Tech-trained Teacher Meets President Obama

Lorentyna Baldus, a science teacher in Grand Rapids who went through special training with Michigan Tech faculty and graduate students in a National Science Foundation-funded program MiTEP (Michigan Teaching Excellence Program), was laid off this summer by Grand Rapids Public Schools. After being recommended by Graduate School Dean Jacqueline Huntoon, Baldus was chosen by the National Science Teachers Association to meet President Barack Obama and tell her story.

“I was able to stand on the steps of the Rose Garden during President Obama’s speech!” she wrote to Huntoon. “What an experience to meet the president and vice president!”

The dean, who described Baldus as “awesome,” said that MiTEP promotes not only better science education, but leadership among teachers.

Michigan Tech’s $4 million grant was one of only four awarded nationwide to establish math and science teacher institutes. The institutes are part of a larger NSF program called Math and Science Partnership.

Baldus said she is hoping to be called back to work soon.

by Jennifer Donovan, director of public relations
Published in Tech Today