Schools
Lawrence's Rider U To Offer Major In STEM Studies For Teachers
The University's new program, which begins this fall, aims to combat the need for STEM teachers in New Jersey schools.
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Rider University will offer a new major in STEM studies for teachers, beginning this fall.
The major prepares students for certification as elementary and middle school teachers of math and science, the University said.
Additionally, as part of the course, students enrolled in the course will spend one semester in a middle school math or science classroom.
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“Through this new major, we hope to make a meaningful impact in the number of STEM teachers, especially those in New Jersey,” Dr. Susan Dougherty, chair of the Department of Teacher Education said in a statement.
“Students in this program will not only have academic preparation in STEM topics, but plenty of real-world experience before starting their professional careers.”
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The University hopes to build a pipeline of qualified teachers, particularly those in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, which 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,” Dougherty said.
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, fewer students are earning degrees in education. Meanwhile, around 55 percent 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.
Through this program, Rider aims to prepare 100,000 new STEM teachers over a 10-year period, in hopes to end the STEM teacher shortage by 2043.
Rider will also offer a $2,000 annual scholarship for eligible incoming first year and transfer undergraduate education majors in the fall.
To learn more about Rider’s new program, visit rider.edu/elementary-ed or contact Dougherty at sdougherty@rider.edu.
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