Hehr Takes on Global Educator's Role

University of Arkansas staff member Lynne Hehr has taken on another leadership position in science education, this one of international scope.

Hehr, director of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education based in the College of Education and Health Professions, was recently chosen to serve in 2010-11 on the GLOBE International Advisory Committee as alternate representative and in 2012-13 as the GLOBE International Advisory Committee representative for the North America region.

GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment program), is an international hands-on, primary and secondary school-based science and education program.

"The GLOBE program is based on the idea that K-12 teachers and students can be experts in the world around them, as they collect, analyze and share environmental data with scientists, researchers and the education community around the world," Hehr said. "There are 111 countries currently involved in the program that have a mutual concern for and interest in learning about the Earth."

Since 1994, Hehr has directed the Center for Mathematics and Science Education, which offers professional development and resources to K-16 teachers as well as coordinating activities in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines for K-12 students. She directs the annual Northwest Arkansas Science and Engineering Fair and University Days, both of which bring hundreds of students and teachers to the University of Arkansas campus and showcase university faculty and students in research-related events. Last year, Hehr opened the University of Arkansas Discovery Zone, a standalone museum gallery and hands-on learning facility funded in part by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

"Being involved in the GLOBE program, the University of Arkansas is able to provide relevant science education to Arkansas teachers and students from an international perspective. The program also opens opportunities to bring current, world environmental research directly into the state's classrooms," Hehr added.

In her latest appointment, Hehr will work with the director of GLOBE's international division and the Canadian GLOBE country coordinator. As the committee's representative from North America for 2012-2013, she will collaborate with regional representatives from South Africa, India, the Czech Republic, Argentina and Lebanon.

Teresa J. Kennedy, director of GLOBE's international division, said the committee on which Hehr will serve provides a formal mechanism for community input in the overall implementation, enhancement and sustainability of the GLOBE program.

"Advice and guidance received from this important committee will assist GLOBE program office management in making progress toward our goals including student-teacher-scientist partnerships, regionalization and issues surrounding programmatic sustainability around the world, as well as specific projects under way aimed to build robust GLOBE implementation activities across the United States," Kennedy said.