Indiana has a shortage of licensed science, technology, engineering and math instructors, and the University of Indianapolis is launching a program aimed at helping fill the gap.

The university created the STEM2Teach program after Indiana lawmakers passed a law last year which allows the education department to grant an initial practitioner license to someone with a bachelor’s degree and a major in any combination of STEM disciplines.

John Somers, associate professor of education and behavioral health sciences at the University of Indianapolis, said increasing the number of STEM teachers is about more than education.

“We know Indiana's economy is deeply tied to advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, health sciences,” Somers said. “We really need to have students leaving our classrooms and our schools with stronger preparation.”

In the first class, students are paired with an experienced STEM teacher who provides ongoing support and coaching through an apprenticeship model. The program combines flexible coursework with early field experience to help students move quickly from subject-matter expertise to classroom readiness. Each student must complete at least nine academic credits of teaching instruction.

Somers pointed out the program also will include substantial experience in AI literacy, including how to use artificial intelligence ethically and appropriately as the technology becomes more common across industries.

“We will offer different AI tools. We'll do some AI literacy,” Somers added. "And then we will, throughout the program, I have planned different AI tools to help teachers compress or help with their work management."

Students who complete the program and pass the required Indiana Praxis test in their content area will earn a middle or secondary license. The university has more information and application instructions on its website.

Source: Public News Service