On Sept. 28, Auburn University's College of Education and COSAM held the launch of AUTeach, a program aimed at reversing Alabama’s STEM teacher shortage by equipping COSAM majors with the necessary training to enter secondary science education.
Speakers included Dean of the College of Education Jeffrey Fairbrother and interim Dean of COSAM Ed Thomas, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Vini Nathan and representatives from the UTeach program, which is based in Austin, Texas.
In a crowded reception with media, faculty and students alike, AUTeach announced the start of their program that allows COSAM students to double major in secondary education to become licensed teachers in Alabama.
Thomas, who is also a professor in physics, expressed his anticipation to see the program in action.
“I am really excited in the role AUTeach will play in creating master science teachers,” Thomas said.
Stephanie Shepherd, associate professor of geosciences and AUTeach co-director, explained the purpose of the program.
“This is actually a program for COSAM undergraduate science majors with the idea that with their science degree, they can have two pathways. They can either go into a science career or a science teaching career,” Shepherd said.
After completing the AUTeach program and their required major courses, COSAM undergraduates will achieve licensure and certification in Alabama as secondary science teachers. Alabama, like many other states, currently faces “a lack of STEM teachers across the state.”
Shepherd noted that Auburn secured funding through “a competitive grant process” that will maintain the program for five years.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham was the first university in Alabama to start a UTeach program. Starting this semester, Auburn will join five other state schools in launching similar programs, all funded by the state grants.
Currently, 16 students are enrolled in AUTeach. While mostly pre-health-oriented majors, there are also physics and chemistry majors represented. The preceding major cohorts will enroll 30 students each.
According to Shepherd, the program allows STEM majors to focus on their career goals while also “looking for ways to differentiate themselves, learn new skills or have multiple options.”
“Part of the appeal of being in a program like this is that they are doubling their career opportunities,” Shepherd said. “They're building their skill set. They're going to stand out compared to their peers because they have experience in schools actually teaching.”
Students interested in joining the program can take a one credit hour class that the University will reimburse depending on their grade. Following a short application and interview process, COSAM students are on track to becoming secondary science teachers.
Nathan, in the final remarks of the event, noted the importance of STEM education in the face of a growing teacher shortage.
“We all understand the need for good teachers of any subject and particularly of the STEM fields,” Nathan said. “[The STEM teacher shortage] is a chronic situation particularly in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia, and we at Auburn are super committed to being a part of the solution.”
Nathan also recognized both the longevity and impact of the program.
“This is a structural solution. This is not a quick fix, and this is something that is of consequence,” Nathan said. “So, we had to take a deep breath and say yes, we are going to do it. And yes, we are in it for the long haul."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Connor Copeland, freshman in English literature, has been with The Plainsman since fall 2023
