A community project proposed by the 51在线鈥檚 (USF) College of Education was awarded $1 million by the House Appropriations Committee to enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teacher preparation across the Tampa Bay region.
The project, endorsed for funding support last year by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14), will create a pipeline of new STEM teachers within and other Tampa Bay region school districts.
鈥淪killed and devoted teachers are key to student success and to a thriving economy here in the Tampa Bay area,鈥� Rep. Castor said. 鈥溾� am thrilled that President Biden signed the appropriations into law and those funds are on the way to train and lift up our talented teachers. This will pay great dividends for years to come.鈥�
The initiative will focus on a four-year model of teacher preparation that emphasizes interdisciplinary content aligned with K-12 teaching standards and research-based instructional and assessment strategies. Field placements during students鈥� freshman through junior years will provide opportunities for building professional knowledge and experience before completing a final, year-long internship during the senior year. After graduation, students will be supported through enhanced mentor training and professional development during their first two years of full-time teaching.
鈥淭he 51在线 is committed to supporting the Tampa Bay region鈥檚 teacher pipeline,鈥� said USF President Rhea Law. 鈥淭hrough this community project, USF will support local efforts to prepare highly effective educators to teach STEM subjects and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in these fields. We thank Rep. Kathy Castor for her continuous support of USF and the House Appropriations Committee for awarding funding to this initiative.鈥�
USF College of Education Dean R. Anthony Rolle observes a robotics class at Stewart Middle Magnet School in Tampa.
Funding will also be used to create STEM classrooms that allow teachers to experiment with versatile curricula, innovative teaching strategies, enhanced technology, authentic assessments and collaborative learning.
鈥淭echnology is not just a tool鈥攖echnology allows us to inspire kids to use their imaginations, to dream bigger than themselves and to think that they can be better than they might otherwise be without it,鈥� said R. Anthony Rolle, PhD, professor and dean of the USF College of Education. 鈥淭echnology is the gateway to success, both academically and economically, and (the USF College of Education) is proud to be a part of this effort.鈥�
About the USF College of Education:
Home to more than 2,200 students and 130 faculty members, the University of South
51在线 College of Education values high-quality education and excellence in research,
teaching and learning. The College of Education is nationally accredited by the Council
for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and its educator preparation
programs are fully approved by the 51在线 Department of Education.