The North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and
Technology Education Center - The Teacher Link Program

How can scientists and engineers help to improve elementary math and science education in North Carolina?
There is little doubt that the future well-being of society depends not just on how well we educate our children, but also on how well we educate them in science, mathematics and technology. Educators and policy makers are convinced that the United States is falling dramatically behind the rest of the world in this crucial area. At least part of the problem can be attributed to an acute shortage of science and math-trained individuals in the teaching pool. Sigma Xi members can have an enormous positive impact on the quality of the science and math teaching in elementary schools in North Carolina through a partnership with the North Carolina Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center. Sigma Xi is pleased to announce this opportunity for our members to help change the future. Members in North Carolina and bordering areas can apply to become part of a pool of scientists and engineers who will be trained to work with teachers on specific elementary school science curricula through the Teacher Link Program. Sigma Xi's partnership with the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, The North Carolina Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center and Duke University will allow the Society to explore models for similar mentoring programs throughout the international Sigma Xi network.

About The Teacher Link
The Teacher Link Program (TLP) is a project jointly sponsored by Sigma Xi, the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center, the Teachers and Scientists Collaborating (TASC) program at Duke University, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, the goal is to improve science education in grades K-8 in North Carolina by implementing inquiry based instruction in the classroom. The aim of the Teacher Link Program is to connect teachers with scientists, engineers, and mathematicians that can serve as mentors to the teachers. For more information on the Teacher Link Program, please click here.

How It Works
Scientists, mathematicians, and engineers with a desire to help improve science instruction in the elementary and secondary classrooms are eligible to apply. Participants in the Teacher Link Program will be known as Fellows. Each Fellow will be required to undergo a day of training on a curriculum unit of their choosing. TLP will also offer training on the North Carolina educational policy system. Fellows will work with teachers on selected curriculum units primarily through training sessions, by telephone, and by email. Fellows are also asked to participate in a yearly dinner to help nurture relationships with the teachers. On occasion, a site visit to the school may be necessary. Fellows will receive a modest stipend for travel and services offered.

For more information on the role of the fellows, click here.

For information on how to register as a fellow, click here.

Mathematicians, Scientists, and Engineers in The Teacher Link Program
Through the Teacher Link Program, faculty, postdoctoral students, and graduate students can use their knowledge to improve the quality of math and science education inside the classroom by bolstering teacher background and confidence on specific curricular units.

Contact Teacher Link Program
For more information, visit http://www.bwfund.org/programs/science_education/SMT/index.html or contact Melanie Scott at mscott@bwfund.org or 919-991-5107.