Programs
Math for America Boston: Noyce Teaching scholars program – Teaching Fellows
Boston University, in collaboration with Math for America and the National Science Foundation, is pleased to announce a new scholarship program for highly qualified career changers who wish to become middle or high school mathematics teachers. Teaching Fellows must have been STEM professionals who are interested in urban education and working with a diverse group of young people.
- Teaching Fellows must have majored in mathematics.
- Teaching Fellows must be United States citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens.
- Teaching Fellows must commit to teach for at least four years in a high-need district upon successful completion of the teacher certification program.
Teaching Fellows receive:
- A full scholarship to Boston University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program in mathematics.
- A stipend during the MAT year (Year 1) of $25,000 for living expenses.
- A stipend totaling $50,000 over Years 2-5.
Teaching Fellows commit to:
- Teaching for at least four years in a high-need district upon successful completion of the MAT degree program.
Recipients of the MfA Boston Teaching Fellows scholarships also will engage in the following activities:
1. Clinical Experiences in Schools under the Guidance of Master Teachers
Teaching Fellows have a range of field experiences that help them prepare to teach in high needs districts. All placements are in one of Boston University’s partner school districts under the supervision of teachers who have been involved in coursework, professional development sessions or degree programs at BU. Supervising teachers are school leaders in mathematics who have professional licensure and have met rigorous standards.
2. Membership in a Mathematical Community
Boston University is proud of the strong collaboration that exists between the mathematics department and the mathematics education department. Teaching Fellows participate with undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, mathematics educators and mathematicians in a rich mathematical community that comes together regularly to do mathematics and discuss the teaching of mathematics. Activities include day-long workshops where students link content and pedagogy as well as informal meetings and social events.
3. Preparation for High-Need Settings
To help Teaching Fellows support a student population that is increasingly diverse in race and ethnicity, social class, immigrant status, and proficiency in English and other languages, they enroll in ME 530 Teaching Math in Urban Schools. Teaching Fellows study issues such as student mobility, stereotypes, tracking, equity of opportunities, minority achievement, and methods of working with English language learners. School practices and reform strategies as well as the life of inner city youth are addressed through relevant readings and discussion. Teaching Fellows also tutor a Boston Public School high school student in mathematics one day each week.
4. Teaching Materials and Resources
Teaching Fellows are provided funds to purchase books, teaching materials, and professional journal subscriptions (The Mathematics Teacher) to support their work in the classroom. They are supported to attend conferences of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and seminars on mathematics education.
5. Mentoring and Support
Two types of mentoring and support are offered to Teaching Fellows. During their year as graduate students, Teaching Fellows meet weekly with the Noyce Program Director. They discuss current events in education, watch and discuss video of classroom instruction, analyze student work, and receive coaching on how to secure a teaching job.
Once Teaching Fellows are teaching, they return to campus for monthly “Noyce Teacher” seminars, held in the late afternoon or early evening. They are able to discuss with other fellows pertinent issues relevant to first year teaching such as classroom management, lesson planning, and grading. Teaching Fellows learn how to communicate effectively with parents or support English language learners in their classes. During some of the meetings, master teachers meet one-on-one with the Teaching Fellows to answer questions and problem solve together.
