Multiplying Opportunities: Ramapo College awarded $1.3M National Science Foundation grant to build STEM educator programs in local communities

October 25, 2024

by Liz Mendecino ’26

Amidst a teacher shortage in New Jersey, Ramapo College of New Jersey is positioned to increase the number of STEM educators, thanks to a $1.3 million grant awarded by the National Science Foundation as part of its Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program. 

The project aims to serve the national need of preparing well-qualified and experienced STEM secondary education teachers who are committed to teaching in high-needs school districts and prepared for the future of education. The grant provides funding over the next five years to create pathways and communities of practice to prepare STEM scholars for the future of education. 

“We want to address New Jersey’s urgent need for STEM educators amid a growing teacher shortage,” said Dr. Amanda Beecher, Ramapo College professor of mathematics. “Despite our high-quality and accredited teacher education program, fewer students are entering STEM teaching pathways, especially at the middle and high school levels. By leveraging our strong teacher preparation and STEM major programs, along with many community partners, we seek to increase the number of well-prepared STEM educators to teach in high-needs districts.” 

A primary goal is to graduate more students pursuing secondary certification in mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science who will commit to teach in high-needs schools upon graduation. Students who have a passion to pursue secondary education certification in STEM disciplines will be eligible for Ramapo Undergraduate Noyce STEM (RUN2STEM) scholarships, helping them achieve their goals of becoming K-12 STEM educators. The RUN2STEM scholars will be members of a community of practice that includes regional stakeholders, practicing teachers, and education experts who are committed to elevating and promoting the profession of teaching. 

The project also creates an opportunity for current and future in-service teachers to join the community of practice and serve as mentors for the scholars who will gain additional professional and social support. Continuing education for scholars and their in-service and pre-service peers on use of artificial intelligence in the STEM classroom will increase teachers’ understanding of how to harness these technologies to engage and educate students who will enter the STEM workforce.

To learn more about teacher education at Ramapo College, visit ramapo.edu/te.