The word science comes from the Latin word “to know.” Two out of three of Phoenix’s high school students score in the bottom quarter on state science exams. The need for excellent science teachers is real. We need you to use your skills and talents to become a science teacher in Phoenix or Yuma.
The achievement gap is an urgent concern in the fields of mathematics and science both nationally and here in the Phoenix community. Only 51% of our nation’s fourth grade students are at or above proficiency in mathematics; even more dramatically, only 22% of our nation’s Hispanic fourth grade students are at or above proficiency. (Data from 2007 National Assessment of Education Progress)
Looking locally, only 40% of eighth grade students in Murphy School District met or exceeded mathematics standards in 2008 -- far below the 72% state average. This is representative of the challenge that high-need schools in Murphy, Phoenix, and Roosevelt Districts all face. Fourth grade students in Arizona have made no significant mathematics gains since 2005. When almost half of our fourth grade students are not making the grade in mathematics, the need for additional high-quality, dedicated math and science teachers is real – and urgent. Our students need your expertise and dedication to change this reality in your classroom, for your students.
In joining this selective network, Fellows teach math and science at the middle school level. Fellows are charged with ensuring their students master the content knowledge for their particular grade level – setting the children of Phoenix on the essential course for academic achievement. Moreover, Fellows ensure that their students acquire the skills necessary to succeed in school and in life. Fellows who meet the eligibility requirements to teach math or science bring a strong academic background and/or career experience that allow them to become successful first-year teachers. Fellows deliver exciting, hands-on lessons that tie theories and concepts to real-world applications and professions.
What are the benefits of teaching math and science? American students are consistently outperformed by their international peers when it comes to math and science. Out of 24 participating countries in a 2003 study, U.S. fourth-grade students ranked 11th in mathematics and 8th in science. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, students need these skills now more than ever to be successful in their careers and lives. Fellows who teach math and science at the middle school level bring a strong foundation in their subject area and the ability to impact the lives of the students that they teach. By becoming a Phoenix Teaching Fellow, you have the opportunity to work to close the achievement gap by setting high expectations for the students in your classroom.
Phoenix Teaching Fellows benefit from a streamlined application process, a network of like-minded professionals and new educators, and a specialized summer training institute which focuses on leveraging prior experiences to translate previous successes into future classroom success. Training courses cover teaching pedagogy, and include topics such as lesson planning and delivery, long-term planning, and research-based High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS). In addition, Fellows will learn about specific math and science curricula they will likely use in their fall teaching assignments and how to use resources to successfully communicate concepts while holding student attention.
Becoming a Fellow is your chance to give back to your community by earning your certification while teaching full-time, receiving full salary and benefits. Fellows build their knowledge base through certification courses, and at their school sites, Fellows often report collaboration between department members.
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