This project aims to serve the national need of recruiting and retaining high-quality STEM teacher leaders in high-need K-12 schools by developing STEM teachers in middle-level grades into both leaders in their schools and Data Science Education (DSE) communities.
Data Science competencies are increasingly important for students to be well prepared for professional opportunities and engage in civic discourse.
Development of a new program for teacher leaders in DSE, 16 Master Teaching Fellows (MTFs) with new expertise and support to guide colleagues to create novel approaches to data science education in their schools and districts.
This project at Middle Tennessee State University is conducted in partnership with Cannon County Schools, Murfreesboro City Schools, Bedford County Department of Education, Williamson County School, and Warren County Schools
The program will integrate coursework in leadership and DSE and support teachers in using concepts from these classes in their local contexts through leadership experiences, community building, and recurring reflection meetings.
"I enjoy watching students use critical thinking and problem solving skills. In Data Science, students can identify problems and come up with novel solutions based on their data collection."
Bob Davis, MTF from Williamson County
"[Data Science] gives the math meaning. I often get the question 'When am I ever going to use this?' Data Science is a great bridge for this application piece that I think has been missing for many students."
Bailey Cantrell, MTF from Bedford County