- Year 2018
- NSF Noyce Award # 1439895
- First Name Jeff
- Last Name Boles
- Discipline Other: STEM, STEM
- Co-PI(s)
Jeremy Wendt, Tennessee Tech University, jwendt@tntech.edu
- Presenters
Jeff Boles, Tennessee Tech University, jboles@tntech.ed;
Jeremy Wendt, Tennessee Tech University, jwendt@tntech.edu
Need
Project Inspire sought to close gaps in several areas. The primary importance of this effort focuses on placing qualified teachers in high-need STEM licensure areas. Additionally, a strong focus on under-represented groups cross-cuts the program, both in teacher selection and placement. The strong geographical and district partnerships have enabled success in recruitment and retention of strong STEM candidates that are anticipated to have an impact on student achievement and growth.
Goals
The major goal of Project Inspire is to increase the quality and quantity of new math and science teachers. Students in high need schools gained access to first-rate STEM education in an attempt to improve student achievement in math and science. Project Inspire recruited two cohorts of residents with STEM undergraduate degrees to participate in a fourteen month teaching residency to become secondary (grades 7?-12) STEM teachers. In total, 21 STEM Residents graduated and 20 currently teach in high need Hamilton County schools.
Approach
Residents spent four days a week in the classroom under the direction of highly effective mentor teachers called Clinical Instructors. Residents also spent one evening a week during the school year, and two days a week during the summer, taking courses, meeting in seminars and reflecting on the practical learning they gain. Throughout the school year, Residents gradually took more teaching responsibilities. Upon graduation, the Residents earned their master?s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in either math or science. This degree provided a foundation for both administrative and instructional school leadership opportunities in the future.
Outcomes
Growth of Project Inspire as a signature talent pipeline for Hamilton County Schools and the State of Tennessee ○ Residents hired ahead of timeline for traditional candidates (by June 1) ○ Project Inspire integrated into district’s teacher recruitment efforts ○ Increased awareness among principals of Project Inspire “brand”
Broader Impacts
The retention of candidates as secondary math/science teachers in hard-to-staff schools is one the most significant and direct impacts of this project. These teachers represent a significant investment in human capital, and the concentration of these teachers at targeted sites represents a shift away from filling vacancies with individuals to thinking about how groups of teachers will best fit with a school and its leadership. However, the impact of this project reaches farther in scale to teacher preparation and teacher recruitment. District leadership is sharing some of the lessons from Project Inspire recruitment and hiring. Results have been disseminated across stakeholders’ organizations, NCTR, and Americorps. Data collection for student growth and achievement will be available as teachers progress in their career.
