Recruiting Future Mathematics and Science Teachers

Sandra Abell, Co-Director, MU

Missouri Center for Mathematics and Science Teacher Education--Background

Preparation & Support

Recruitment

Connection

Retention

Quality Mathematics& Science Teachers

Center Goals

Goals

Center Recruitment Strategies

MU Journalism student project. Advertisements in Missouri newspapers March, 2004.

Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune Columbia Daily Tribune Jefferson City Post-Tribune Joplin Globe Moberly Monitor-Index Sedalia Democrat Southeast Missourian Whiteman Spirit

Advertisement in Mizzou Alumni Magazine and Maneater. Recruiting at graduate school and career fairs. Brochures to 4,500 mathematics and science teachers. Billboards on I-70 and Hwy 54. Alternative Certification Stipends. Website.

Center Recruiting Results (since March 1, 2004)

Website: 103 inquiries 29 potential career changers 2 college students 51 teachers 21 other

Potential Career Changers—Where they heard about us first

Billboard: 3 Newspapers:

Jefferson City Post-Tribune: 4 Joplin Globe: 2 Southeast Missourian: 2

MU Alumni Magazine: 6 Unknown: 12

Center Recruiting Results (since March 1, 2004)

Where the requests came from: Missouri--NE: 4; NW: 4, KC: 9; SW: 11; SE: 6; SL: 20; Mid-

MO: 26 Other states—Arkansas, California, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas,

Tennessee, Texas, Washington

Comments

“My degree is in Business Administration and I am interested in teaching. Can I obtain a masters in education without having an undergraduate degree in education? Is it possible to start teaching without my certification? If so, what would be required?”

“I am interested in the possibility of a career change. I would fit into the category of science and math. I have a degree in Biomedical Engineering. I am currently a practicing physician in Joplin. I would appreciate receiving more information.”

“I am planning to return to MO from TX soon. I would like to find out about alt cert programs in the state for teaching. Could you send me information regarding what colleges offer and what the criteria are for obtaining certification?”

(Medical technologist who saw I-70 billboard is now in MAT program at CMSU.)

Alt Cert Recruitment: Audience-Specific Strategies

Homecomers Advisors Career fairs Student organizations

Career changers School district human resource directors Newspaper ads Alumni ads and mailings Troops to Teachers Billboards and movie theatre ads

Recruiting for MU Alt Cert Programs

Target: 30 students per cohort, 15 science/15 mathematics

Cohort #1 (Table 1)

Cohort #2 (Table 2)

Table 1. Cohort #1: Inquiries and Applicants

Source of Program Information

# Inquiries # Applicants

Advisor/Faculty 22 11

Internet 18 4

Administrator--Partner School 8 3

Friend/Family 5 3

Newspaper Article 3

Career Fair 2

Placement Director 1 1

Unknown 10

TOTAL 69 22

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Table 2. Cohort 2: Inquiries and Applicants

Source of Program Information # Inquiries # Applicants

Internet 43 9

Career Fair 39 3

MU Advisor/Faculty/Staff 31 17

Administrator at Partner School 10 2

Friend/Family 7 8

Student in Cohort 1 6 2

Alumni mailing 6 2

Placement Director—outside MU 4 1

Newspaper Advertisement 3 1

Veterans’ Representative 2

Newspaper article 1

Unknown 5 1

TOTAL 157 46back

Alt Cert Recruiting Results

Target: 30 students per cohort, 15 science and 15 mathematics education

Cohort #1 Results: 19 students, 8 science and 11 mathematics education

Cohort #2 Results: 30 students, 17 science and 13 mathematics education

Statewide Data—Program Graduates*

Middle Mathematics

Secondary Mathematics

Middle Science Secondary Science

Traditional Programs

2003-2004

2004-2005

Alternative Certification Programs

2003-2004

2004-2005

TOTALS

*Based on data from ___ institutions.

Discussion

What recruitment strategies do you use to attract students to your traditional program? Alternative certification program?

What strategies have you found to be most successful?

Your Help is Needed Did you turn in data about graduates? Is the website information about your institution

correct?

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