Wanted: More Science And Math Teachers In The US

Jeremy Kennefick and Geoffrey Gailey are both new science teachers, one a career-changer, the other fresh out of graduate school. Both are teaching in high-poverty districts, where the needs are greatest. And both are surrounded by a rare level of support -- financial incentives, mentors, and groups of other new teachers to consult with as they grow in the profession.

It's no easy task to recruit people with proclivities for science into schools -- and to keep them long enough to nurture a talent for teaching. But over the next decade, schools will need 200,000 or more new teachers in science and math, according to estimates by such groups as the Business-Higher Education Forum in Washington. Already, many districts face shortages: In at least 10 states, fewer than 6 out of 10 middle-school science teachers were certified when the Council of Chief School Officers compiled a report last year.

"We desperately need more qualified ... science and math teachers, because of retirement,... overcrowded classrooms ... and people teaching out of [their] field," says Angelo Collins, executive director of the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) in Moorestown, N.J., which offers fellowships for teachers in these fields.

The United States is not only facing a dearth of future homegrown scientists and engineers, she and others say, but increasingly, everyday citizens need science literacy.

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Comments

[rich misty]

You can't do this, education breeds intellectuals - The GOP

[TomFox]

Well, I am 49 and finally going into the field I always loved, Chemistry (Chemical Engineering to be specific) and I wonder what my job outlook will be in 5 years when I graduate. I already have an MBA and realized my core discipline, BA Religion, was not getting me where I wanted to be.

I could teach at the community college level but I would also like to have a few years getting actual engineering experience.

[Bethab]

I was a math teacher with a masters degree from Northwestern University. It took me four years to leave the classroom (one more than seems to be the average) because I was unwilling to be treated so very badly by poor, malicious, or uneducated administrators. Everyone talks about how we need better teachers. No one ever seems to discuss the fact that teachers need better support...not just with professional development, money, and support groups, but with excellent leadership. The sad thing is...I was a really good teacher.

My life is so much better now that I am working in the private sector. I am treated with respect, valued for my input and enjoy the people with whom I work. Life is just better on the outside.

[Osorik]

In the end, we should all value the future of our great nation, more-so then stupid squabbles over money, Money never makes the world go 'round, whoever said such a thing should find himself a poor family and see that happiness is in fact present in all life, not just the monetarily sound. Of course money is the commonly accepted transfer medium for almost all material things. If no one takes a hit for the team, then what is the point of loving our nation. What does it all boil down to? We should all be able to do what we love, but is it not selfish to not look out for your brothers and sisters.

[Jestor]

THIS ALL SOUNDS NICE BUT TALK ABOUT GRADE SCHOOL STUDENTS LEARNING

SCIENCE, A FRIEND, YOUNG WOMAN COLLEGE STUDENT SAYS SHE'S ABOUT

READY TO GIVE UP ON BECOMING A TEACHER ACCORDING TO WHAT SHE

EXPERIENCES AS A STUDENT IN COOOLLLEDGGEEE,

UNFORTUNATELY, SEXISM STILL REIGNS WITH THE EGG-HEAD PROFESSORS -

SAID HER PROFESSOR THREW THE EXAM AT SHE AND THE OTHER STUDENTS,

BEFORE THEY TOOK IT ! ! ! !

[Osorik]

Merely another life challenge, that many people refuse to accept therefore they compensate by taking a lesser deal in life.

[mlaiuppa]

Why should anyone with math or science skills teach? The pay is lousy compared to the private sector, classes are more and more overcrowded and less and less equipped due to budget cuts. And teachers are blamed for everything and get no respect. The U.S. shows no respect of value for education. There's only whining and complaining when our test scores don't match up to other nations.

[cayuse]

More education, more knowledge and no JOBS. If you do not USE it you LOSE it

Better stick to government and medical jobs for obvious reasons.

[wagadog]

Yah. 35 years of non-enforcement of Title IX's requirement that female students be treated with equal respect in the science and math classroom, and whaddaya get?

Science and Math teacher shortages.

DUH.

[benne]

Maybe the economic downturn will "help" here since the last study showed that many scientifically minded people were choosing business over science. Business in our culture has more glamor, the study concluded, and more money.

[isis]

I think that this might be something that scientists would want to do as a second career with good health care being used as the incentive.

[drkazmd65]

Oh Isis? What makes you think that I (as a practicing scientist) am (or will be) looking for a second career?

[mlaiuppa]

If a retired scientist goes into teaching for the healthcare and to supplement a pension, that is NOT the kind of teacher schools need. I'm sure the budget crunch will be taking healthcare away from teachers soon anyway.

[labman57]

Unfortunately, many school districts no longer provide paid health insurance coverage to their teachers.
There is a growing cadre of administrators and politicians that believe teachers are some type of Peace Corps worker that should be selfless and do the work for the good of the students with absolutely no regard for one's own financial needs. And they wonder why they have a hard time recruiting quality people.

[schatsie]

please refer to Roy Romer's and Juan Williams comments at the Aspen Institute earlier this year.. There needs to be a 'sputnik' program for education, otherwise this country will continue to fall farther and farther back...