The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $176,659 Project Grant under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to Western Carolina University (WCU) on September 15, 2024. The Smoky Mountain Noyce Scholars Program aims to recruit, prepare, and retain secondary mathematics teachers for high-need schools in rural western North Carolina. The project will collaboratively develop a cohort-based pre-service teacher program through curricular support, early field experiences, and mentoring. The overarching goal is to increase the number and diversity of talented undergraduate students and graduate at least twenty-one (21) mathematics majors certified to teach secondary mathematics in high-need school districts. The project includes partnerships with community colleges, local education agencies, and the non-profit Smoky Mountain Math Teachers' Circle. The award supports a detailed formative and summative evaluation plan to assess the impact and efficacy of project activities. New knowledge is anticipated regarding community college interactions, the value of internships, and the impact of teaching circles on pre-service teacher development in rural settings.
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