ABSTRACT

UT³ is a 5 year project designed to foster collaboration that increases the capacity of The University of Toledo to recruit and prepare teachers in science and math, increase the number of candidates who major in these high need areas, improve the quality of the initial teacher preparation programs to meet high-quality standards, and improve the quality of teaching of science and math with the aim of increasing student achievement. The Colleges of Education and Arts and Sciences (A&S) partnered with Toledo Public and Toledo Catholic Schools and 6 campus centers.

They agreed to:

a) Establish mutual accountability for science and math teaching and learning;

b) Create shared responsibility for science and math teacher education; and

c) Form action teams at the district and university level to collect data, analyze problems, and pose solutions.

Recruitment strategies will target large and qualified pools of candidates majoring in science and math in other colleges. Many of these students have substantial content background, but their interest in pursuing careers as scientists, pharmacists, or engineers lessens over time. We will recruit post-baccalaureate students and minority students. Recruitment strategies (e.g., early exposure to teaching and financial support systems) are designed to select talented students and create support structures for helping them complete requirements for a teaching license. New courses will be created: introduction to teaching, a Nature of Science/Math, and a Project-Based Science. Clinical experiences will be provided early and modified to provider greater linkages between the professional development (PD) of in-service teachers and training of pre-service teachers. Technology will be used to improve the courses and clinical experiences. An induction program is designed to retain teachers during their first 3 years. PD and “Challenge Grants” will be provided for A&S faculty with the goal of improving the content and pedagogy of courses. New graduate level courses will provide teachers greater opportunities for PD as they transition into their career. PD will also be offered for principals so they are better able to support science and math teachers. An Executive Board composed of university, K-12, and community leaders will monitor the program and oversee institutionalization.