Science educator earns teaching honor

In the second week of school, elementary teacher Ruth Markham wasn't expecting visitors to her classroom - not even by her "sister," the strangely similar yet outlandishly clad Professor Marshmallow, who performs fun science experiments.

Instead, it was a tame day in class Thursday morning with her Chocachatti Elementary School fifth-graders, until she was visited by school officials.

No, she wasn't being visited to be evaluated, nor was her class part of a school tour for the superintendent, assistant superintendent, school board members and other district officials.

For once, the focus was all on her for having been selected for the high honor of being one of three Florida representatives for the 2010 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Tears streaming down her face, Markham accepted her flowers and certificate along with a swarming group hug from her students and supporting words from teachers in all the excitement of being nominated for the prestigious teaching award - which could now win her $10,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the president.

"I'm just in awe. I can't believe it," Markham said following the surprise news. "I'm in shock and so it's really hard to think. I'm just so honored."

Fifth-grade teacher Mary Youngblood hugged and comforted Markham, who at one point was almost too emotional for words as their students excitedly talked and cheered.

"This is from all those times you gave up your planning periods and donated your own time," Youngblood said to Markham. "We're all very blessed to have you."

Superintendent Bryan Blavatt showed amazement not only with Markham's exceptional teaching, but also with the district's ability to keep the news secret. CES Principal Maria Rybka said she didn't find out until the day before they gave Markham the award, which she said is well deserved.

She said Markham has spent her own time after school and at night working with students and parents on science initiatives and projects and goes out of her way to make it fun.

At times she'll disappear and Professor Marshmallow takes over, dressed in wild costumes to put on science shows where she entertains students while teaching them about science.

"Nobody knows the identity of Professor Marshmallow," Rybka laughed, "But Mrs. Markham goes above and beyond everyday. She drives and inspires these kids to understand science and helps them through the process."

Markham is a 23rd year teacher who has taught in the district for 17 years. Along with her teaching credentials and licenses, she's also a puppeteer and spends time educating students on how to perform with them.

This year she's one of the three choices to represent Florida out of roughly 200 who were nominated. Jeff Yungmann, supervisor of middle school curriculum, said he believes a parent nominated Markham, who then had to put together a video and other presentation materials to show how she might be a leader in furthering improvement of science and mathematics education.

Markham will be recognized during the fall Florida Association of Science Teachers conference in St. Augustine and her application and videos have already been submitted for the national selection process.

Meanwhile, Markham thanked everyone including her students for all the exceptional work they do. She's currently working with students as young as kindergarten - preparing them early to explore and ask questions about science.

"I get my inspiration from them," Markham said. "And so for now, I'm just going to have a great time with my kids, because that's what I love to do."