The University of South Florida (USF) Robert Noyce Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholars program will provide $30,000 stipends to 31 graduating seniors, recent graduates, and career changers who are interested in earning their teaching credentials in mathematics or science by enrolling in a one-year accelerated Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program as a full time student. The stipend is intended to cover the cost of attendance (i.e., tuition and fees) and other expenses. In return for this stipend, Robert Noyce STEM scholars will commit to teach for at least two years in one of the following school districts: Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, or Sarasota.

The objectives of the USF Robert Noyce STEM Fellows program are to:

• recruit content knowledgeable STEM professionals to participate in a state-approved initial teacher certification MAT program for mathematics or science at the secondary level (grades 6-12),
• prepare STEM professionals to be effective mathematics or science teachers of diverse learners in one of the following Tampa Bay area school districts (Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, or Sarasota),
• provide pedagogical supports to USF Robert Noyce STEM Fellows throughout their first two years of teaching and engage USF STEM Fellows in ongoing professional development through non-coursework activities and experiences.
  

STEM professionals selected for this program will have demonstrated evidence of subject matter knowledge based on the degree obtained or identified coursework in appropriate content areas. These individuals will participate in a common core of education and disciplinary specific pedagogical courses designed to help them translate their subject matter knowledge into useable forms for teaching and encouraging secondary students to excel in the areas of mathematics or science.

Fellows will be expected to have the following:

1. a bachelor’s degree in STEM discipline (mathematics, biology, chemistry, engineering, etc.) or its equivalent;
   
   
2. a 3.0 (“B”) on a 4.0 scale average or better in all work attempted while registered as an upper division student (usually last two years of coursework) working for a baccalaureate degree, or a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale average of graduate work;
   
   
3. passing score on the Florida Teacher Certification General Knowledge Test or appropriate Graduate Records Exam scores; and
   
   
4. demonstrated subject matter competence with evidence of appropriate coursework in mathematics or science.
   

In addition, potential USF Robert Noyce STEM Scholars must demonstrate an interest in teaching secondary school mathematics or science, demonstrate an interest in teaching a diverse student population, and participate in out of class learning experiences encourage by the program.

Congratulations to NOYCE Scholar Athena White!

Congratulations to Athena White who is the teacher of the month at Wesley Chapel High School. Athena is a MAT student and former SAS receptionist.

Contact Information:

Michael DiCicco, Program Manager
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Ave, EDU105
Tampa, Fl 33620
Phone: 813-974-9055
Email:mdicicco@usf.edu