The National Science Foundation has awarded Northeastern Illinois University a five-year, $1.45 million grant through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program to support students who are interested in becoming mathematics or biology high school teachers.
The grant, which is in partnership with Wilbur Wright College, Harry S Truman College (both parts of the City Colleges of Chicago) and Chicago Public Schools, funds the Noyce Mathematics and Biology Scholars Program for students in their final two years in Northeastern’s Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education. Students who become Noyce Scholars will receive $17,000 a year for up to two years. Participants must commit to teaching for five years in high-needs high schools after graduation.
“The Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education is excited to meet the demand for high school teachers who are well prepared to teach mathematics and biology,” Goodwin College Dean Sandra Beyda-Lorie said. “All students deserve the best teachers, and we are pleased to contribute to this important initiative.”
Eight students will participate in the program during the first year. Their benefits include course-embedded research, guided summer research projects with faculty, and informal education programs. High-impact experiences for students and teachers in high-needs schools will be provided through Northeastern’s Center for College Access and Success college readiness programs (GEAR UP) including mentoring by master-teachers in biology and math.
Students who are interested in participating should contact Laura West of the Student Center for Science Engagement (l-west2@neiu.edu or 773-442-5664) by May 19.
As part of the Noyce Scholars program, Northeastern also will create a pool of 16-20 Noyce pre-scholars who are planning to major in biology or math and are interested in the field of teaching. Pre-scholars will participate in a variety of experiences to get a sense of the program.
The program will be directed by Heather Patay in the Office of Math, Science and Technology for Quality Education and supported by Biology Professor Joel Olfelt and Associate Professor of Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies Huseyin Colak.
