The Noyce Pathway to Science Program: Preparing the Next Generation of Science Teachers

• In Event: Innovations in Science Education

Abstract

The Noyce Pathway to Science program explores two areas as it relates to preparing science teachers. Those factors are the recruitment of high quality students and the preparation of those students in a graduate initial certification science education program. The program’s goal is to increase the supply of qualified science teachers for the local school system and other partner school districts in rural southwest Alabama as the lack of certified science teachers is a major cause of poor achievement and low expectations for high-risk students. The study also explores the effect of a redesigned alternative certification program that significantly increases clinical field experiences while shortening the time to complete the certification, thus putting more qualified science teachers into classrooms sooner.

Authors

• Andre M. Green, University of South Alabama

• Phillip Feldman, University of South Alabama