November,
2006
The Murray State University (MSU) College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), in conjunction with the MSU Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) is collaborating with local school districts and other partners in a program designed to improve student achievement by enhancing and expanding the mathematics and science content and pedagogical knowledge and skills of kindergarten through eighth grade teachers. The WKPMSE is a "Tiered Mentoring" program that will develop and sustain a cadre of K-8 Teacher Mentors who will mentor inexperienced teachers in their schools in mathematics and science, and thus have a positive effect upon student achievement. The partners work together to provide a strong academic background and practical application of mathematics and science concepts for teachers who impact student achievement.
Studies have shown that mentoring is an effective means of assisting new and inexperienced teachers and improving the quality of education. In mentoring programs, new and inexperienced teachers (mentees) are paired with experienced teachers (mentors) who are available to observe classes, answer questions, problem solve and talk confidentially about problems mentees may be facing in the classroom. Ultimately, the relationship translates into more effectiveness in the classroom.
The first tier of the mentoring program consists of MSU mathematics and science faculty and TQI Faculty Scholars in mathematics and science jointly mentoring teachers in participating schools. The teams develop academic experiences that expose teachers to new ideas in science and/or mathematics; focus on the Kentucky Core Content; emphasize teaching as a process of inquiry; promote the effective use of technology in science and mathematics instruction; and guide Teacher Mentors through completion of a content based project.
In addition to the required WKPMSE summer workshops, mentors and mentees are given first consideration to participate in the math and science institutes offered by TQI where they can earn graduate credit and receive instructional materials with all expenses, including tuition, paid by TQI.
An integral part of the training and support for the project comes through the TQI Faculty Scholars who are content specialists in science and mathematics. Their assignment is to work collaboratively with content teachers in area K-12 schools to strengthen their classroom performance with the ultimate goal being to improve student learning. The scholars are in a unique position to join in the academic experiences on campus, and then follow-up with school visits to provide job-embedded professional development. They are also be actively involved in both the WKPMSE summer workshops and the TQI Summer Institute courses.
Mentor and Mentee teachers receive a stipend per semester for their participation in the project. They are reimbursed for travel when it is required for the project. Each participating school/district must agree to provide at least 20 days per academic year of release time for the Mentor Teachers to work with the university team, KDE, and the new or inexperienced teacher at their school (mentee). The school/district is reimbursed for substitute teachers' salaries necessary when the Mentor Teachers are released for activities authorized by the WKPMSE Project.
For more information on the WKPMSE Project Email: Sue
Ellen Morris
Or call her at: 270-809-3189
