By Cornelia Seigneur, Special to The Oregonian
Published in SW Weekly Oregonian, Saturday, June 25, 2011
When Sherwood teacher Chris Hill and his wife, Brita, were at the hospital for the birth of their first child, Cody, in February, President Obama was scheduled to speak at Intel about the importance of education and a high-tech economy. 
Obama was visiting to learn about the company’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program
“We were sitting in the recovery room watching TV and heard about Obama going to Intel to talk about STEM, and I had just applied for a fellowship to attend the Siemens STEM Institute this summer outside of Washington, D.C.,” said Hill. “It was just really wild.”
The 28-year-old math and technology teacher at Sherwood Charter School recently found out he was chosen as the only Oregon educator to attend this summer’s STEM Institute, along with 49 other science, math and technology middle and high school educators from across the nation.hearing guest speakers, visiting leading institutions to observe real-world applications of science, technology, engineering and math, and collaborating with other educators. The fellows will also visit the White House.”I notice that his plans engage students in thinking creatively and critically, working collaboratively, and using technology as a tool. I have been impressed with his leadership this year as our technology coordinator,” Smith wrote in an email. “The skills and insight that he will gain from this fellowship will enhance the professional practice of our entire staff.”
“This is such an honor. Just looking at some of the company I am in, so many of those people have their Ph.D.s,” said Hill. “I am excited to learn from the leading scientists, thought-provokers and STEM innovators on how to reach all kids through my teaching.”
Jan Smith, the assistant director of Sherwood Charter School, had encouraged Hill, a fourth-year teacher at the school, to apply for the fellowship. Hill anticipates applying what he learns this summer. “I am anxious to come back to Sherwood Charter School and work with our staff to transform our curriculum into a more problem-solving experience that integrates the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Hill. Hill, who also coaches baseball at Lake Oswego High School, and works with Young Life, credits his father for his love of learning and teaching.
“My dad talks about never getting complacent, both personally and professionally,” said Hill, adding, “My dad has inspired me to be the man I am today.”
Also, originally published on Oregonian’s website at: http://blog.oregonlive.com/writermom/2011/06/sherwood_teacher_chosen_for_na.html
