Program is part of Choose Appalachian Teaching project
Feb 4, 2010
From staff reports

Students with a passion for math and science can now receive one of 60 scholarships available this year through the new Choose Appalachian Teaching (CAT) program.

The program is for high school seniors and undergraduates seeking licensure to teach mathematics and science in grades 7 through 12 and carries the theme, "Building a Community of Mathematics and Science Teachers for Southeastern Ohio."

The CAT project was developed to produce 75 additional high school mathematics and science teachers for southeastern Ohio, a region that faces a critical teacher shortage. Preference will be given to first-generation students from Ohio Appalachia.

"What this money allows us to do is bring in more students, help fill a gap in teaching in our region, and help us repurpose some of our existing resources to make this model possible," said Ohio University Assistant Professor of Science Education Danielle Dani, who was involved in the creation of the CAT proposal. "Hopefully, down the line, we'll be able to secure more funds to make this model more mainstream."

CAT scholarships can be awarded up to four years at $4,000 per year at Ohio University's Athens campus, Marietta College, Muskingum University, Shawnee State University and the University of Rio Grande. A modified version of the scholarship awards up to two years at $2,500 per year at all five of Ohio University's regional campuses (Chillicothe, Eastern, Lancaster, Southern and Zanesville).

Unlike traditional scholarship programs, CAT is a seven-year commitment. After graduation, recipients can engage in a three-year professional induction program in one of the following 29 Appalachian counties of Ohio. During the induction program, scholars receive additional mentoring from faculty that helps them set and reach professional development goals as teachers.

Wherever you are in the system, you're part of a community to support math and science education in southeast Ohio. That's the ultimate long-term goal," said Greg Foley, CAT program director and Robert L. Morton Professor of Mathematics Education. "Over time we're trying to build this community that involves colleagues across the region."

The Ohio University-led CAT project, which was allocated $1 million from the Ohio Board of Regents, is among 11 projects that received funding in the second year of the state's $100 million Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program.

Further details and an application form can be found at the following Web site: www.coe.ohiou.edu/college-offices/dean-office/morton/CAT.htm.

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