Capacity Building: New Pathways to a Career in Mathematics Teaching in Central Alabama
This project aims to serve the national need of preparing high-quality teachers of mathematics to meet the acute national shortage of secondary mathematics teachers by engaging key partners both within and outside of Auburn University in collaboratively designing a program to prepare “career changers” who already have a strong background in mathematics to pursue a career in teaching mathematics. The program will provide a streamlined entry with a particular emphasis on developing candidates’ deep knowledge of mathematics teaching and learning needed for success. Such a streamlined approach will make participation in the program more feasible for potential candidates and provide immediate assistance to high-needs school districts struggling to find qualified mathematics teachers.
Project objectives include:
- Building partnerships among those with a stake in ensuring an adequate supply of mathematics teachers
- Collaboratively building new approaches for career changers to enter the profession that are efficient, effective, and practical
- Beginning the course and curriculum design needed for approval by Auburn University and the State Department of Education
- Exploration of recruitment strategies
Funding
National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (DUE 1950251, 3/1/2020-2/28/2021, $75,000)
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.