordinator at Oak Ridge High School before joining the “VolsTeach” faculty as a clinical assistant professor and master teacher. In her 14-year career as a public educator, Peggy taught a variety of science and mathematics courses, authored several publications, and presented papers in these areas.

After earning her doctorate in chemistry, Bertrand had careers as a research chemist and as a commercial software entrepreneur before becoming certified to teach public secondary school. For the past decade, in addition to teaching, Peggy has been a physics consultant for the College Board, serving at the annual AP exam reading in a leadership capacity, conducting AP Summer Institutes for high school teachers, and co-chairing the Physics C Development Committee. She continues to author and edit physics curriculum materials for the College Board.

She has received the Siemens Award in Advanced Placement Teaching, the Tennessee AAPT Outstanding Physics Teacher of the Year award, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and the Tennessee Academy of Science Distinguished Teaching Award. She and her students won a Lemelson-MIT invention grant, which culminated in participation in the first-ever White House Science Fair, where they presented their invention to President Obama.

“Lunch with the League” is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge, and it is open to the public. There is no cost to attend, and reservations are not needed. Box lunches will be available starting at 11:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis for $7, or you may bring your own. Coffee and tea are provided.

For more information about LWVOR, visit the website at lwvoakridge.org.

The Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 1500 Oak Ridge Turnpike.