To increase the number of highly qualified mathematics and science educators ready
to teach in high-need urban and rural educational agencies.
To enhance current partnerships and develop new partnerships between PennWest Edinboro
and high-need educational agencies through the creation of a two consecutive semester
model of field experience and student teaching. This will contribute to a stronger
induction into the field of teaching and provide stability for high-need schools districts.
It also provides opportunities for the Scholar to encourage middle/secondary students
into STEM fields while engaging in the practices necessary for being successful in
high-need districts.
To establish research-based, culturally responsive teaching practices with an emphasis
on collaborative participation among the ENTS program participants, University faculty,
and classroom teachers while enhancing middle/secondary teachers’ content background,
the Scholar’s pedagogical understanding and development, and University faculty action
research opportunities.
To develop a new relationship with the Pittsburgh Public Schools through the Pittsburgh
Promise program to increase the number of opportunities for diverse, low income and/or
first generation students. These partnerships will also include an arrangement between
the University and the school district for Pittsburgh students to student teach within
their home districts. Researching the effects of recruiting students from urban upbringing
and providing them rural experiences and vice versa can potentially add to the knowledge
base of recruitment and retention of STEM teachers.
To offer life-changing educational opportunities to existing STEM professionals by
providing teacher certification stipends that would provide a new career pathway.
To create and maintain continuing education and mentoring for ENTS graduates to ensure
pedagogical support and success over time by using mentorship models such as Martin
and Green’s (2018) and Packard’s (2016) models for new STEM teachers.
Contact Us
Roger Wolbert, Ph.D. Principal Investigator Department of Mathematics and Computer Science 160 Ross Hall Email:ents@pennwest.edu Phone: 814-732-1190
