UF Receives $2M to Increase STEM Teaching

A teacher gives a demonstration on electronics to two students

A teacher gives a demonstration on electronics to two studentsGAINESVILLE, FL:  Governor Rick Scott has requested more degree programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in an effort to lure large companies seeking these graduates into Florida, according to the State Impact Report by NPR.  To that end, the College of Education received a grant for $2M to research best practices and provide support for new STEM teachers in high schools.  The program will begin in three counties–Dade, Duval, and Palm Beach–with an objective of supporting new teachers in an effort to retain them past the first three years.  Historical data shows that most new teachers leave the profession within three years.  Professors will also travel to different state universities to promote the UTeach program, which is in place at UF already, and targets top science and math majors to encourage them to go into teaching in their fields.