UTeach at the University of Texas
Critical Issues in Education: Teaching Teachers Mathematics
May 31, 2007 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM
Speakers:
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Abstract: |
UTeach is a collaborative program of the Colleges of Natural Sciences and Education as well as the Austin
Independent School district. Its goal is to prepare and support secondary mathematics, science, and computer
science teachers at UT Austin. The program was established in 1997 in response to the growing shortage of
mathematics and science teachers in the secondary schools. Upon completion of the four-year program,
students receive a bachelor’s degree in the field in which they will teach as well as teacher certification.
Twenty-five percent of students in the College of Natural Sciences express an interest in teaching. The UTeach
program is designed to give these students an opportunity to explore this possibility with hands-on experience
in a public school classroom beginning in their freshman year. Students work with experienced AISD teachers
who mentor them. In carefully calculated steps, the students’ teaching experience becomes progressively
longer and more independent.
UTeach combines rigorous preparation in mathematics and science with this early and on-going field
experience in public schools. New pedagogy courses, focused on teaching science & mathematics, have been
developed by both colleges, and are taught by UT professors and Master Teachers with advanced degrees. The
curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based teaching and learning, use of technology, and research experience in
mathematics and science. Emphasis is also placed on making connections between mathematics and the other
sciences as well as between the mathematics taught at the university level and high school mathematics.
Expanding on the foundations of the UTeach Natural Sciences undergraduate program, the SUMMER UTeach
Master of Arts in Science and Mathematics Education was introduced in 2004. This degree program is
designed to produce the next generation of Master Teacher leaders - individuals who will return to the
classroom and their school districts as highly qualified content and instructional specialists. |
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