Teaching for the Future: Science and Mathematics Scholarship Program

Wayne State University, Detroit MI

Investigators

Abstract

This project is a collaborative effort among Wayne State University's (WSU) Colleges of Education and Science and Detroit Public Schools to provide a program of campus courses, online hybrid courses, and classroom teaching experiences to certify 25 new mathematics and science teachers for Detroit Public Schools. Our program objectives are: 1) recruit mathematics and science teacher candidates from WSU's baccalaureate programs and mid-career changers from local industry, 2) provide a quality two-track teacher certification program for our candidates, and 3) induct, monitor, and mentor our teacher candidates through the program and their early years of teaching. This project actively recruits teacher candidates of underrepresented groups, and those in science and mathematics areas where there is the greatest teaching need, specifically higher-level mathematics and the physical sciences. The project employs best practices of our NCATE-approved certification program and of two successful alternative teacher certification programs currently in place at WSU, the Alternative Pathways to Teaching (APT) and Limited License to Instruct (LLI) programs. To achieve this initiative, the project: 1) forms and supports cohort groups led by College of Education faculty and links candidates with in-school mentor teachers to guide their field experiences and induction and provide continued support in the profession; 2) introduces candidates to teaching by placing them in a DPS classroom two days a week in their first or second year where they will engage in observations and selected teaching experiences with a mentor teacher; and 3) places teacher candidates in paid faculty positions in DPS in year two or three of their certification program, to be applied toward tenure within the District. Evaluation is pursued to assess the project's effectiveness in attracting, preparing, and retaining our teacher candidates, and facilitates collecting demographic data on, and tracking of our scholarship/stipend recipients as they fulfill their teaching obligation in the Detroit Public Schools. Dissemination of findings and best practices of this project occurs through research and scholarly publications and presentations at professional conferences.