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.
Recruiting Science Majors into Secondary Science Teaching: Paid Internships in Informal Science Settings
Over 3 years, 34 college science majors and undecided students were recruited into paid internships in informal science settings to consider secondary science teaching as a career. Analysis of interns’ subsequent career plans revealed the internships were not effective in recruiting the interns into the secondary science teacher education program.
In Pursuit of Sustainable STEM Certification Programs
This article investigates the impact of a prescholarship internship available to freshman and sophomore science majors exploring the possibility of becoming secondary STEM teachers. Based on positive results with a limited number of students, recommendations are made on how a university-based certification program can better accommodate STEM undergraduates who want to explore teaching as a career possibility.
Influence of Scholarships on STEM Teachers: Cluster Analysis and Characteristics
STEM teachers' perceptions about the influence of scholarship on their decision to teach and to teach in a high-needs school were examined using cluster analysis. Three hundred and four Noyce scholars responded to the survey.
Models are a “Metaphor in Your Brain”: How Potential and Preservice Teachers Understand the Science and Engineering Practice of Modeling
This research study explored beginning secondary science teachers' understandings of the science and engineering practice of developing and using models. The team conducted interviews and used grade-level competencies outlined in the NGSS to analyze the beginning teachers' understandings.
