Occasionally, I like to use this space to not only discuss energy policy, but also to cover other important areas relevant to our nation’s future. One of the most important is education.

And on that score, I’d like to highlight the 200 U.S. elementary teachers who have just been selected to attend the 2011 National Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy.

These deserving third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers will spend one week at the all-expenses-paid academy at the Liberty Science Center outside New York City, where they will learn new and innovative ways to encourage their students’ interest in math and science.

We created the academy in partnership with professional golfer Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, in response to an urgent need to better prepare U.S. students for future careers where proficiency in math and science will be essential.

According to a recent study by the National Science Foundation, eight of the 10 fastest-growing career sectors now require skills in math and science.  However, a recent education assessment released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development showed that U.S. students rank 25th in math and 17th in science out of 34 leading industrialized countries.

The Academy is working to combat these concerning statistics by equipping teachers with the tools to inspire a new generation of science-literate citizens – those who can not only create tomorrow’s breakthrough technologies but also help maintain America’s standing as a scientific leader.  Since the inception of the academy, just over five years ago, we’ve trained 2,600 teachers who have impacted more than 45,000 students across the U.S.

On behalf of ExxonMobil, I’d like to offer my congratulations to all of the teachers selected to attend the 2011 academy.  I am confident these dedicated, passionate educators will leave the academy this summer with new, creative tools to engage our country’s young people in these critical subjects.

I also encourage you to visit http://www.sendmyteacher.com/, where you can learn more about the academy and nominate a deserving third, fourth or fifth grade teacher that you – or your kids – know.  Nominations for the 2012 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy are open until the end of October.