Amidst a growing teacher shortage in New Jersey, Ramapo College is stepping up its efforts to increase the number of qualified STEM educators. The college was recently awarded a $1.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program. This grant will help address the critical need for STEM teachers in the state’s high-needs school districts.
“The Noyce Grant will be a catalyst for change, inspiring a new generation of STEM educators and ensuring that our students have access to high-quality teaching in critical fields,” Dr. Adam D. Fried, Assistant Dean of Teacher Education, highlighted the program’s potential. “This grant is a testament to the quality of our Teacher Education program and our dedication to preparing future educators. We will use these funds to create innovative learning experiences, strengthen partnerships with local schools and provide our students with the resources they need to excel.”
Across New Jersey, schools are struggling to fill STEM teaching positions, leaving classrooms understaffed. As a result, many schools are forced to increase class sizes, cut specialized courses and rely on under qualified staff, particularly in high-needs districts. These challenges disproportionately affect underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students, limiting their opportunities for hands-on learning and advanced STEM coursework.
This also affects existing teachers, who often face increased workloads due to larger class sizes and the need to cover more content. This can lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction. The effects extend beyond the classroom, fewer students gain the skills needed for STEM careers, potentially hindering the state’s economic development and innovation.
The STEM teacher shortage is fueled by several factors, including low salaries, heavy workloads, limited professional development opportunities and negative perceptions of teaching as a career. Additionally, negative stereotypes about teaching have discouraged many talented individuals from pursuing careers in education.
The NSF grant will support Ramapo College’s RUN2STEM initiative, an effort to increase the number of qualified STEM educators in New Jersey. Over the next five years, the college will provide scholarships to students pursuing secondary education certification in STEM fields. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial barriers and encourage students to commit to teaching in high-needs school districts.
However, the program goes beyond financial support. RUN2STEM scholars will be members of a community of practice that includes regional stakeholders, practicing teachers and education experts who are committed to elevating and promoting the profession of teaching. This network will provide guidance, help build innovative teaching strategies, such as integrating artificial intelligence into STEM education and foster a sense of community among future teachers. The program also includes collaborative research projects with faculty mentors to strengthen participants’ STEM knowledge and teaching skills.
Another key feature of the program is the development of professional learning communities. These networks will connect current teachers with aspiring educators, creating opportunities for resource sharing, mentorship and professional development. The support helps students navigate the challenges of teaching while building a sense of belonging and professional growth.
Dr. Amanda Beecher, Ramapo College professor of mathematics and Principal Investigator of the Noyce program, highlighted the program’s broader impact, “It’s an honor to lead the Noyce program and witness firsthand the passion and dedication of our school community. Through the Noyce Grant, we will not only support talented students but also strengthen the pipeline of STEM teachers for our region, making a lasting impact on education.”
The success of the initiative will be tracked through several metrics, such as the number of scholarship recipients who complete STEM teaching certifications, the percentage who teach careers in high-needs school districts, student achievement in STEM subjects in schools where scholarship recipients teach and teacher retention rates of scholarship recipients.
However, the challenges remain. Attracting top STEM students to teaching, retaining scholarship recipients in the teaching profession and ensuring that scholarship recipients are placed in high-needs schools requires continuing effort. Ramapo College plans to address these issues through targeted recruitment, strong mentorship and support programs, partnerships with school districts to identify and fill STEM teaching vacancies and advocacy for improved teacher working conditions.
Through the National Science Foundation Grant, Ramapo College is addressing one of New Jersey’s most pressing educational challenges. By offering financial support, building professional networks and emphasizing innovative teaching practices, the college is preparing a new generation of educators to inspire and lead in STEM fields.
lkelyman@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @rcnjadmissions, Instagram
