New KSU master’s degree‚ scholarships to help ease state’s science teacher shortage
In response to predictions that Georgia will experience a shortfall of almost 1‚800 middle and high…
Georgia (Mar 19, 2008) — New KSU master’s degree‚ scholarships to help ease state’s science teacher shortage
Sabbaye McGriff
Abstract
Director of University Relations
Frances Weyand Harrison
770−423−6203
fharris4@kennesaw.edu
Contact/Writer: Sabbaye McGriff‚ 678−797−2550 or smcgrif1@kennesaw.edu
New KSU master’s degree‚ scholarships to help ease state’s science teacher shortage
Up to $20‚000 available
KENNESAW‚ Ga. (March 19‚ 2008) — In response to predictions that Georgia will experience
a shortfall of almost 1‚800 middle and high school science teachers by 2010‚ Kennesaw
State University is offering two new opportunities to propel college students toward
science−teaching careers.
First‚ the new Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Secondary Science degree program will
be launched in July.
The MAT is designed to accelerate certification of those currently holding bachelor’s
degrees in biology‚ chemistry‚ physics or a related field. The program requires completion
of 48 hours of coursework‚ which is normally spread over four semesters‚ and in−school
field experiences. Completion of the program leads to teacher certification in chemistry‚
biology or physics.
In addition‚ Robert Noyce Scholars Program scholarships are available by application
through April 1. Under the Noyce program‚ students can receive $5‚000 to $10‚000 per
year for up to two years.
Both initiatives are designed to encourage and support students who choose teaching
careers‚ a need underscored by the current reality. For example‚ of Georgia’s 25‚000
public college graduates in 2006‚ only three became physics teachers and just nine
accepted offers to teach chemistry.
In a 2007 report titled‚ “Math+Science=Success‚” University System of Georgia presidents
documented the state’s critical need for graduates and teachers of so−called “STEM”
disciplines — science‚ technology‚ engineering and math. The report also made projections
for helping meet those needs. KSU President Daniel S. Papp was a member of the STEM
initiative.
The USG report cited an estimate suggesting the state will need to produce 2‚060 middle
school science and high school teachers of life sciences‚ chemistry‚ earth science
and physics by 2010. By 2013‚ the reports projects‚ the university system will more
than double production of middle and high school science teachers‚ from 267 to 590.
“The workforce implications of these estimates and projections are tremendous‚” Papp
said. “It places the challenge on colleges and universities to really focus on helping
the state meet these needs. It also creates opportunities for us to marshal resources‚
as we have done with these two programs.”
Funded by the National Science Foundation‚ the Noyce scholars program was designed
for KSU and Georgia Institute of Technology seniors pursuing science degrees.
A Noyce scholarship recipient receives funds to pay expenses during their senior year
of undergraduate studies and during a year of study in the MAT program. Those receiving
funds must commit to a year of teaching in a metro Atlanta public school district
for every $5‚000 received‚ up to a $20‚000 maximum. Partnering school districts include
Atlanta‚ Cobb County School‚ DeKalb‚ Fulton County and Paulding County.
Adrian Epps‚ associate dean of KSU’s College of Science and Mathematics‚ said the
MAT also can benefit career−changers who need a path toward becoming certified teachers
or those who hold undergraduate science degrees from other institutions. In a 2007
report titled‚ “Math+Science=Success‚” University System of Georgia presidents documented
the state’s critical need for graduates and teachers of so−called “STEM” disciplines
— science‚ technology‚ engineering and math. The report also made projections for
helping meet those needs. KSU President Daniel S. Papp was a member of the STEM initiative.
“There is such a well−documented and longstanding need for science teachers throughout
the state‚” said Epps‚ who has worked to improve educational quality in science and
math since joining KSU in February 2007 and the previous 18 years in the Atlanta Public
Schools.
“These programs are a great way to motivate KSU and Georgia Tech students toward teaching
careers. But we’re also prepared to be flexible with other eligible MAT candidates
to continue making a dent in the problem.”
For more information on KSU’s MAT Secondary Science program‚ e−mail grushton@kennesaw.edu.
To download a Noyce scholarship application‚ go to www.GANoyceScholars.org.
A member of the 35−unit University System of Georgia‚ Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive‚ residential institution with a growing student population of more than 20‚000 from 132 countries. The third−largest university in Georgia‚ Kennesaw State offers more than 60 graduate and undergraduate degrees‚ including a new doctorate in education.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
