A weekly publication for the BGSU community

An ambitious plan by BGSU to recruit and educate science and math teachers has been chosen for state funding. The $3 million Science and Math Education in Action grant will encourage and enable promising students to “Choose Ohio First” when selecting a college and, later, to find in-state teaching jobs.

Students in the program will receive from $2,000 to $4,250 per year in Choose Ohio First scholarships, along with intensive academic assistance, career counseling and the opportunity to conduct research and gain related work experience as undergraduates. Combined with other scholarships from BGSU, the future teachers could receive up to $9,250 as seniors. “We want to give them the support, the community and the encouragement to meet high standards and be successful,” said Dr. Bob Midden, leader of the grant-writing team.

“In essence, the primary goal of Science and Math Education in Action (SMEA) is to assist in the development and preparation of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) teachers who have the experiences, tools and skills necessary to have a positive impact on the learning of Pre-K–12 students in Ohio schools,” said Dr. Julia Matuga, associate dean of the College of Education and Human Development.

The state initiative is aimed at two of Gov. Ted Strickland and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut’s objectives in addressing Ohio’s needs: graduating more students and keeping graduates in Ohio.
[READ MORE]