LSU Tackles STEM Teacher Shortage with New $1.2M NSF Scholarship Program
August 09, 2024
Louisiana State University (LSU) is addressing the national shortage of qualified STEM teachers in underserved schools through a new initiative funded by a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.
This program aims to recruit and train STEM educators specifically for high-needs secondary schools (grades 6-12). To directly tackle the teacher shortage, the program awards scholarships of $20,000 per year to undergraduate STEM majors. In return, recipients commit to teaching in a high-need secondary school for two years for each year of support.
Beyond financial aid, LSU's program offers comprehensive mentoring. Scholarship recipients will receive ongoing guidance from both LSU faculty and experienced STEM teachers, ensuring they have a strong foundation in both academic knowledge and practical classroom experience.
"Our grant builds on the legacy of Dr. Isiah Warner, LSU Emeritus Professor of Chemistry," says Dr. James Madden, the Patricia Hewlett Bodin Distinguished Professor of Mathematics, Director of Special Programs for the College of Science, and project lead for this new grant at LSU. "Dr. Warner is internationally recognized for his legendary success as a mentor of science students—both undergraduate and graduate—from underrepresented groups. Thanks to the participation of Co-PI Dr. Zakiya Wilson-Kennedy, student, apprentice, and protégé of Dr. Warner, and now Associate Dean for Academic Innovation & Engagement for the College of Science, we can translate the hierarchical mentoring model that emerged from Dr. Warner's work into a system that will develop highly effective—and effectively supported—secondary STEM teachers."
The program fosters collaboration between LSU, local school districts, and surrounding communities, which will not only strengthen ties within the educational system but also allow for valuable research on effective mentoring strategies for K-12 STEM teachers. This new program complements LSU's existing GeauxTeach STEM program.
"Our grant depends on a robust partnership of the LSU College of Science, the LSU College of Human Sciences and Education, and the LSU Cain Center for STEM Literacy," Dr. Madden adds. "Co-PI Josh Ellis, who joined LSU just last year as Associate Professor of STEM Education, brings to our work nationally recognized achievements in STEM-education research, extensive experience with other Noyce grants, and the ability to work across boundaries and catalyze joint work."
GeauxTeach STEM allows undergraduates to earn a degree in biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics while simultaneously obtaining their secondary teaching certification. This innovative program streamlines the process by utilizing elective hours for education courses, ensuring no additional time commitment for students.
Dr. Madden also highlights the outreach aspect of the grant: "Our grant will reach out in new ways to new potential teachers, thanks to the outreach activities that Co-PI Stephanie Givens will lead. As Director of LSU Upward Bound, she works with hundreds of exceptional high-school students from communities that have had little access to LSU. In her work with this grant, she will plan and administer initiatives to engage future teachers with these communities and encourage the students she works with to contemplate teaching as a career."