Recruiting future STEM teachers
Highly prepared math and science teachers are the catalysts behind the scientific advancements that change our world every day, and yet, there’s not enough of them in our classrooms to instruct the next generation of experts in STEM fields.
The problem?
Nearly half of mathematics and science majors report some level of interest in K-12 teaching, yet very few enroll in teacher certification programs.
With 38 percent of West Virginia grades 7-12 mathematics classrooms led by an individual who is not certified to teacher in these classes, WVU has long since recognized West Virginia’s need to remedy the teacher shortage to help West Virginia children receive high quality K-12 math and science instruction.
What are the facts?
- Teachers in the U.S. rate their lives better than all other occupation groups, trailing only physicians.
- Mid-career teacher salaries typically range between $60,000 and $100,000.
- Behind every advance in medicine or technology is a teacher who left a lasting impression.
- You can get a job almost anywhere in the U.S. or abroad as a science or math teacher.
- Most teaching jobs have better retirement benefits than private industry.
- There are student loan forgiveness programs and scholarships for math and science teachers.
How to Get the Facts Out
WVU CE-STEM aims to reverse the shortage of high school chemistry, math and physics teachers by exposing benefits of becoming a math or science teacher to college STEM majors through the Get the Facts Out (GFO) project.
Our Center and the other research study sites are promoting materials designed to entice STEM college students to consider pursuing a teaching profession by challenging negative perceptions and offering accurate and positive information about teaching.
Overtime, each site will test the effectiveness of the new messaging and how conversations about teaching may change. The sites will also offer workshops, administer surveys and interviews, and keep track of enrollment numbers in their certification programs.
Partners
The GFO project, supported by the National Science Foundation, is jointly led by the American Physical Society, the American Chemical Society, the American Association of Physics Teachers, the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators and Colorado School of Mines. The research study sites include West Virginia University, Brigham Young University, California State University, Long Beach, Chicago State University, Colorado School of Mines and the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.