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(Leavenworth, Kan.)—The »¨½·Ö±²¥ is working to address the shortage of STEM teachers with the support of a $1.1 million continuing grant from the National Science Foundation.  

The Becoming an Exemplary STEM Teacher (BEST) program aims to prepare high-quality math, chemistry, and biology educators who will teach in high-need local education agencies (LEAs).  

The project will address the national STEM teacher shortage by awarding scholarships to students who earn a bachelor's degree in math, chemistry, or biology; complete a secondary education licensure program; complete their student teaching practicums in high-need schools; and teach at high-need LEAs after graduation for a minimum of four years.  

Cheryl Reding, who serves as an associate professor, unit head of education, and division chair of social and behavioral sciences, is the principal investigator. Rick Silvey, professor of mathematics and mathematics program director, is the co-principal investigator. 

"The »¨½·Ö±²¥ is honored to receive the support of the National Science Foundation in this important effort," Reding said. "Nationally, STEM teaching positions are hard to staff and retain, particularly in high-need districts. This project aims to recruit, retain, and graduate 18 highly qualified STEM secondary teaching candidates over the next five years. The students will be well prepared and supported through field experiences, pedagogy workshops, and mentored professional development that extends into their first years of teaching." 

The BEST program includes partnerships with Donnelly College and local high-need schools in Leavenworth, Lansing, and Tonganoxie. USM will collaborate with Leavenworth, Lansing, and Tonganoxie schools to place preservice BEST scholars. 

USM previously received support for an NSF Noyce Capacity Building project, which concluded in 2019. This project developed mechanisms for increasing the local pool of potential secondary STEM teacher candidates through collaborative planning and piloting work with six school districts, Donnelly, Kansas City Kansas Community College, and Fort Leavenworth. 

For more information about USM's Secondary Education program, visit: stmary.edu/secondary-education

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The »¨½·Ö±²¥ is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of »¨½·Ö±²¥ main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit  for more information.