Graduate Degree Programs for Elementary and Secondary Education Teachers Address Growing Demand for Science and Math Educated Professionals
Aurora, IL (PRWEB) May 30, 2013
Aurora University Online is pleased to announce three master’s degree programs in science and mathematics education for elementary and secondary teachers looking to further their education. Developed alongside the national standards in both science and math, these programs are the first of their sort, designed specifically with teachers in mind. Participants will gain knowledge in the content area, as well as instruction on how to teach it. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) master’s degree programs come at a time when the demand for qualified science and math teachers in Illinois continues to grow.
According to the 2005 Illinois State Assessments and Prairie State Achievement Tests, in 3rd grade, approximately 79 percent of students meet or exceed mathematics standards. By the 11th grade, this number drops to 53 percent, slightly more than half of all students*. The deficit of science and math proficient students extends beyond Illinois; according to an infographic developed by Aurora University Online about 78 percent of American high school graduates do not meet standard levels for at least one entry-level STEM college course. Meanwhile, there are currently 3.7 million unfilled STEM jobs in the U.S. STEM careers are projected to grow by 17 percent**, further verifying the need for qualified teachers who can prepare students with the skills needed for their futures.
“There is a serious need in Illinois for our students to start learning math and science fundamentals at an early age and to engage in educational experiences that will help them retain this knowledge throughout the years,” said Dr. Saib Othman, dean for the College of Arts and Sciences at Aurora University. “Aurora University has long been a partner to Illinois in helping establish degree programs that address this need. By offering these master’s degree programs online, we offer teachers opportunities and accessibility to further their knowledge and education, so they can bring that back to the classroom.”
The Aurora University Online STEM programs focus on the new national standards in mathematics and science – Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards – and how to implement them in the classroom, with the degree programs including:
· Master of Arts in Mathematics Education
· Master of Arts in Mathematics and Science Education for Elementary Teachers
· Master of Arts in Science Education
Emphasizing real-world application, the programs seamlessly integrate teaching methods and content, and allow teachers to address challenges through group and independent work. The programs help teachers grow to become leaders and advocates for mathematics and science education in their own schools and districts.
The STEM master’s programs were initially developed with funds from the U.S. Department of Education MSP (Math and Science Partnership) program. After the first cohort successfully completed the programs, Aurora University began to explore an online degree option.
For more information about Aurora University Online’s degree programs, visit http://online.aurora.edu.
*Illinois STEM Education Report
**STEM: Good Jobs Now and For the Future (United State Department of Commerce)
To embed the Aurora University Online Infographic on a site, visit Stimulating STEM for a ready-to-use code.
About Aurora University
Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning, annually educating more than 4,400 degree-seeking students at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. The university has a long tradition of preparing students for lives of service and leadership, and using its resources and expertise to meet the needs of the community. In addition to its main campus in Aurora, Ill., Aurora University offers programs online, at its George Williams College campus in Williams Bay, Wis., and at the Woodstock Center in downtown Woodstock, Ill. Learn more at aurora.edu.
### Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
Aurora, IL (PRWEB) May 30, 2013
Aurora University Online is pleased to announce three master’s degree programs in science and mathematics education for elementary and secondary teachers looking to further their education. Developed alongside the national standards in both science and math, these programs are the first of their sort, designed specifically with teachers in mind. Participants will gain knowledge in the content area, as well as instruction on how to teach it. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) master’s degree programs come at a time when the demand for qualified science and math teachers in Illinois continues to grow.
According to the 2005 Illinois State Assessments and Prairie State Achievement Tests, in 3rd grade, approximately 79 percent of students meet or exceed mathematics standards. By the 11th grade, this number drops to 53 percent, slightly more than half of all students*. The deficit of science and math proficient students extends beyond Illinois; according to an infographic developed by Aurora University Online about 78 percent of American high school graduates do not meet standard levels for at least one entry-level STEM college course. Meanwhile, there are currently 3.7 million unfilled STEM jobs in the U.S. STEM careers are projected to grow by 17 percent**, further verifying the need for qualified teachers who can prepare students with the skills needed for their futures.
“There is a serious need in Illinois for our students to start learning math and science fundamentals at an early age and to engage in educational experiences that will help them retain this knowledge throughout the years,” said Dr. Saib Othman, dean for the College of Arts and Sciences at Aurora University. “Aurora University has long been a partner to Illinois in helping establish degree programs that address this need. By offering these master’s degree programs online, we offer teachers opportunities and accessibility to further their knowledge and education, so they can bring that back to the classroom.”
The Aurora University Online STEM programs focus on the new national standards in mathematics and science – Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards – and how to implement them in the classroom, with the degree programs including:
· Master of Arts in Mathematics Education
· Master of Arts in Mathematics and Science Education for Elementary Teachers
· Master of Arts in Science Education
Emphasizing real-world application, the programs seamlessly integrate teaching methods and content, and allow teachers to address challenges through group and independent work. The programs help teachers grow to become leaders and advocates for mathematics and science education in their own schools and districts.
The STEM master’s programs were initially developed with funds from the U.S. Department of Education MSP (Math and Science Partnership) program. After the first cohort successfully completed the programs, Aurora University began to explore an online degree option.
For more information about Aurora University Online’s degree programs, visit http://online.aurora.edu.
*Illinois STEM Education Report
**STEM: Good Jobs Now and For the Future (United State Department of Commerce)
To embed the Aurora University Online Infographic on a site, visit Stimulating STEM for a ready-to-use code.
About Aurora University
Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning, annually educating more than 4,400 degree-seeking students at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. The university has a long tradition of preparing students for lives of service and leadership, and using its resources and expertise to meet the needs of the community. In addition to its main campus in Aurora, Ill., Aurora University offers programs online, at its George Williams College campus in Williams Bay, Wis., and at the Woodstock Center in downtown Woodstock, Ill. Learn more at aurora.edu.
### Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.