Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Track 1: Engaging Noyce Scholars in Community-Based Teaching in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics

National-Louis University, Wheeling IL

Investigators

Abstract

The Noyce Track 1 project aims to serve the national need of preparing highly qualified STEM teachers by supporting the development of 22 secondary-level STEM teacher candidates in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. These candidates, referred to as Noyce Scholars, will receive $15,000 scholarships over the final two years of their coterminous BS/MAT degree program. The project offers a range of supports including mentored cohorts, structured field experiences, and participation in communities of practice. These components are designed to enable high-achieving prospective teachers to become secondary STEM educators with strong expertise in student-centered and place-based instruction. This project at National Louis University and Illinois Institute of Technology includes partnerships with Chicago Public Schools and is focused on preparing STEM teachers who can deliver high-quality instruction connected to students’ lived experiences and local contexts. Project goals include preparing 22 new STEM teachers over five years in the areas of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. The project supports undergraduate students pursuing secondary teaching careers. Scholars will engage in place-based STEM inquiry, develop pedagogical content knowledge, and participate in professional learning communities. The embedded Delphi research study examines how stakeholders conceptualize and prioritize STEM teaching. This project will be iteratively evaluated. Evaluation of the project will be guided by the following evaluation questions: (a) To what extent do scholars demonstrate growth in student-centered and place-based STEM teaching practices? (b) How effectively do program components support scholars’ development as STEM educators? The results of this project will be disseminated to help enhance the field. This Track 1: Scholarships and Stipends project is supported through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (Noyce). The Noyce program supports talented STEM undergraduate majors and professionals to become effective K-12 STEM teachers and experienced, exemplary K-12 teachers to become STEM master teachers in high-need school districts. It also supports research on the effectiveness and retention of K-12 STEM teachers in high-need school districts. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.