Faculty members across the SEC meet to increase the number of STEM teachers

Mathematics educators from the SEC universities, along with several from other universities, held a summit on the University of Florida campus this fall to discuss how their universities can increase the development of new mathematics teachers. This group, dubbed the SEC+ Mathematics Education Community (MEC), has met virtually on a monthly basis for over two years. The group previously met in person at the University of Kentucky in October 2022, and since then has expanded to include the new SEC members.

There is a serious shortage of mathematics teachers across the nation, particularly in the Southeast. Universities have also experienced a significant drop in the number of students entering mathematics teacher preparation programs over the past five or more years. This shortage increases the risk that students will not experience the mathematical preparation needed to be successful in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and other fields. Members of the SEC+ MEC are committed to addressing this issue.

“By pooling our experiences, we were not only able to gain better understanding of the underlying reasons for the declining enrollments in mathematics education, but we were also able to learn about innovative approaches being taken across the SEC and brainstorm other creative ideas," said W. Gary Martin, Emily R. and Gerald S. Leischuck Distinguished Professor for Critical Needs in Education and the mathematics educator representing Auburn University at the summit.

Topics of discussion included new program organizations that might appeal to non-traditional audiences, how to strengthen introductory education courses to increase interest in the profession and opportunities for grant writing.

Martin shared about initiatives at Auburn, including DREAM-Math, a unique program and opportunity for those with a degree in a STEM discipline to earn a master’s degree and teacher certification. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Developing, Recruiting and Empowering Alabama Mathematics Teachers, or DREAM-Math, project provides a full-ride tuition and living expenses package as participants complete a special 14-month master’s degree in secondary mathematics education. Following completion of the degree, they will receive a $10,000 annual stipend and valuable support from a mathematics learning community as they complete the first four years of their teaching career in a high-need school.

The SEC+ MEC also set goals for areas of continued exploration and collaboration. For example, the group plans to hold an SEC-wide virtual summit for students who are enrolled in, or have graduated from, a mathematics education program at an SEC university. The group will continue to meet throughout the rest of the academic year and is already making plans for the third conference at another SEC university in fall 2024.

“By working together as a group, it is our hope we will begin to make headway on this issue,” said Lisa Amick, leader of the community from the University of Kentucky.

Learn more about mathematics education and Auburn's collaborative, interdisciplinary DREAM-Math program at https://www.dream-math.org.