Georgia State program expands STEM knowledge, skills

ATLANTA — Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development has partnered with Gwinnett County Public Schools to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers who want to expand their STEM knowledge and teaching skills.

The partnership will use Associate Professor Natalie King’s Alan T. Waterman Award from the National Science Foundation and school district funds to cover tuition, fees and books for a diverse pool of 25 middle and high school teachers to earn their Master of Education in STEM Education.

“Grant funding at the federal and local levels is a crucial component of our ability to provide advanced degree opportunities for teachers,” Paul Alberto, the College of Education & Human Development dean, said.

This STEM education master’s program combines knowledge and skills from various STEM disciplines so that teachers and their students can benefit from a well-rounded and holistic approach to STEM education. The online program allows teachers to further develop their STEM content knowledge and implement standards-based curriculum at the middle and secondary school levels.

Teachers selected to participate will take their classes online beginning this fall and will complete their degrees in fall 2024.

Georgia State’s partnership with Gwinnett County Public Schools demonstrates how universities and school districts can provide pathways for teachers to advance their careers and better support their students’ learning.

“Our strategic vision for Georgia State calls for our institution to build closer ties to organizations throughout our region, advancing opportunities and graduate education that meets the needs of students where they are, and the needs of organizations like the Gwinnett County Public Schools in the professional development of their employees,” Nicolle Parsons-Pollard, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Georgia State, said. “We are excited to work with Gwinnett County Public Schools in this effort and believe that this partnership will benefit both teachers and their students alike.”

Special Photo: Georgia State