The Glynn County School System and College of Coastal Georgia are again partnering to enhance the mathematics and science education of students.
The two educational institutions were awarded a two-year grant from the state Department of Education that will provide funding for 40 of the school system’s teachers to receive intensive math and science training at the college.
Joan Boorman, district testing and grants coordinator, shared the news with the Glynn County School Board Tuesday during a board retreat at the Risley Annex.
Teachers from three elementary schools – Altama, Burroughs-Molette and Goodyear – will benefit from the initial grant, which is good for two years, Boorman said.
“Teachers are now applying for the opportunity to participate in this program,” Boorman said.
For each of the next two years, assuming the partnership proves successful, the school system will receive $140,123 annually to support the program. Boorman said the funding will help provide a stipend to the teachers participating, who will receive the professional development training over the summer time while earning college credits at the same time.
“We’re developing teacher leaders in each grade level in math and science at each of the three schools, at no cost to the school system. It’s all coming from state funding,” Boorman said. “We’re hoping this model is successful so we can apply again in two years to expand it to all of the schools.”
During the initial two years, Boorman said teachers participating in the program will be pre- and post-tested on their math and science knowledge and ability to apply it in the classroom. Those assessments will determine the success of the program and its possible expansion, she said.
Teachers who earn endorsements on their teaching license for mathematics and science earn some financial incentives from the state, Boorman says. It’s part of a push nationwide to enhance children’s education in science, technology, math and engineering (STEM).
The college and school system have already partnered for several years for the annual Expanding Your Horizons program, open to girls in grade five through eight. It highlights studies in STEM related-fields.
This year’s event is coming up in October.
“It seems as if the college is really trying to reach out and partner with the school system,” said board chair Hank Yeargan.
The Brunswick News
SARAH LUNDGREN