The Virginia Math and Science Coalition has honored John Nunn, the Crisis Resource teacher at Alexandria’s Secondary Training and Education program for his Technology Engineering Mathematics and Science program.
The VMSC recognizes schools and individuals with a “Programs That Work” award for initiatives that change the levels of success that Virginia students reach in math and science. The award included a reception at the governor’s mansion in Richmond and a $300 honorarium.
“We are delighted and extremely proud of Mr. Nunn and his accomplishments with the TEMS program,” said Superintendent Rebecca L. Perry. “It is a huge tribute when the governor commends you and recognizes your achievements on the state level. We are very honored to have a teacher of this caliber serving the students of Alexandria.”
NUNN CREATED the TEMS program four years ago to enhance minority students’ performance in math and science and to narrow and ultimately close the achievement gap. As the program coordinator, Nunn has seen the summer program for seventh to ninth graders grow along with the curriculum. Students in the TEMS program learn math and science through hands-on projects in robotics, engineering, web page building, field trips and job shadowing. The TEMS program has been featured nationally by the National Society of Black Engineers.
Speaking at the TEMS graduation ceremony last summer, Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille expressed his own pride in the program. “We are proud to have such a program here and are also proud of the work that all of the students have done. I am sure that this work will translate to even bigger and better work in science and math for all of these students in the future,” Euille said.