- Year 2023
- NSF Noyce Award # 1748400
- First Name Allison
- Last Name Little
- Discipline STEM Education (general)
- Co-PI(s)
Erold Bailey, Arne Christensen, Westfield State University; Daron Barnard, Worcester State University; Hirul Patel, Quinsigamond Community College
- Presenters
Arne Christensen, Westfield State University; Allison Little, MA Department of Higher Education
Need
Teacher diversity in Massachusetts is far below the diversity reflected by the state’s student population, and the discrepancy is particularly acute in high-need LEAs.
Research Questions
How can active recruitment of community college students into pre-licensure programs, and their support through to graduation and licensure, enhance STEM teacher diversity?
Approach
MassTeach is a statewide program that focuses on recruiting community college students into STEM teaching.
Outcomes
The progression of community college students from 2-year to 4-year institutions, and to graduation, is oftentimes punctuated or prolonged, which has been reflected in MassTeach scholars and highlighted as an area requiring particular support.
Broader Impacts
A broader impact of MassTeach has been in developing a richer understanding of the barriers that community college students face in successfully completing their education. As this understanding becomes more complete, it will guide the implementation of effective interventions to ensure that a greater diversity of pre-service STEM teachers become teachers in the districts that need them the most.
