Like many institutions, the number of pre-service science teachers at James Madison University has decreased relative to the total number of undergraduate students. Faculty from the College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Education have collaboratively developed strategies to increase the number of students who persist in obtaining licensure in science education and bring new students into the program through alternative pathways. Using funds from a capacity-building NSF Noyce grant, we have developed new courses, summer experiences, and academic year experiences that provide additional ways for JMU undergraduates to work with middle and secondary school students. We have also developed new, sustainable routes into the secondary education minor and have reworked existing coursework to build participants’ science teacher identity. We have leveraged institutional supports including Admissions, Marketing and Outreach & Engagement to increase awareness of our program. Successes and challenges in implementing these EPIC strategies will be reported.

EPIC science education at James Madison University: Expanding Pathways, Identity and Capacity (EPIC) in secondary education

254th National Meeting (2017)

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