Teacher Training By Dr. Diana Wehrell-Grabowski

The New Science Teacher Academy is calling for second and third-year middle and high school science teachers to apply for the one year professional development and mentoring program. The New Science Teacher Academy emphasizes quality science teaching, enhanced teacher confidence, classroom excellence, and solid content knowledge. June 13th, 2012 is the deadline for applying to the program. For more information about The New Science Teacher Academy, and application check out this site. Teacher training is a critical component in developing and maintaining a quality science education experience for all K-12 classrooms.

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)released its report on K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The report included several recommendations. NSTA asked its members to respond to the PCAST recommendations. Here’s a couple key concerns the teachers had with the PCAST recommendations: Train us First, more important than recognition of the top 5% of STEM teachers is training. If you want STEM Master Teachers, then you need to train them with content, as well as pedagogical, professional development. Don’t Overlook “Diamonds in the Rough,” money is needed to educate current teachers and to encourage well-trained new teachers. Check out the PCAST report in NSTA reports here as well as what science teachers are saying about the PCAST report.