Science and Math Teacher Academy receives funding

For a second consecutive year, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison played a key role in getting U.S. Department of Education funding for operation of the Science and Math (SAM) Teacher Academy at the UNT Dallas Campus.

This year's federal grant of $250,000 will provide advanced training and instruction for 50 fifth- and sixth-grade teachers who want to improve their skills for helping students in at-risk, low-socioeconomic schools learn and understand science and mathematics.

The SAM Academy, founded in 2002 with a $200,000 federal grant, is the result of a partnership between the UNT College of Education and Paul Quinn College created in response to the shortage of math and science teachers in Texas.

After word of mouth spread about the academy's 2002 operation, Dallas-area teachers filled every available slot in this year's program.

The academy has also gained a new partner in Methodist Dallas Medical Center (formerly Dallas Methodist Hospitals). The hospital group is sponsoring one teacher as a SAM Fellow for the 2003-04 academic year. The medical center will provide funding for the teacher's tuition, fees, stipend and materials.

"We are seeing significant changes in teachers' attitudes and achievements in science and math, and we are delighted with the support of Methodist Dallas Medical Center," says Diane Allen, College of Education associate dean and SAM program manager. "We are seeking additional sponsors for SAM fellowships who will ultimately benefit from a better-educated work force."

BY CATHY CASHIO ccashio@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• UNT names interim dean of Toulouse School of Graduate Studies
• Vice president for development to retire from full-time duties
• State retiree insurance coverage qualifications to change Sept. 1
• Faculty, staff to enjoy exclusive Student Recreation Center preview Aug. 13-15
• Walkers, dollars needed for Denton-area American Heart Walk in October
• Volunteers needed for UNT's annual Sunday Fun Day event Aug. 17
• Mean Green season ticket packages available

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