Like-Minded People: University-Based Interdisciplinary Collaborations in STEM Teacher Preparation Programs

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Developing Their Craft: Teacher Educator Pedagogies Toward Innovative Change

Abstract

This paper examines how university-based interdisciplinary partnerships between math, science, and education faculty and staff influence the effectiveness of science and mathematics teacher preparation programs. Implementing a qualitative approach, this study conducted focus group interviews at seven public, four-year universities with faculty and professional staff overseeing the Robert Noyce Scholarship program at their respective institutions. Our preliminary study suggests the Noyce program acts as a catalyst to better integrate existing partnerships thereby contributing to the sustainability of the partnerships. This study also finds that partnerships among faculty and staff have the potential to improve the effectiveness of teacher preparation programs by streamlining degree plans and encouraging buy-in for STEM education programs among non-Noyce faculty.

Authors

• Paige K. Evans, University of Houston

• Koryn Dillard, University of Houston

• Davinia Mendoza Rodriguez-Wilhelm, University of Houston

• Leah McAlister-Shields