Mark Kaercher, left, addresses Secretary Duncan.

Photo Courtesy: Times Union

August 31, 2010 - Shaker High School mathematics teacher Mark Kaercher was bestowed a tremendous honor yesterday, as he met with the U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, as part of a roundtable discussion that centered around reform and pilot programs on teacher evaluations.

Kaercher, who serves as a facilitator of the Semi High Tech U Programs, a program that encourages high school students everywhere to become productive members of the workforce by pursuing math and science based careers, was invited by Maria Neira, Vice President of NYSUT, to meet and greet Secretary Duncan.

Kaercher was able to tell Secretary Duncan about his experience with the SEMI High Tech U Program and asked for continued support by the administration for programs to provide professional development as we strive to prepare our students for possible careers in the high tech industry.

"I was honored to be a part of the visit with Secretary Duncan," Kaercher said. "It was such an exciting and rewarding experience."