Ulmer Wins National Award

    Vidalia High School mathematics teacher Dorothy Ulmer has been named by President George Bush and the National Science Foundation as a state winner of the prestigious 2005 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
    The award is the nation's highest honor for K-through-12 teaching in these fields.  "This is the top of the line," said an elated Ulmer, who has won her share of honors in the past.
Ulmer, who was one of the 253 state finalists for the prestigious award, will take part in a week-long series of networking and professional development activities in Washington, D.C. next week. In addition, each honoree will also receive $10,000 award from the National Science to use in her teaching duties.
"I'll be doing some things I've been wanting to do for professional development," Ulmer said.
"We're all on cloud nine," said Supt. Dr. Kerry Laster. "She is very deserving. This is a real honor for our district."
    In Washington D.C., Ulmer will be one of 100 math and science teachers to be honored at an awards ceremony. She will receive a citation signed by President Bush acknowledging her exceptional teaching, leadership abilities, and dedication to her students.
"I've always used technology in my teaching and use it even more now," Ulmer said. "What I have learned through the application process is that the teacher should let the student do most of the work and be around to answer questions, guide and push them. You give the kids an inch, and let them go from there."
Ulmer said being a part of the America 2000 program and working on grants from the Rapides Foundation Education Initiative Grant has enhanced her teaching skills.
    "Through the application process I learned so much about teaching," she said. "It's easier for me to use technology. There is so much out there on the Internet. And I learned so much seeing what other people were doing. I love technology and I see the power it has in helping children."
Among the events Ulmer will be participating in will be a reception and special screening of an IMAX film at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, a While House Executive Office-sponsored breakfast at the historic Willard Hotel, a possible White House tour, a reception and dinner at the U.S. Department of State, a Congressional breakfast on Capitol Hill, an awards ceremony and reception at the National Academy of Sciences and an Odyssey Cruise Lines dinner cruise on the Potomac River.
Established by Congress in 1983, and administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation, the Presidential Awards allow for each state to select up to three mathematics and three science teachers as state finalists.
    Ulmer was named March 2006 "Concordia Parish Proud Employee of the Month."
"She is always willing to share her experience," Laster said. "She is a wonderful teacher. This has been her year. I don't know what she is going to for an encore next year.''