Future mathematics and science teachers at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will soon have the chance to receive generous scholarships, thanks to a new program funded by an $807,650 grant from the National Science Foundation. This project, submitted by Dr. Timothy Deis, Dr. Holly Attenborough and Dr. Leigh Monhardt, was awarded through the partnership of the UW-Platteville Mathematics Department and the School of Education, along with massive collaboration from across the university, tri-state school districts and CESA #3.
The HOME Scholarship program will provide eligible junior and senior secondary education majors in math or science with scholarships that cover tuition, room and board, and textbooks. In return, recipients commit to teaching in a high-need school district after graduation, with preference given to those who plan to stay in the tri-state area.
Funded through NSF’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, the HOME initiative aims to address the shortage of math and science teachers by focusing on recruitment and retention in rural schools.
“Research shows that a sense of belonging and connection positively impacts a teacher's professional identity and long-term commitment in the field,” said Deis, mathematics professor and a principal investigator of the program. “The HOME project fosters this connection through collaboration, reflection and place-based investigations. Participants will also be partnered with mentors chosen from impactful math and science instructors from the tri-state region.”
The HOME initiative reflects the acronym’s goals: Hone professional identity of scholars, Optimize tri-state rural resources, Mentor scholars with area teachers, and Enrich the region with highly effective math and science teachers.
Program Details
Qualifications:
- Math or science secondary education major
- Junior or senior standing
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Actively engaged in university and/or community life
- Committed to teaching in a rural school district
- Preference given to those planning to teach in the tri-state area
Requirements:
- For each semester a HOME Scholar receives a scholarship, they must serve one year at a high-need local education agency.
Contact:
For more information on the program and to apply, contact Dr. Timothy Deis, mathematics professor, deist@uwplatt.edu or 608-342-1948.
This program is funded by NSF Project #2448186.