New APSU Program Seeks to Use Children’s Literature to Teach STEM Concepts

Clarksville, TN – Dr. Ann Assad, associate professor of mathematics and statistics at Austin Peay State University, set a stack of children’s literature books on the table. She flipped briefly through the titles, pausing occasionally to admire the bright, colorful covers of the books.

“We need to engage children in wanting to learn, wanting to solve problems,” she said. “One way we can interest them is through literature.”

That’s not such a groundbreaking statement when talking about a language arts class, but Assad was specifically referring to something completely different – a mathematics class. She, along with APSU assistant professor of education Dr. Lauren Wells, wants to use children’s literature to boost elementary school students’ science and mathematics comprehension skills, and a new $138,202 grant is helping them do just that. [Read more]

Teach Tennessee Fellows begin summer training

A chemist, research scientist and physical therapist are among the group of over 25 individuals making a career change this summer to become a teacher through the Tennessee Department of Education’s Teach Tennessee program. Teach Tennessee is a statewide transitional licensure program created by Governor Phil Bredesen that addresses the need for classroom teachers by challenging mid-career professionals, retirees and others to teach.

Twenty-eight “Governor’s Fellows” from 20 Tennessee counties, Alabama and Florida will begin their training this week to earn certification to teach this fall.

“These types of focused, skilled, professional instructors are exactly what we need in the classroom as we move forward with implementation of the STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – initiatives of Race to the Top,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. [Read more]