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| Paul Lee, a physics secondary education major, engages students during his student teaching experience at Parkville High School. |
However, STEM education needs to start at the elementary school level and continue through college graduation. The Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics offers of STEM related courses and related degrees in these areas. Photo: Paul Lee, a physics secondary education major, engages students during his student teaching experience at Parkville High School.
Why should you teach in a STEM area?
"Across the country, governors and other state policymakers are coming to recognize the urgent need to dramatically increase student achievement and attainment in K–12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These STEM fields play an increasingly critical role in ensuring states' economic vitality and the economic growth of the nation as a whole. Every high school graduate needs essential competencies in STEM as preparation for postsecondary education, work, and citizenship. Regardless of the path they choose after high school graduation, all K–12 students can benefit from a rigorous and relevant STEM education".- National Governor's Association, December 18, 2011
- Science and mathematics teachers are in high demand.
"We want to prepare 100,000 new teachers in the fields of science and technology and engineering an math. In fact, to every young person listening tonight who's contemplating a career choice: If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation, if you want to make a difference in the life of a child, become a teacher. Your country needs you."
-President Barack Obama, 2011 State of the Union Address
About 80% of public secondary schools report teaching vacancies. Among these schools 52-56% have vacant positions in the sciences while 74% had vacancies in mathematics.
-National Science Board, 2008 - Teachers are highly satisfied.
When asked whether they were satisfied with being a teacher, 90% of middle and high school teachers gave a positive answer.
-National Science Board, 2008
- Teachers earn competitive salaries.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011, the median annual salary for teachers ranged from $47,100 to $51,180 in May 2008 with the top 10% earning $75,190 to $80,970. The average Maryland secondary school teacher salary was $63,000. - Teachers enjoy many benefits.
Science and mathematics teachers enjoy the opportunity to serve as coaches and mentors for extracurricular activities.
As 10-month employees, teachers enjoy the ability to earn a supplemental income during the summer, take vacations, or earn graduate credits.
STEM education programs for undergraduate students
Towson offers the following programs for undergraduate students:- Middle School Education
- Secondary Education Tracks
- Biology Secondary Education
- Chemistry Secondary Education
- Earth-Space Science Education
- Mathematics Education
- Physics Education
STEM Education Programs for Graduate Students
Towson offers the following Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs for graduate students:- Biology Secondary Education,
- Chemistry Secondary Education,
- Earth-Space Science Education,
- Mathematics Education, and
- Physics Education.
The Jess and Mildred Fisher
College of Science and Mathematics
Smith Hall, Room 312 (campus map)
Phone: 410-704-2121
Fax: 410-704-2604
E-mail: fcsm@towson.edu
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000