The National Science Foundation has awarded Piedmont University a grant to support the recruitment and training of STEM teachers in high-need school districts. The grant will also support research on how to recruit and retain STEM teachers in those districts, according to a press release from the university.
“Dr. Kelly Land and I are very excited to have received an NSF Noyce Capacity Building grant,” said Dr. Rebecca Godwin, assistant professor of biology. “The NSF Noyce Program looks to address the critical need for recruiting, preparing, and retaining highly effective K-12 math and science teachers.”
Piedmont University Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs Renee Fargason says the
$91,794 grant runs through the end of May next year.
Over the course of this next year, Drs. Land and Goodwin will meet with local K-12 teachers and Piedmont students, faculty, staff, and alumni to raise awareness of the need for qualified K-12 STEM teachers. They aim to create a streamlined pathway for Piedmont STEM majors to pursue careers in science education.
Piedmont University’s project includes partnerships with three two-year technical colleges in Georgia (Athens, Lanier, and North Georgia technical colleges) and three high-need school districts (Gainesville City, Gwinnett County, and Stephens County).
Piedmont will also develop connections with two alternative high schools (Mountain Education and Foothills Regional High School) to assess the needs of teachers and students in these districts and assist in recruiting prospective students from their respective institutions.
