New Grant Program Will Support the Work of Science and Mathematics Teachers in N.C.

A new grant program that will support and encourage the work of science and mathematics teachers in North Carolina has been launched by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the North Carolina State Board of Education.

The Career Awards for Science and Mathematics Teachers will provide $175,000 over a period of five years ($35,000 per year), as well as professional development opportunities, to recipients selected from eligible teachers in the North Carolina K-12 public school system.

The award will recognize teachers who demonstrate solid knowledge of science or mathematics content and have outstanding performance records in educating children. Recipients will receive professional development and opportunities to collaborate with other master science and mathematics teachers who will serve as mentors. In addition, schools and school districts will benefit by having their teachers become fully developed leaders in their field.

The State Board of Education will provide additional salary support to school districts that will allow award recipients to have a 12-month contract. This innovative program is made possible by a unique public and private partnership and is significant in increasing the pool of prominent teachers in North Carolina's classrooms.

"The Career Awards for Science and Mathematics Teachers are key to opening opportunities for many teachers across the state who are committed to proven, innovative, global instruction in North Carolina classrooms," said State Board of Education Chair Howard Lee. "We look forward to working with these award winning teachers and embrace the potential of advancing effective teaching that aligns with our efforts."

For the past decade, BWF has been instrumental in supporting informal science education programs across North Carolina. In keeping with BWF's emphasis on promoting the career development of individual scientists, BWF is expanding from funding primarily informal science education programs to investing in individual teachers.

The National Academies report Rising Above the Gathering Storm, highly recommends strengthening the skills of K-12 science and mathematics teachers. The Washington-based Business-Higher Education Forum estimates that over the next decade, schools in America will need 200,000 or more new teachers in science and mathematics.