Emporia State University is proud to introduce the SMaRT Kansas 21 (Science & Math Recruitment of Teachers in Kansas for the 21st Century) program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming teacher recruitment, preparation, and support in the state of Kansas. This innovative program is made possible by a legislative budget appropriation of $510,000 per year, demonstrating a strong commitment to the future of education in Kansas.
ESU is the only higher education institution in Kansas to receive this appropriation from the state legislature.
Dr. Tim Burnett, interim dean of ESU’s School of Science and Mathematics, considers this appropriation a valuable tool for recruiting students to the university and retaining them as they advance in the BSE program.
“It's definitely both,” Burnett said. “It’s important to get the word out that there's a lot of scholarship support for you here at ESU because it's not just the SMaRT Kansas 21 money. ESU has a tradition of being a teacher's college, and we already have scholarships within our departments that are earmarked for Bachelor of Science Education students. We have university-wide scholarships that are for education majors. This is supplementing all of that.”
The SMaRT Kansas 21 initiative comprises several transformative initiatives:
- Scholarships: Over the past three years, 74% of math and science BSE majors at ESU received scholarships, with an average amount of $4,800 per year. Given that the current cost of attendance is $21,792 per year, SMaRT Kansas 21 provides a vital resource to bridge the financial gap for BSE students.
- Paid Practical Experiences: SMaRT Kansas 21 creates opportunities for BSE students to gain practical experience in education through paid internships. These positions benefit both the students, who gain valuable training and experience while earning income, and the university, as it provides funding for student labor. Opportunities range from peer mentoring, tutoring, teaching assistant roles and positions related to science outreach and research, creating a diverse and comprehensive set of experiences for future educators.
- Stipends for Student Teachers: Emporia State University will also introduce support for educators during their student teaching semester when working an outside job is impossible, ensuring that they have the resources and guidance needed to excel in their careers.
This comprehensive approach will not only significantly reduce or eliminate the investment required to earn teaching credentials but also limit the burden of student debt, increase access to ESU's exceptional teacher training programs and provide invaluable real-world experiences.