The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Augustana College a research and development grant to help prepare future math and science educators for their teaching careers. The latest grant awards $1.2 million through 2029.
The NSF’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program aims to prepare students to teach in high-need schools by matching them with partner schools and providing supplementary professional development in working with diverse student populations.
“We’re grateful to the Noyce program for continuing to invest in the next generation of skilled teachers for communities who need them the most,” Augustana Provost Dianna Shandy said in a news release. “Augustana’s teacher preparation program is well-respected, and we’re thrilled to have this funding support our key values of developing educational leaders with a heart for their communities.”
The Augustana grant is administered by Mike Egan, education professor and department chair; Nathan Frank, professor of physics; Mike Schroeder, professor of education; and Scott Gehler, associate professor of biology.
Mr. Egan said the majority of the $1.2 million in newly awarded funding will go directly to scholarship funds for future STEM teachers who commit to teaching in high-need schools for at least four years. The average scholarship per pre-service teacher is $44,000.
Augustana also received a $1.1 million Noyce grant in 2020, and that funding benefitted 16 future STEM teachers. Grant administrators hope to issue scholarships to a total of 32 students from the total $2.3 million awarded by Noyce. The program seeks to recruit an average of four scholars per year.
Ms. Shandy said Augustana is committed to preparing engaged future teachers equipped to make a difference.
“We’re grateful to the Noyce program for continuing to invest in the next generation of skilled teachers for communities who need them the most,” she added. “Augustana’s teacher preparation program is well-respected, and we’re thrilled to have this funding support our key values of developing educational leaders with a heart for their communities.”
