Science Teachers for Rural America - A Post-Baccalaureate STEM Teacher Licensure Project

Fort Hays State University, Hays KS

Investigators

Abstract

This Noyce Track 1 project aims to serve the national need of preparing highly qualified STEM teachers. Additionally, this project will support thirty scholars in science, mathematics, and engineering by providing stipends for post-baccalaureate students to complete a one-year preparation program. The primary components will enable high-achieving prospective teachers to become secondary STEM teachers with extensive expertise in active learning instruction and placed-based instruction for schools in rural geographic areas. This project at Fort Hays State University includes partnerships with Deerfield School District – USD 216, Dighton School District -USD 482, and Southwest Plains Regional Service Center. Project goals include: producing 30 new STEM teachers over 5 years through a one-year post-baccalaureate program at Fort Hays State University recruited from science, engineering, and mathematics; development of an online mentorship program to improve retention of teachers in the early years of their career; and engage in program improvement of teacher preparation in collaboration with school partners. This project will be iteratively evaluated. Evaluation of the project will be guided by the following evaluation question(s): (a) What are effective program features to prepare teachers in place-based education for rural geographic areas, and (b) What are effective strategies to recruit and retain STEM teachers in rural geographic areas. 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.