Boston University’s J-Squared Noyce Scholarship Program

The Joy and Justice in Mathematics Teaching and Learning (J-Squared) Project (2023-2028) is a collaboration of the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development and the College of Arts and Sciences at Boston University and school districts in the Boston area. This program focuses on preparing teachers to facilitate meaningful mathematical discourse in the classroom while simultaneously increasing students’ critical consciousness of issues of racism and other social injustices. J-Squared scholars experience a rich, hands-on, inquiry-based teacher preparation program and work closely with teachers, mathematics educators, mathematicians, and students.

The J-Squared Project provides 100% tuition scholarships to 31 individuals with backgrounds either in mathematics or related STEM fields to a one-year Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program. The degree program leads to licensure to teach secondary mathematics. Once teaching, J-Squared scholars will be supported through summer and academic-year workshops, seminars, and mentoring. Scholars become a part of a rich community of mathematics teachers, BU Noyce alumni, teacher educators, and mathematicians. Our program allows you to enrich your mathematics lessons with design, creativity, and innovation!  Read about some of our Noyce scholars!

Requirements:

• J-Squared Noyce scholars must have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or related field.
• J-Squared Noyce scholars must be United States citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens.
• J-Squared Noyce scholars must commit to teach for two years in a high-need district upon successful completion of the teacher certification program.

Noyce Scholars receive:

• A full scholarship to Boston University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program in mathematics. For
• A wealth of benefits including mentoring, support, and materials. Find out more below!

To apply to be a J-Squared Noyce Scholar:

• Apply directly to Boston University’s School of Education Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program and follow the instructions. For information, go to http://www.bu.edu/wheelock/admissions/graduate-students/apply/
• Submit an essay with your application that addresses your commitment to teaching in high needs schools.

Noyce Scholars commit to:

• Teaching for two years in a high-need district upon successful completion of the MAT degree program.

Recipients of Noyce Scholarships benefit from:

1. Clinical Experiences in Schools under the Guidance of Masterful Teachers

Noyce scholars 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 and faculty members. Supervising teachers are school leaders in mathematics who have professional licensure and have met rigorous standards.

2. Membership in a vibrant STEM Education Community

Boston University is proud of the strong collaboration that exists between the mathematics education department in the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, and the mathematics department in the College of Arts and Sciences. J-Squared Noyce scholars participate with undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, mathematics educators, and mathematicians in a rich community that comes together regularly to explore mathematics and issues around curriculum design, and practice using effective teaching strategies for the mathematics classroom. Activities include workshops where students link content and pedagogy as well as informal meetings and social events.

3. Preparation for High-Need Settings

To help J-Squared Noyce scholars 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 two courses: ME 530 Equitable Pedagogies in STEM Education and TL 525 Teaching English Learners in the Middle/High School. J-Squared Noyce scholars study issues such as student mobility, stereotypes, tracking, equity of opportunities, and minority achievement. School practices and reform strategies as well as the life of inner city youth are addressed through relevant readings and discussion. Scholars also enroll in a course focusing exclusively on teaching English language learners in the content areas in order to prepare them to support English development in the mathematics classroom. In addition, J-Squared Noyce scholars have opportunities to tutor middle and high school mathematics students during their program.

4. Teaching Materials and Resources

J-Squared Noyce scholars are provided funds to purchase books, teaching materials, and professional journal subscriptions to support their work in the classroom. They are able to attend conferences and seminars on mathematics education.

5. Mentoring and Support

Two types of mentoring and support are offered to J-Squared Noyce scholars. During their year as graduate students, J-Squared Noyce scholars meet frequently to discuss current events in education, watch and discuss video of classroom instruction, and analyze student work. They receive coaching on how to secure a teaching job.

Once J-Squared Noyce scholars are teaching, they return to campus for the monthly “Noyce Seminar Series”, which are held in the late afternoon or early evening. They are able to discuss with other scholars pertinent issues relevant to first year teaching such as classroom management, lesson planning, and grading. Scholars explore the teaching of mathematics using best practices with their colleagues.

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