Grant helps Augustana prepare students for STEM education careers [Video]

Augustana College has been awarded a research and development grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help future math and science educators prepare for their teaching careers. The latest grant awards $1.2 million through 2029.

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program helps prepare students to teach in high-need schools by matching them with partner schools and offering supplementary professional development in working with diverse student populations. Scholars in the program complete a research project with a STEM faculty mentor during the summer between their junior and senior years.

The Augustana grant is administered by Dr. Mike Egan, education professor and department chair; Dr. Nathan Frank, professor of physics; Dr. Mike Schroeder, professor of education; and Dr. Scott Gehler, associate professor of biology.

Egan started his career teaching high school math in high-need schools and said that experience helped him understand the impact teachers have in areas with high poverty rates. The impact is especially crucial …