Sarah Ludwig from Fond du Lac's Woodworth Middle School is among 50 teachers from across the country – one of just two from Wisconsin – that have been selected to attend the 2011 Siemens STEM Institute.

The institute is a week-long, all-expenses-paid professional development event held July 31-Aug. 5, at the global headquarters of Discovery Communications.

There, the teachers (aka fellows) will meet, network with and hear from leading scientists, innovators and thought-leaders who come from careers across the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. They will also get a chance to observe some real-world applications of STEM subject matter and have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers.

According to a statement from Discovery Communications, the fellows will be assigned to themed work groups to delve deeper into STEM teaching issues and subjects and are expected to return home and become STEM ambassadors within their schools and the wider community.

Ludwig is wrapping up her 14th year teaching seventh and eighth grade science at Woodworth Middle School, where she is a member of the Fond du Lac School District Science Teacher Learning Team and advisor to the Woodworth Rocket Club.

"The Siemens STEM Institute will create a collaborative environment in my classroom to foster student learning by engaging students, the school, and the district with innovative lessons and unique teaching strategies," Ludwig said.

Another Wisconsin educator – Christine Lange of Eau Claire Memorial High School chemistry and physics teacher – will also take part in the institute.

Congratulations to them both.