Adelphi Receives NYS Grant for Teacher Preparation Program in Bilingual Science Education

Adelphi University was awarded a grant for $816,016 from the New York State Education Department to run “Project BEST: Bilingual Educators in Science and Technology,” a pilot program where a select group of 16 graduate students will be certified in science education (in their discipline) with a bilingual extension for grades 7-12. Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education Assistant Professor Tracy Hogan is the principal investigator, along with co-principle investigators, Drs. Daryl Gordon and Diana Schwinge.  Chosen candidates will begin their residency in an 11-month accelerated program guided by teacher-mentors in collaboration with the Roosevelt and Westbury school districts.

Adelphi University is the only institute of higher education on Long Island chosen to receive New York State Race to the Top funding to create a teacher preparation bilingual adolescent science education program. In addition, the University is one of only eleven other institutions in the State chosen to implement their proposed pilot program.

Sixteen BEST scholars will complete rigorous graduate-level coursework in adolescent science education and fieldwork in a high-needs school with support and close supervision by a teacher-mentor and University faculty. Candidates for the program must have a bachelors or graduate degree, and must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish and/or Creole. Candidates must also have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours in the science discipline. BEST scholars will receive a $40,000 scholarship to use toward living expenses and tuition for participating in the program.  After completion of the program, BEST scholars are obligated to seek employment in a high-needs school district.

For more information about the program or to learn how to apply, please visit the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education website or contact Assistant Professor Tracy Hogan at hogan@adelphi.edu or Associate Professor Diana Schwinge at schwinge@adelphi.edu.

Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education

The Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education is a scholarly community committed to providing educational opportunities for professional growth at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels by creating authentic academic and field experiences, cultivating respect for the diverse populations served, embracing ethical practices, and preparing students to become reflective change agents through research, collaboration, and leadership. The School’s innovative curriculum is built upon the core values of scholarship, reflective practice, social justice, inclusive community, wellness, and creativity and the arts.