- Year 2017
- NSF Noyce Award # 1439626
- First Name Amy
- Last Name Camardese
- Discipline Other: STEM, STEM
- Co-PI(s)
Karen Resendes, Westminster College, resendkk@westminster.edu
- Presenters
Amy Camardese, Westminster College, camardah@westminster.edu
Need
We are working with four school districts in Western Pennsylvania identified as high need districts. Professional development is provided through a week long workshop. Noyce Scholars participate in the workshop to encourage a student/higher education/practicing teacher community. A course was developed, Teaching in Areas of High Need, that addresses a gap in our teacher preparation program. The combination of the Teaching in Areas of High Need course and professional development for practicing teachers will benefit students in the four regional school districts.
Goals
We strive to have 20 STEM teachers placed in high need school districts. We recently had a video made about the Noyce program and had it uploaded to the Westminster College website. We meet with the Noyce Scholars monthly to discuss a book; Start Where You are But Don’t Stay There by Richard Milner. The Teaching in Areas of High Need course provided practicum experiences for students throughout the semester.
Approach
Monthly lunch meetings are held for all senior personnel and Noyce Scholars to read and discuss a book.
The course, Teaching in Areas of High Need course also provides practicum experiences for Noyce Scholars. A workshop is held for 12 STEM educators in four partner school districts.
The PI, Co-PI, senior personnel, and Noyce Scholars are involved in the program
Outcomes
It is important for Noyce Scholars to have opportunities for practicums in high need school districts. Better preparing students for teaching in areas of high need are vital, so the course, Teaching in Areas of High Need is critical to success.
Broader Impacts
The four partner school districts have been provided professional development in order to provide best practices for their students.
Noyce Scholars are getting valuable practicum experiences in high need school districts
Noyce Scholars are better prepared for teaching in areas of high need because of the required course: Teaching in Areas of High Need.
The Admissions Dept. provides information about the Noyce program. Noyce Scholars promote the program by speaking in classes. A video about the Noyce program was made and uploaded to the Westminster College website.
