- Year 2024
- NSF Noyce Award # 2320386
- First Name Angela
- Last Name Messenger
- Registration Faculty/Administrator/Other
- Discipline Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Geosciences, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, STEM Education (general)
- Role Project Personnel
- Presenters
Angela Messenger, University of Rochester and Dr. Michael Daley, University of Rochester
Need
This project aims to serve the national interest of developing, retaining, and supporting the growth of highly effective STEM teachers through the creation of the Northeast Noyce Professional Learning Network. While the Noyce PI Summit and local Track 1, Track 2, Track 3, and Track 4 projects are impactful, regional efforts can play a significant role in further supporting the Noyce mission. Regional efforts further support the professional development of early career STEM teachers and the development of STEM master teachers by creating time and space for collaboration across institutional and disciplinary boundaries. Further, regional collaboration strengthens Noyce programs by providing opportunities for programs to share experience and understandings with others. Programs located in the same geographic region often share similar challenges and issues such as student demographics, state standards and certification requirements, and underlying regional workforce development demands. Regional structures create opportunities for project leaders to learn from each other toward continuous improvement of Noyce projects. The Northeast Noyce Professional Learning Network is designed to meet regional needs including regional conferences, professional learning communities, video clubs, coaching, and local institutes.
Research Questions
In what ways can alumni of Noyce Track 3 Master Teaching Fellowship programs be leveraged to support early career STEM teachers in through the Northeast Noyce Professional Learning Network?
Approach
The project has recruited 14 alumni of Noyce Track 3 MTF programs to the Teacher Leader Cadre to lead professional learning activities in the Northeast including video clubs, professional learning communities, 1:1 coaching, and conference workshops. The project will evaluate the benefit of access to experienced Noyce teacher leaders for early career Noyce STEM teachers.
Outcomes
The project will evaluate if Noyce Teacher Leader Cadre activities support early career STEM teachers in connecting, collaborating, and sharing pedagogical approaches, lesson plans, and innovations in teaching and learning. The project will also consider the impact of Cadre on overall success of early career Noyce STEM teachers.
Broader Impacts
The Noyce Northeast Professional Learning Network project supports two of the strategic goals from the 2022-2026 NSF Strategic Plan. The project empowers STEM talent to fully participate in science and engineering and benefits society by translating knowledge into solutions. The Noyce Northeast Professional Learning Network supports early career STEM teachers in obtaining the connections, professional and psychosocial supports, and self-efficacy skills they need to navigate the challenges of teaching in high-needs schools. The Northeast Noyce Professional Learning Network also benefits society by translating knowledge into solutions: both Noyce Participants and Noyce Leaders learn about and implement evidence-based practices in STEM education.
