Tuesday, Aug 8, 2023
New program hopes to further combat critical need for STEM teachers
by Rachel Stengel '14, '20
This fall, Rider University will offer a new major in elementary education - STEM studies. The major prepares students for certification as elementary and middle school teachers of math and science. In addition to field work at the elementary school level, students in the program will spend one semester in a middle school math or science classroom.
“Through this new major, we hope to make a meaningful impact in the number of STEM teachers, especially those in New Jersey,” says Dr. Susan Dougherty, chair of the Department of Teacher Education. “Students in this program will not only have academic preparation in STEM topics, but plenty of real-world experience before starting their professional careers.”
Building a pipeline of qualified teachers, particularly those in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, is critical as the U.S. faces a nationwide teacher shortage.
“We anticipate sending greater numbers of educators who are passionate about math, science, technology and engineering, and are well-prepared to teach those subjects into New Jersey classrooms,” says Dougherty.
Through this new major, we hope to make a meaningful impact in the number of STEM teachers, especially those in New Jersey."
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics contends that fewer students are earning degrees in education. Also, 55% of educators say they are ready to retire earlier than anticipated, according to 2022 survey results by the National Education Association. Both of these factors, in addition to the pandemic, have contributed to the teacher shortage.
Rider has participated in a number of efforts to strengthen the field of education. The University partnered with the100Kin10 initiative that aimed to prepare 100,000 new STEM teachers over a 10-year period. While 100Kin10 hit that goal, the effort continues on as Beyond100K, which hopes to end the STEM teacher shortage by 2043. This fall, Rider will also offer a $2,000 annual scholarship for eligible incoming first year and transfer undergraduate education majors to further support the next generation of teachers.
Rider education majors are highly prepared for their future careers with 100% of 2021-22 bachelor’s graduates employed full-time or continuing their education. Every education major completes 875 hours of mediated field experiences or student teaching, always paired with a faculty mentor to guide their development.
To learn more about Rider’s elementary education - STEM studies major, visit rider.edu/elementary-ed or contact Dougherty at [email protected].