National Math and Science Initiative
UTeach
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UTeach, a program developed at the University of Texas at Austin attracts mathematics, science, and computer science undergraduates into the teaching profession. Drawing on a strong collaboration between UT-Austin's College of Natural Science and College of Education, UTeach allows students to graduate in four years with teacher certification and a B.S. degree in mathematics or science. Hallmarks of the program include early and intensive teaching experience, Master Teachers who come to the institution of higher education with teaching and leadership experiences in public schools to teach and to mentor students, and professional development courses that all focus on teaching mathematics and science–there are no generic education courses.

The program currently certifies more than 70 teachers per year and 92 percent go on to teach secondary math and science immediately. UTeach graduates stay in teaching–82 percent are still teaching four years after entering, compared with 60 percent nationally. UTeach graduates often teach in disadvantaged schools–almost half teach in schools where more than 50% of the students receive free or reduced-price lunches.

NMSI, in conjunction with the UTeach Institute, plans to award grants of up to $2,400,000 to 10 non-profit institutions of higher education to start UTeach-type programs. The UTeach Institute, which was created to provide direction and assistance to institutions of higher education starting up UTeach programs, will be working hand-in-hand with NMSI to support grantees' efforts.

The current round of competition closed April 27, 2007, and finalists were announced May 25, 2007. Subject to available funding and the success of the first round of grants, NMSI intends to support the expansion of UTeach to more than 50 universities over the next five years.

Download a copy of the 2007 RFP »

Visit the UTeach Institute for more information»