The CenterPoint Energy New Teacher Academy will support new STEM
teachers through professional development, STEM training and
networking opportunities.
DALLAS AND HOUSTON, July 8, 2022
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Sixteen of the fastest-growing industries of
the future are STEM-related and recent research highlights the
importance of STEM—which stands for science, technology,
engineering and math—yet schools and districts often struggle to
recruit and retain STEM teachers.
To address these challenges and better prepare first-year STEM
teachers for the classroom, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation
awarded the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) and the
University of Houston a $100,000 grant to launch the CenterPoint Energy
New Teacher Academy.
Designed for pre-service teachers graduating from the
University of Houston, the university
will recruit and select participants for the academy. Those chosen
will receive in-person, summer professional development, annual
STEM training with NMSI, and networking opportunities that connect
new teachers with second-year and master teachers—providing ongoing
support and resources at no cost.
"Teaching is an incredibly demanding profession," said
Michelle Stie, Vice President of
Teaching and Learning at NMSI. "While schools and districts are
feeling the effects of staffing shortages more than ever,
recruiting and retaining STEM teachers is a lingering challenge and
even more difficult in high-poverty schools and districts. The
grant from CenterPoint Energy plays a significant role in not only
addressing this, but also exposing students to STEM and educating
the next generation of STEM professionals."
NMSI's Laying the Foundation (LTF) program, a core component of
the annual STEM training that participants receive, will provide
the pedagogical and STEM content support needed for effective
instruction in today's classroom. The program will empower new
teachers to build and maintain subject matter expertise, enhance
their leadership skills, and propel students' confidence,
creativity, and problem-solving skills. Afterward, teachers can
interview to become NMSI Coaches, helping to advance STEM education
for all students.
"Quality induction programs are essential for the success and
retention of beginning teachers," said Dr. Paige Evans, clinical professor and co-director
of teachHOUSTON at the University of
Houston. "We are exceedingly grateful to CenterPoint Energy
and the National Math and Science Initiative for the funding and
support of the CenterPoint Energy New Teacher Academy."
"The value of a high-quality teacher induction program cannot be
underestimated," added Jennifer
Collier, Principal at Spring Woods High School in Spring
Branch ISD. "A well-prepared new teacher is ready and able to
change hundreds of lives on day one. What a valuable gift the New
Teacher Academy will be to the educational community."
An announcement event took place earlier this week with
representatives from each organization present to celebrate the
unveiling of the CenterPoint Energy New Teacher Academy.
"An effective teacher can make all the difference in a student's
life," said Alicia Dixon, Director
of Community Relations for CenterPoint Energy. "This academy will
establish a strong foundation for success, and ensure new STEM
teachers feel confident, succeed and grow in their
professions."
For more information on how to support early career STEM
teachers in your community, contact NMSI or visit
https://www.nms.org/.
About the National Math and Science Initiative
The National Math and Science Initiative works with communities and
local school systems to increase access and achievement in rigorous
education, particularly in STEM and especially for students most
often underserved and underrepresented in STEM careers. Recent high
school graduates who participated in NMSI's flagship College
Readiness Program were more likely than their peers to enroll in
four-year college, persist in college, graduate in four years and
pursue STEM or teaching careers. Learn more at
https://www.nms.org.
About teachHOUSTON
teachHOUSTON is committed to combating the shortage of qualified
math and science teachers in our country and emphasizes early and
ongoing field-based teaching experiences while students are working
to attain a bachelor's degree in math or science. teachHOUSTON is a
collaborative project of the University of
Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the
College of Education and local school districts.
About CenterPoint Energy
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in
Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
(NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric
transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas
distribution operations that serve more than 6 million metered
customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a
charitable giving organization focused on strengthening the quality
of life in the communities served by the company. For more
information, visit https://www.centerpointenergy.com.
Media Contact
National Math and Science Initiative, National Math and Science
Initiative, (608) 216-7300, olivia@cblohm.com
SOURCE National Math and Science Initiative