Newsroom

School of Education receives $1 Million from NSF to Study HBCU Production of African American Science and Math Teachers

Dr. Kimberly Freeman, assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Psychoeducational Studies, was awarded $1 million for a three-year education research grant from the National Science Foundation.  The aim of What Works in Producing African American Science and Math Teachers at HBCUs is to discover those factors influencing HBCU’s production of African-American PK-12 science and math teachers.  The multi-method investigation includes case studies of science and math teacher education programs at HBCUs; interviews of current African-American science and math teachers who are recent graduates of HBCUs; and, a longitudinal survey of a freshman cohort of science and math majors at an HBCU.  Dr. Freeman expects the investigation to yield data that can be used to strengthen science and math teacher preparation programs at HBCU’s; improve recruitment of prospective science and math teachers; and inform higher education policy.  Without replenishing the supply of highly-qualified African-American science and math teachers, the continuation of future cohorts of African-American scientists and mathematicians is in jeopardy.  Dr. Freeman believes, “Equipped with reliable scientific information, HBCUs can take a leadership role in becoming major suppliers of African-American science and math educators.”

Howard University School of Education Receives $2.1 Million
Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to Train Teachers

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $22.1 million for 41 grants through the Transition to Teaching program. The program was designed to increase the pool of qualified teachers in high-need schools in high-need districts by recruiting nontraditional teacher candidates, preparing them through alternative routes to certification, and retaining them through strong mentoring programs. "Nothing helps a child learn as much as a great teacher," said U .S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings who recently announced the grant.

According to HUSOE dean Leslie Fenwick, “The $2.1 million award funds HUSOE’s Ready to Teach (R2T) Program, an alternative certification program designed to diversify the nation’s teaching force which is only about 8% African American, 4% Hispanic, and less than 1% Asian. R2T will focus on recruiting and preparing a diverse population of nontraditional teacher candidates and will have a special focus on cultivating African-American male teachers.”

HUSOE was one of three award recipients in the DC area.  American University and the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence were also awarded.