TAMIU Receives $635,900 Grant for Math, Science, Technology Teacher Preparation

Texas A&M International University has received a $635,900 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to fund a program that will provide training for local 6th-12th grade (secondary) teachers and those training to be teachers in the areas of math, science and technology.
The TAMIU program, called the “Rio Grande Roundup – TAMIU Academy for Mathematics, Science and Technology Teaching Excellence” will establish a high quality, research-based mentoring and training academy that is focused on enhancing math, science and technology teaching skills.

“The initial program cohort of 50 will be chosen by both United Independent School District (UISD) and Laredo Independent School District (LISD) and or selected from the current undergraduate and or post-baccalaureate (degree-holding) teacher education populations enrolled in the TAMIU College of Education programs,” said Dr. Aleta Belcher, TAMIU assistant professor of curriculum and instruction and principal investigator for the grant award.

Specific objectives of this project are to identify, recruit and engage members of the target populations of novice and or pre-service teachers who are teaching or would commit to teach in high-need area schools in one of the three identified curricular areas, Dr. Belcher explained.

“Public schools in TAMIU’s service area are designated as ‘high-need’ in math, science and technology,” Belcher said, “The purpose of this grant award is to enhance the number and quality of science, math and technology teachers within the service area. My colleagues and I are very pleased to be able to implement this award and are confident that this award be of great benefit to the teachers in the TAMIU area.”

Teachers completing the program will take with them enhanced teaching techniques and a new confidence that they are providing the best education for their students, Belcher said. Outcomes measurements at program completion will determine level of mastery of program goals and identify any areas of growth, she added.

The program will begin in August and conclude in May 2011.

Dr. Belcher, along with Dr. Arturo Limón, TAMIU assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, will administer the program.

For further information, please contact Belcher at 326.2686, e-mail abelcher@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 419B.

University summer office hours are from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Fridays.




Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu