This chapter presents findings from several investigations connected to the preparation of secondary-level science teachers, comparing two secondary science teacher preparation programs (undergraduate and graduate) at a large Midwestern university. The different program designs resulted in a greater use of reform-based science instructional practices by graduate level candidates with science degrees.
Teach (STEM)3: A Clinical Residency Model for Preparing Effective STEM Teachers
The University of Indianapolis Teach (STEM)3 awards a MAT degree with licensure in Chemistry, Biology, or Math. UIndy TS3 consists of multiple layers of support, including a clinical residency, integrated and scaffolded coursework, and two years of in-service mentoring. Evaluation and retention results indicate that candidates are well-supported in their high-need classrooms by these program components. The 3-year retention rate of 93% over eight cohorts is higher than the national average.
Comparing Robert Noyce Scholars and Non-Robert Noyce Scholars Perceptions of Teaching
Our study investigates how the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program influenced students’ decisions to become high school mathematics or science teachers and their dispositions about teaching in schools. We administered a 70 item survey to 61 participants (29 experimental group, 32 control group) during the summer of 2015. Findings indicate statistically significant differences in three areas: (a) scholarship recipients’ decisions to become a high school mathematics or science teacher, (b) plans for graduate education, and (c) teacher preparation.
Impact of a Robert Noyce Scholarship on STEM Teacher Recruitment
This study examined the first 3 years of the University of Portland Noyce program to determine its effectiveness in attracting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors to the teaching profession, using surveys and focus group interviews.
The Use of Grounded Theory to Investigate the Role of Teacher Education on STEM Teachers’ Career Paths in High-Need Schools
An inductive grounded theory approach was used to investigate the role of teacher education on the career paths of 38 Noyce scholarship recipients, most of whom were teaching in high-need schools. The emergent research design was guided by the initial research question: “What are Noyce scholars’ reasons for the decisions made on the career paths of becoming and remaining teachers in high-need schools?”
