359 MTSU CENTER DIRECTS STATEWIDE MATH AND SCIENCE PROJECT

Release date: April 26, 2007
MTSU contact: Dr. Ray Phillips, 615-904-8573

UT-Knoxville, Memphis, Oak Ridge Entities Join 3-Year, $2.5 Million Partnership


(MURFREESBORO) — The Tennessee Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Center at MTSU has received from the Tennessee Department of Education a $2.5 million grant for three years to direct a statewide Math/Science Partnership Project.
“The grant will provide high-quality professional development opportunities to high-school teachers of mathematics and science which are coherent with Gov. Phil Bredesen’s vision for mathematics and science learning,” project director Dr. Ray Phillips said.
The center, which is called TMSTEC, will develop and deliver the program in collaboration with the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the University of Memphis, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education.
The most motivated teachers from across the state will compete for the opportunity to work with exceptional faculty from MTSU, UT-Knoxville, University of Memphis as well as master teachers from across the state, program officials said.
The program will help teachers develop enhanced skills, content knowledge and innovative approaches to teach upper level/AP math and science courses. The ultimate impact will be school districts in a better position to provide enhanced opportunities for students to complete rigorous mathematics and science courses, exposing students to the possibilities of careers in science and math.
Starting this summer with a four-day workshop in Oak Ridge, teachers will work with scientists, mathematicians and engineers who will introduce them to the most current discoveries and give them tools to use that knowledge to educate their students.
“Teachers will be able to integrate the latest scientific discoveries into their classrooms’ curriculum,” said Sheila Webster, who is director of the UT Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment’s technology research and development program. Recruiting for the program is under way. Teachers from any of Tennessee’s 95 counties may apply, said Phillips. Interested teachers may request information through jcarter@mtsu.edu for applications.
For more information, call 615-904-8573.
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