MOORESTOWN, N.J., Nov. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) today announced the publication of a new article written by KSTF Director of Research and Evaluation Jodie Galosy and Executive Director Nicole Gillespie. Published by The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, "Community, Inquiry, Leadership: Exploring Early Career Opportunities That Support STEM Teacher Growth and Sustainability" discusses the results of a mixed-methods study of the experiences of early-career mathematics and science teachers selected to participate in the KSTF Teaching Fellowship program. The article is part of a special issue of this peer-reviewed publication, entitled Successful Strategies for Supporting Learning and Professional Development for Secondary Educators.
The article provides evidence that beginning mathematics and science teachers need a combination of three mutually reinforcing learning opportunities for growth and sustainability: content-rich professional community, pedagogical inquiry and leadership from the classroom. Aimed to identify the contributions of KSTF to teacher development and commitment to teaching, the authors examined the results of annual surveys completed by KSTF Teaching Fellows and Senior Fellows, as well as artifacts from KSTF activities. The authors concluded that professional capital is increased through the various professional development opportunities offered to KSTF Teaching Fellows, leading to an enhanced sense of professional worth and a belief that teaching science and mathematics is "complex, challenging intellectual work."
Please visit Taylor & Francis Online to view access options for the full article.
About KSTF
The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) was established by Janet H. and C. Harry Knowles in 1999 to increase the number of high quality high school science and mathematics teachers and ultimately, improve math and science education in the United States. The KSTF Teaching Fellowship, the Foundation's signature program, awards exceptional young men and women with a five-year early-career fellowship, empowering them to become master teachers and leaders in education. For more information, visit www.kstf.org.