Project Grant 2448306

Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Undergraduate Education awarded $1,232,951 under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to Middle Tennessee State University on October 1, 2025, to lead a collaborative research initiative titled "Improving Teacher Retention and Effectiveness Through Knowledge Sharing (iTREKS)." This Noyce Track 4 project, scheduled for completion by September 30, 2028, delivers research and knowledge-sharing services across a consortium of nine universities to address the persistent national challenge of STEM teacher retention and effectiveness in high-need school districts. The project produces systematic research findings through large-scale data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis of early-career teacher experiences using the nationally normed Tripod Student Perception Survey and classroom observation protocols, and evidence-based strategies for enhancing STEM teacher preparation programs. Deliverables include research reports analyzing the impact of teacher preparation programs on retention rates, identification of programmatic features contributing to long-term effectiveness, and dissemination of findings to refine teacher education practices across participating institutions.

The consortium consists of Alabama A&M University, Central Washington University, North Dakota State University, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, University of Houston, University of Nevada–Reno, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, with participating faculty serving as sub-awardees responsible for data identification, collection, and sharing across Years 1–3 of the project. Key institutional participants include faculty from each consortium member who attend regular community meetings, advisory board convenings, and summer collaboration venues to execute the convergent parallel mixed-methods research design. The project's ultimate objective is to strengthen the STEM teacher workforce and improve STEM education outcomes for all students by generating actionable knowledge about teacher persistence and effectiveness through collaborative knowledge sharing among multiple teacher preparation programs across the United States.