Teaching Opportunity: Scientist in the Classroom Partnership
The Scientist in the Classroom Partnership (SCP) program, sponsored by the Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach, connects science teaching fellows (Fellows) with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools teachers in K-12 classrooms. Fellows are graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in science, math, technology, or engineering (STEM) who collaborate with K-12 teachers one day per week throughout the school year to assist students in developing an enduring interest in the sciences and actively construct meaningful knowledge of scientific concepts through hands-on, inquiry-based instruction. Fellows focus on working with a teacher partner to develop and implement classroom activities, provide demonstrations, assist with tutoring and direct student research projects. The SCP program offers an opportunity for Fellows to develop effective instructional strategies and improve communication skills necessary for their future careers. Graduate Student Fellows may be eligible to receive an annual topping-up stipend of $7,000.
In 2014-2015 the SCP will offer an exciting new opportunity for Fellows – the SCP Licensure Program. Fellows who participate for one year in the SCP program will be given the opportunity to earn teacher licensure for grades 7-12 through the State of Tennessee approved iTEACH-TN online certification program while teaching full time. Fellows will complete one year of SCP participation, and enter MNPS as a full-time, first year teacher while completing their licensure through the iTEACH-TN program. The cost of the online program is $4,500, and scholarship assistance is available for SCP participants.
All Fellows and partner teachers are required to attend a two-week summer workshop prior to SCP participation to prepare together for the academic school year. Fellows will receive training in K-12 instructional strategies, science standards, curriculum design, and lesson development. Teachers and Fellows will also participate in activities that foster formation of successful collaborative partnerships. The 2014 Summer SCP Workshop is scheduled for the weekdays of June 16-27th.
Completed applications will be accepted until May 2, 2014. For more information about the SCP Program or to download an application, please visit the Scientist in the Classroom Partnership website at www.scientistintheclassroom.org, or contact Brent Shelton (615- 322-7140; brent.shelton@vanderbilt.edu or brent.shelton@mnps.org). For more information about the SCP Licensure Program contact Virginia Shepherd, Ph.D. at 615-322-7140 or email: Virginia.l.shepherd@vanderbilt.edu.