Orientation Packet For Future Teachers STEM STARS INSTITUTE Orientation Packet For Future Teachers

STEM STARS Institute Welcome to The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholars Teacher Academy Resident System (STEM STARS) Institute. The STEM STARS Institute focuses on improving the science and mathematics achievement of preK-12 students in the Deep South by utilizing innovative teacher residency strategies. This institute is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation. This packet is designed to help students become familiar with tools and resources available. We hope you find this information helpful.

STEM STARS Institute The STEM STARS Institute aims to improve STEM education opportunities and achievement of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana students by ensuring that students in this region have access to certified science and mathematics teachers.

The STEM STARS Initiative STEM STARS students are committed to teach science or mathematics in high- need schools. The STEM STARS Initiative is designed to strengthen existing Masters of Arts in Teaching alternative route programs, use National Board Certified Teachers as mentors, and provide financial support for students during their residency year.

STEM STARS Institute The Mission of the STEM STARS Institute is to provide a research-based pathway for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic graduates to become highly-qualified certified science and mathematics educators for Elementary and Secondary schools. The Goal of the STEM STARS Institute is to offer horizontal blending of teaching, research and service as a tool to optimize learning for students in the Deep South.

The STEM STAR Institute Leadership Team Dr. William McHenry MS e-Center 1230 Raymond Rd. Jackson, MS 39204 (601)-968-7425 willacad@aol.com Camiel Brown (601)-979-7937 camiel.brown@msecenter.com Chantill Williams-Smith (601)-979-1247 chantill.c.williams-smith@jsums.edu Dr. Melvin Davis Jackson State University 1400 Lynch St (601-874-6324 mdavis4607@gmail.com Dr. Emorcia Hill hille50@verizon.net Dr. Mary Benjamin UAPB 1200 North University Dr. Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870)-575-7165 benjaminm@uapb.edu Dr. Anissa Buckner (870)-575-7113 bucknera@uapb.edu Dr. William Torrence (870)-575-8697 torrencew@uapb.edu Dr. Will May Nesby (870)-575-8742 nesbyw@uapb.edu Dr. Lennie Little (601)-979-4111 lennie.m.little@jsums.edu Dr. Dennis Williams (601)-979-2439 dennis.d.williams@jsums.edu Ahdija Donatto Xavier University 1 Drexel Dr Campus Box 59 New Orleans, LA 70125 (504)-520-7533 acbaker@xula.edu Dr. Renee Akbar (504)-520-7536 rvakbar@xula.edu

Residency During the residency, STEM STARS residents will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become licensed science and mathematics teachers who are: effective in teaching middle and high school students in high-need schools,, primed and disposed to pursuing National Board certification, and able to provide leadership to other science and mathematics teachers in their school and district. Students will utilize the CyberMentoring Network to participate in a society of STEM STARS Scholars.

Residency Benefit 3 Benefit 2 Benefit 1 Make graduate studies more affordable. Get a head start on your professional credentials to become Board Certified. Benefit 3 Observe and closely collaborate with National Board Certified teachers. Receive ongoing professional support during and after the program. Benefit 2 Learn to teach by observing and teaching in actual classrooms. Gradually take on teaching and classroom responsibilities over time. Benefit 1

Cyber Mentoring Program The STEM STARS Institute will provide ongoing professional development and access to the Cyber Mentoring Network to all teacher residents. It will make resources available to these students that will impact their learning experience and prepare them for careers in STEM fields.

Teacher Residency Academies School Districts JSU supported School Districts: Jackson Public School District Clinton Public School District Hinds County School District Rankin County School District Xavier supported School Districts: Jefferson Parish School District Orleans Parish School District UAPB supported School Districts: Dollarway School District Pine Bluff School District Sheriden School District Stuttgart School District Watson School District Pine Bluff Lighthouse Whitehall School District AR School for the Deaf

STEM STAR Financial Support During their residency year, each student will receive a stipend of $1,450 per month ($17,400 total).

Teachers of Dreams For additions information contact The STEM STARS Institute Chantill Williams-Smith Institute Coordinator (601) 979-1247