Who are the Polymer Ambassadors?

What are some activities Polymer Ambassadors do to promote polymer education?     We design laboratories, practice demonstrations, organize workshops, and develop written materials that will promote polymer education. We receive an annual allotment for travel expenses and materials (but not for our time) to present workshops at local, regional, state and national conventions.  We are an enthusiastic group!  We learn to work as a team with others who are chosen to be Ambassadors. Remember, we are all classroom teachers!  Meeting new people, traveling to interesting places, learning about polymers from industrial engineers and chemists, working cooperatively, and having a good time are all experiences of a Polymer Ambassador.  A "Polymer Ambassador in Training" is a one year term as he/she becomes acquainted with the program.  A Polymer Ambassador has a three-year term.  An Emeritus Polymer Ambassador is supported at a reduced level for two years.

What are some expectations of a Polymer Ambassador? 

• The success of the program is based on a supportive environment.  In any one workshop, the organizer can expect assistance from other ambassadors attending the same convention.
• Presentation skills and safety considerations must reflect favorably on the Polymer Ambassador program. 
• During the six-year term, Polymer Ambassadors are encouraged to develop new materials.  Sharing with others in the group stimulates discussion. Written materials (printed or on the Web) must make every effort to identify and acknowledge the source and give proper credit. All materials must be scientifically accurate.
• Our mission is to promote polymer education.  Our program does not endorse any specific commercial interests.
• Ambassadors in Training make every effort to attend an Area NSTA Convention and the National NSTA Convention to assist others in their workshops.  Attendance at the summer and winter planning meetings is encouraged as well as attendance at a polymer training workshop during the following summer.
• Active Polymer Ambassadors are encouraged to be an organizer of one workshop and assist with one or two others at one Area NSTA Convention and the National NSTA Convention per year.  They are also expected to conduct workshops at the local, district, and state levels.  Attendance at the winter planning meeting and the summer planning meeting are also encouraged.
• Emeritus Polymer Ambassadors are encouraged to organize workshops for one or more NSTA Conventions per year and to continue working at the local and state levels.  They are also invited to all planning meetings by Polymer Ambassadors.

Recognition and Awards of the Polymer Ambassadors:

• 5 Ambassadors have won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching
• 3 Ambassadors have won the CMA Catalyst Award
• 1 Ambassador won the Disney Award
• 4 Ambassadors won the PolyEd Education Award
• 1 Ambassador has won 6 national place awards for students in ExploraVision
• 1 Ambassador received an Einstein Fellowship in Washington DC
• 2 Ambassadors won the Unsung Heros Award
• 2 Ambassadors won Regional ACS High School Teaching Awards
• 3 Ambassadors won the Tandy Technology Award
• 2 Ambassadors won the Ohaus Award
• 1 Ambassador won Outstanding Service Award for Washington State Technology Teachers
• 2 Ambassadors won State Teacher of the Year Awards
• 12 Ambassadors were mentors or participated in MaTR Workshops
• 7 Ambassadors were mentors or instructors at AGPA Workshops
• 2 Ambassadors were instructors at EMU Discovery in Plastics Workshops
• 3 Ambassadors were instructors at Clemson University Polymer Workshop
• 2 Ambassadors were instructors for Wisconsin Academies
• 4 Ambassadors have been Board Members for NMLSTA
• 2 Ambassadors are members of ASM Education Committee
• 2 Ambassadors are National Material Science Instructors
• 2 Ambassadors are authors of the Hands On Plastics Kits for APC
• 3 Ambassadors have National Board Certification

If you are interested in applying to be a Polymer Ambassador, click here for the application form.(This is a pdf file.)

 

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