Biotechnology Institute News room

Institute President Recognized as Outstanding Entrepreneurial Educator

   

Arlington, VA (May 16, 2006) -- Paul A. Hanle, president of the Biotechnology Institute, is being recognized by West Chester University’s Institute for Educational Excellence and Entrepreneurship (3E Institute) with its Educator 500 Dean’s Award as one of the country’s outstanding “entrepreneurial educators.”

According to the 3E Institute, entrepreneurial educators are teachers, administrators, university faculty, business partners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who believe all children can succeed, who pursue educational solutions to challenges in schools, and have the vision and courage to be value-creating change agents in education.

The 3E Institute and the Biotechnology Institute are bridging the gap between the private sector and the education community so students can master the skills and knowledge they will need to excel in work and society.

The Biotechnology Institute’s focus is active support for teachers and students to connect them with the biotechnology industry. For example, it offers teachers professional development opportunities and resources to work with industry scientists and enhance curricula and skill standards. For students, the Institute offers a minority mentoring program and competitions that encourage students to pursue studies, training, and careers in biotechnology.

Hanle will receive the award at the 3E Institute’s Annual Business and Education Leadership Forum on May 18 at The Union League of Philadelphia. More than 300 education and business leaders, including representatives from 75 Philadelphia area school districts and corporations, will come together at the forum for a dialogue about creating a new model for educational innovation that is based in business and education partnerships.

Others being honored with the Dean’s Award are Michael Pahides, vice president of economic development and education, Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center; Carlo Parravano, executive director, Merck Institute for Science Education; and John I. Wilson, executive director, National Education Association.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the 3E Institute along with such notable figures in education,” says Hanle. “The Biotechnology Institute has a natural affinity and resonance with the 3E Institute’s philosophy of entrepreneurial educators. We also look forward to working with West Chester University on a partnership that will add strong biotech graduate course content and business savvy to the solid 3E educational model already in place.”

The Leadership Forum will also include a panel discussion that highlights three successful school, business and community partnerships in the Delaware Valley. Another highlight of the meeting will be the presentation of the 2006 Educator 500 Awards. The awards recognize entrepreneurial educators who are proactively developing and implementing innovative programs that meet the unique needs of students by incorporating collaborative solutions, business partnerships, and parent and community involvement.

The 3E Institute, based at West Chester University in West Chester, PA, 25 miles west of Philadelphia, is a global center for identifying, supporting, and mentoring entrepreneurial educators who prepare children and youth to succeed in a learning environment based on interest, passion, discovery and initiative. The goals of the 3E Institute are to foster and support entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in both pre-service and in-service K-16 educators through redesigned curriculum, innovative programs, mentoring experiences, and continuing education.  For more information, visit www.3einstitute.org.

About the Biotechnology Institute
The Biotechnology Institute is as an independent, national nonprofit organization dedicated to education about the present and future impact of biotechnology. Its mission is to engage, excite and educate the public, particularly students and teachers, about biotechnology and its immense potential for solving human health, food and environmental problems. For more information, visit www.biotechinstitute.org.

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Jeff Ghannam
Communications Director
703-248-8681
jghannam@biotechinstitute.org