K-State Researchers Earn NSF Grant to Support Future Math Teachers

Three Kansas State University researchers have received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to recruit and prepare future mathematics teachers.

The National Science Foundation is funding "Creating Communities of Practice to Support NOYCE Scholars in Becoming More Adaptable Mathematics Teachers" through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. The project will be led by Sherri Martinie and Tuan Nguyen, both associate professors of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education, and Craig Spencer, professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The researchers will investigate and identify the knowledge, skills, tools and resources that enable teachers to address change with more resilient attitudes, become more adaptive in their practices and promote adaptability in their classrooms.

In addition to creating a community of practice and funding support for the researchers' inquiries about resilience and adaptability, the grant will also provide $18,000 per year to qualified juniors and seniors at K-State who intend to complete a degree in both mathematics and secondary mathematics education and make a commitment to teaching in a high-needs school district after graduation.

The award also provides internships for college-level freshmen and sophomores.

Those interested in more information about this Robert Noyce Scholarship Program should contact Martinie, the principal investigator, at martinie@k-state.edu.