First cohort of new AUTeach program to graduate with aim of addressing Alabama’s science teacher shortage

A first cohort of students from a new program created to address Alabama’s science teacher shortage, AUTeach, will graduate in Auburn University’s upcoming spring commencement ceremonies.

Among that group will be Auburn University students Austin Broom, Charity King and Jackson Belcher—all of whom praise the new program that they say has helped set their course as future educators.

“This program has transformed how I teach science!” exclaimed Broom, a double major in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and Science Teaching. “I have learned to be responsive, adaptable, patient, and refine my communication skills. Especially during this last semester during my apprentice teaching, I truly feel more prepared than ever to handle any situation that comes my way.”

Broom added that “being a teacher is challenging but equally as rewarding. I’m so grateful to all the wonderful people in AUTeach who have made my experience here so fun!”

Professors from Auburn University’s College of Education and College of Sciences and Mathematics joined forces in 2023 to help reverse the glaring shortage of K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, teachers throughout the state of Alabama. The interdisciplinary team from both colleges has used a $3 million grant from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to develop the AUTeach program, which allows COSAM students to explore the profession of science teaching through a hands-on approach.

“The program enables undergraduates majoring in a science discipline to also major in science teaching,” said Christine Schnittka, a professor of science education in Auburn’s College of Education and a co-director of the AUTeach team. “Graduates are certified to teach science in grades 6–12. Conceptualized in summer 2023 and modeled after a successful program launched at the University of Texas at Austin over 25 years ago, AUTeach began in fall 2024 with 16 students and has since grown to enroll more than 100.”

The first cohort of three will now graduate during Auburn’s May commencement from May 9-12. Schnittka said Broom will be certified to teach biology, while King—also double majoring in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and Science Teaching—will be qualified to teach all science subjects. Belcher, a double major in Physics and Science Teaching, will be certified to teach physics and physical science. All three are completing their apprentice teaching semester at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama.

“To prepare for the classroom, AUTeach students complete a diverse curriculum that includes coursework in science research and history, pedagogy, classroom management, educational technology, instructional design, and teaching students with special needs,” Schnittka said. “They complete four different school placements prior to the culminating semester of apprentice teaching with a mentor teacher.”

King said the experience was life-changing and allowed her to view teaching from a different lens.

“As a non-traditional science major, I never thought about pursuing education,” she said. “I always felt that education wasn't for me because I never got the ‘call’ as many educators before me have described as their reason for choosing education. However, through AUTeach I was able to discover that teaching isn't just a calling—it's a call to action. Through AU Teach, I learned that a passion for science is only the beginning when it comes to teaching. You don't have to be special or get a ‘call.’ And that true impact happens when we step beyond the lab and into the classroom, using our knowledge to inspire the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders.”

Belcher said the program helped him discover his passion for teaching as well.

“The faculty in AUTeach make the program worth having,” he said. “Their dedication to supplying the community with developed and well-prepared science teachers is that of no other instructors I've met at Auburn University. While the state of Alabama is desperate for great science teachers, the instructors and faculty of AUTeach consistently provide support for their students in both majors they are in. This program is perfect for students who are curious about the possibilities in science education, while still retaining their chosen field of science.”

Those interested in learning more about AUTeach can do so online through the program’s official website.