FSU-Foundations

FSU Foundations

In November of 2007, Florida State University was 1 of 11 universities nationwide to be awarded a $2.4 million grant from the National Mathematics and Science Institute (NMSI) to support the replication of a new model of mathematics and science teacher preparation. This mode program, now in its 10th year, was begun at the University of Texas at Austin and is called UTeach. UTeach has dramatically increased the number students graduating in secondary science or mathematics education primarily by attracting students from science and mathematics majors into the teaching profession. The program uses aggressive marketing and recruitment strategies, incorporates intensive and successful teaching experiences in public schools from the beginning to the end of the program, provides close and continuous mentorship by experienced classroom “master” teachers, and includes a strong post-graduation teacher induction program. The results of the UTeach model in terms of the number of teachers produced, their retention in the profession (especially in high needs classrooms), and the quality of the teaching practice of its graduates makes this program a very attractive one. Florida State is dedicated to restructuring our programs to achieve similar results.

The partnership between Florida State’s Colleges of Arts & Sciences and Education to begin this program, called FSU-Teach, is the result of many intensive conversations among stakeholders in science and mathematics teacher preparation: College of Arts & Science faculty, College of Education faculty, university administrators, Florida Department of Education representatives, and teachers and administrators from five school districts. These districts include Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Jefferson and Seminole. Governor Charlie Crist has offered his support for this program.

Although this innovative program has been successful in obtaining support from National Mathematics and Science Institute and the Helios foundation, additional support will be needed. If you are interested in offering your support for this program, please contact our development officers: