Mercer Times

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has been awarded a grant of $2,955,563 from the National Science Foundation's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This funding will be utilized over six years to enhance teacher engagement in K-5 STEM education across New Jersey.

Elementary school teachers in the state interested in developing leadership skills and strategies for integrating climate change education into their curriculum are encouraged to apply for the program. Lauren Madden, principal investigator for the grant and professor of elementary science education at TCNJ, explained the project's goals: “Introducing complex ideas like climate change to young children can be complicated. This project will help map the course for understanding best practices in this area and present a comprehensive model for preparing teachers to implement effective STEM and climate change instruction to all learners while serving as leaders within their classrooms, schools, and communities.”

The grant will fund two cohorts of 12 master teacher fellows each. These fellows will participate in a five-year program where they will complete an Environmental Sustainability Education Graduate Certificate, develop leadership skills, support future teachers, and lead initiatives beyond their classrooms.

Madden further stated that “developing two cadres of these teacher-leaders will provide mentorship and guidance for their peers, colleagues, and students, and will help ensure that teachers in New Jersey are well-prepared to provide appropriate and effective STEM and climate change education to their students.”

Madden's team includes collaboration with Matthew Taylor from Salve Regina University’s Special Education Department and faculty from various departments at TCNJ. Co-principal investigators include Melissa Zrada from Integrative STEM Education at the School of Engineering and Shannon Graham from Physics at the School of Science.

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program aims to address the need for recruiting, preparing, and retaining effective mathematics and science teachers who continue teaching in high-need school districts. It supports both undergraduate majors pursuing careers as K-12 STEM teachers and experienced educators aiming to become teacher leaders.