Recruiting and retaining qualified teachers of science who reflect the
increasing cultural and language diversity of the students is a clear
priority at all levels. On average, the NCOSP districts lose half of their
teachers every 6 years. Although 23% of students in the
partner districts are members of underrepresented groups, the teaching corps
is 93% Caucasian. Even in the Lummi Tribal School, which has
a 98% American Indian student body, 76% of the teachers are Caucasian.
Moreover, the smallest districts face the additional problem of science
teachers having responsibility for multiple subjects, often outside their
endorsements.
Scholarships
The higher education partners collaboratively administer a scholarship program.
Awardees must enroll in coursework toward certification and participate in
science education experiences in the partner districts. Students who remain in good
standing and continue
in a science teacher preparation program receive funding for successive
academic year. Students at the partner community colleges continue to
receive scholarship support upon enrolling in the teacher preparation program at
WWU in their junior and senior year.
Future Teacher Club Support
Partner districts support Washington State Teachers Recruiting Future
Teachers (WSTRFT). WSTRFT "Teaching Academies" in high schools recruit talented
and diverse students for teaching careers. The program historically focused on future vocational education
teachers, but by involving high school science teachers, the NCOSP adds an
emphasis on future science teachers and the science preparation of future elementary
teachers. High school students participate in 180
hours of instructional time and prepare a portfolio identifying the units of study,
activities, and performance achievements for the identified competencies.
13 of the 27 NCOSP partner districts currently have certified programs.
The partner higher education institutions support "Teachers of Tomorrow" clubs
to provide undergraduate students interested in teaching science with opportunities
to acquire tutoring or other early field experiences with mentors from the Teacher
Leadership Cadre. Higher education science faculty Dsupport these clubs and
advise students on course selections to prepare for a career in science teaching.
North Cascades and Olympic Science Partnership 516
High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225-9155 360.650.6480
NCOSP@wwu.edu
Recruiting and retaining qualified teachers of science who reflect the
increasing cultural and language diversity of the students is a clear
priority at all levels. On average, the NCOSP districts lose half of their
teachers every 6 years. Although 23% of students in the
partner districts are members of underrepresented groups, the teaching corps
is 93% Caucasian. Even in the Lummi Tribal School, which has
a 98% American Indian student body, 76% of the teachers are Caucasian.
Moreover, the smallest districts face the additional problem of science
teachers having responsibility for multiple subjects, often outside their
endorsements.
Partner districts support Washington State Teachers Recruiting Future
Teachers (WSTRFT). WSTRFT "Teaching Academies" in high schools recruit talented
and diverse students for teaching careers. The program historically focused on future vocational education
teachers, but by involving high school science teachers, the NCOSP adds an
emphasis on future science teachers and the science preparation of future elementary
teachers. High school students participate in 180
hours of instructional time and prepare a portfolio identifying the units of study,
activities, and performance achievements for the identified competencies.
13 of the 27 NCOSP partner districts currently have certified programs.