National Science Education Leadership Association recognizes Clemson center coordinator

Published: March 2, 2010

By Mark Sublette

CLEMSON — Thomas T. Peters, executive director of the South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics and Science and coordinator for the Clemson University-based Anderson-Oconee-Pickens-Greenville Regional S²MART Center, is the National Science Education Leadership Association’s 2010 Outstanding Leader in Science Education.

Peters will receive the honor, which includes a one-year association membership, a plaque and a $1,000 check from Pearson Publishing Co., at the National Science Education Leadership Association Professional Development Luncheon March 17 in Philadelphia.

The S²MART Center was created in 1994 by a National Science Foundation-funded Statewide Systemic Initiative grant. The center, along with a statewide network of regional centers and business, education and public-policy partners, has been instrumental in leading schools through changes associated with the creation of mathematics and science curriculum standards and the implementation of South Carolina’s student achievement-testing program.

“During these past 16 years, science instruction, particularly at the elementary-school level, has flourished, and South Carolina has been recognized for its student achievement gains on the National Assessment of Education Progress,” Peters said.

The South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics and Science brings together advocates from business and industry, education, government and community organizations to catalyze advocacy and action in science, technology, engineering and math education. The coalition is best known for groundbreaking work to develop an effective model for instructional coaching in science and mathematics. 

Peters has been the director of the coalition since it was established in 2004.

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