Five Southern Illinois University Edwardsville undergrads preparing to teach math or science have been named Noyce Scholars for 2013-14.
SIUE’s Robert Noyce Scholarship Program has received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation – $11,500 per student annually over a five-year period – to recruit and prepare STEM (science technology, engineering and mathematics) teaching candidates for work at the middle- and high-school level in high-needs schools.
Led by Jessica Krim, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the program represents a partnership of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the SIUE STEM Center, master teachers, community-based organizations, local community colleges and cooperating school districts.
Noyce Scholars chosen for 2013-14 are: Stephen Foster of Pittsfield; Mara Holloway of Belleville; Amanda Hyett of Dalton City; Jenna Kunde of Mascoutah, and Courtney Thomas of Blue Mound.
“This grant will positively impact these and future Noyce Scholars by providing an enhanced curriculum that will prepare them to work effectively as STEM educators, especially in areas of high need,” said Krim. “Additionally, by involving quality STEM educators from the community and working with local community colleges, it is my hope that we maximize the networking potential for these scholars, and raise SIUE’s visibility in the area of teacher preparation of secondary educators.”
Scholarship applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation process, according to Sharon Locke, Ph.D., director of the Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach. Scholars are selected based upon criteria such as outstanding intellectual and teaching potential, and the ability to teach in a high-needs setting. Another defining characteristic in a Noyce Scholar, said Locke, is the individual’s ability to serve as a role model for students in targeted districts. Financial need is also a consideration.
“The first cohort of SIUE Noyce Scholars is an impressive group,” Locke said. “They are passionate about teaching STEM and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. We expect that the Noyce Scholars will become leaders in their schools, and have a strong impact on improving the quality of science and math education in Southern Illinois. I am excited that they will be working with the SIUE STEM Center to support our community outreach programs.”
All five recently named scholars are working with the university’s STEM Center in 2013, according to Locke, before they graduate and benefit from the scholarship.
Additional education for Noyce Scholars involves experience and training in the areas of research, teaching, outreach, service and leadership, Krim said, along with building and honing necessary skills for teaching and working with diverse populations.
The application process for the 2014-15 Noyce Scholarships and 2014 summer Noyce Scholarships begins in February. The summer internship program awards $2,500 to qualified freshman and sophomore applicants for 200 hours of in-service training.
The SIUE School of Education prepares students in a wide range of fields including community health education, exercise science, instructional technology, psychology, speech-language pathology and audiology, administration and teaching. Faculty members engage in leading-edge research, which enhances teaching and enriches the educational experience. The School supports the community through on-campus clinics, outreach to children and families, and a focused commitment to enhancing individual lives across the region.