This project aims to improve STEM education by increasing the recruitment of science teachers and by engaging STEM teacher candidates in interdisciplinary urban environmental science. To improve recruitment and persistence of STEM teacher candidates, this project investigates the challenges for becoming a STEM teacher in Westchester, NY area schools. Additionally, to inspire potential STEM teacher candidates, urban ecology is being presented to connect theory with meaningful and engaging learning opportunities.

One potential avenue of inspiring students to pursue careers in education is to develop engaging and relevant STEM learning modules. This project engaged

undergraduate science students in an interdisciplinary urban ecology module. Engagement in this module was designed to help students apply their science skills in a real world context.

 Continued work aims to use information learned to enhance existing STEM teacher preparation and, in turn, to provide STEM teachers with engaging experiences to share with their students.

NSF Awards: 1950159

Presented in: 2021 (see original presentation & discussion)