- Year 2018
- NSF Noyce Award # 1540712
- First Name Callard
- Last Name Cynthia
- Discipline Other: Math/Science K-12 Leadership
- Presenters
Stephanie Martin, University of Rochester, smartin@warner.rochester.edu
Kim Saccardi, Newark Central School District, kimsaccardi@gmail.com
Jennifer Davison, Geneva City School District, jdavison@genevacsd.org
Need
We are preparing a second cadre of 15 K-12 mathematics and science master teachers to create a critical mass of teacher leaders in three diverse urban districts in upstate New York. This cadre will employ research based practices in their own classrooms to support student learning throughout the project. In years 3-5 they will focus on expanding their spheres of influence as they work with colleagues to shift instructional practices and focus on student learning.
Goals
The intent is to build internal long term capacity for sustaining high quality math and science teaching in an urban school system. Through a combination of coursework, mentored experiences, professional development, experiences in informal learning settings, and mentored support, fellows will gradually develop their knowledge and skills in (a) STEM content and pedagogy, (b) STEM coaching, (c) STEM professional development, and ?(d) leadership.
Approach
Over the course of the 5 years of this project, these fellows will be supported to serve as models, professional development providers and instructional leaders for their colleagues and pre-service teachers. This will be accomplished through a comprehensive program that combines graduate coursework, leadership seminar, and mentored support during each year of the program.
Outcomes
Each fellow will earn at least 32 credits of graduate work through coursework in the first four years of the program. Fellows will have opportunities to pursue an additional certification or advanced degree. During the project, fellows will develop high quality units of study in math and science, implement content-focused coaching in their schools, and develop high quality professional learning experiences for math and science educators. This is in service to developing fellows as agents of change who will continue to serve as educational leaders in their own contexts and in the region.
Broader Impacts
This project seeks to develop a critical mass of highly qualified educational leaders who have a deep understanding of how people learn, instructional practices that support learning, and of leadership, the process of change and systemic reform. Fellows are engaged in extensive work in their own districts, as well as students and educators in the broader community through student learning experiences and professional learning experiences. Their work is being disseminated regionally through school and community partners, local conferences, and our project website.