UT Tyler Offers Program to Address Shortage of Math and Science Teachers

October 29, 2003

UT Tyler Offers Program to Address Shortage of Math and Science Teachers

The University of Texas at Tyler will offer the Teaching Excellence in Math and Science Program (TEMS) designed to address the critical shortage of highly qualified teachers of math and science in East Texas, according to Dr. Andrew Lumpe, Celia and Sam Roosth Endowed Chair of Education and director of the program.

“In order to prepare East Texas math and science teachers, we are now offering innovative programs leading towards the certification of highly qualified personnel to teach in our regional schools,” Dr. Lumpe said.

“In addition to the preparation of teachers, the program has a major research goal. We are conducting research and disseminating results about successful mathematics and science teacher preparation programs and the critical shortages of highly qualified teachers,” he added.

The program is funded by a federal grant made possible by Congressman Ralph Hall (D-Texas) and is a joint initiative between the UT Tyler Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education and Psychology and Engineering and Computer Science, as well as area school districts, educational service centers and business and industry.

It is intended to serve the traditional undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree leading to teacher certification, as well as the out-of-field teachers who are teaching math and science but do not possess a Texas teaching certificate for those subjects.

Students will receive stipends, and new exemplary K-12 curriculum materials and technology equipment will be available.

For more information, contact Dr. Lumpe at 903.566.7010, 903.565.5637 or alumpe@uttyler.edu.

Contact:
Beverley Golden
903.566.7303