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The Robert Noyce program supports the efforts of colleges and universities to graduate highly qualified science, technology, engineering and math, or "STEM," teachers for high-need school districts. Sacred Heart's Biology and Mathematics Educator Scholarship Program will provide tuition assistance to 18 Robert Noyce scholars in those two subjects, as well as necessary program and scholar support.
"For Sacred Heart University to offer Noyce Teacher Scholarships is important on several levels," said James Carl, dean of SHU's Isabelle Farrington College of Education. "The program ... helps address a pressing problem for Connecticut's schools -- a shortage of science and math teachers."
"I hope this grant will encourage more of our math and science majors to consider a career in education," said Julianna Stockton, assistant professor of mathematics at SHU. "Our schools need teachers who are passionate about their subject matter and well prepared to communicate that passion to their students. The opportunities provided by the NSF Noyce grant at SHU will help us recruit and prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators in STEM education."
"STEM education has become a national priority over the past several years, both for student growth and for the preparation of young professionals to take their place in appropriate STEM careers," Bonnie Maur, professor at the College of Education, added. "We at Sacred Heart University will provide exciting opportunities in research, field work, seminars and coursework to best prepare our Noyce Scholars to mentor their future students in this regard."
The scholars will also receive mentoring from STEM teachers in high-need school districts for two years after entering their first teaching job. The program seeks not only to increase the number of highly qualified biology and math teachers in high schools in the area, but also to improve high school student engagement and achievement in biology and math.
Students interested in this opportunity should contact Professor Mark Beekey at beekeym@sacredheart.edu or 203-371-7783.
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