BEST Scholars Program
Behind Every Advancement in Medicine or Technology is a Teacher Who Left a Lasting Impression
The Becoming an Exemplary STEM Teacher (BEST) program aims to prepare high-quality math, chemistry, and biology educators.
The program will provide substantial scholarships and support for students who:
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in a STEM program:
- B.S.E. in Secondary-Biology
- B.S.E. in Secondary-Chemistry
- B.S.E. in Secondary-Math
- Teach at a school district where:
- More than 30% of the student population comes from low-income families
- A high percentage of teachers are teaching outside of their field or lack teacher certification
- High teacher vacancy or attrition rate
"At USM, you get to grow with everyone throughout the years, and it creates a bond that you wouldn't get anywhere else."
- Brock LaPlante, Education and Biology Student
Substantial Scholarships
BEST scholars can earn an annual $23,000 scholarship during their junior and senior years. Additional aid may be available for freshman and sophomore expenses.
Experience and Support
Early field opportunities, including collaborative teaching experiences, STEM camps, conferences research, and presentations.
Mentorship
Students will receive mentoring and support throughout the program and during their first teaching position from USM alumni and faculty.
B.S.E. in Secondary Education STEM Degrees
The B.S.E. in Secondary Education is a four-year undergraduate program with a minimum of 120 credits required for graduation. Candidates earn a degree with an embedded state-accredited licensure program in Secondary-Biology, Secondary-Chemistry, or Secondary-Mathematics leading to 6-12 teacher licensure in the specified content area. The programs are aligned with the following professional standards:
- Kansas State Department of Education Content Standards
The programs are accredited by the Kansas State Board of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Points of Contact
Dr. Cheryl Reding
Unit Head of Education Programs
Cheryl.Reding@stmary.edu
Dr. Rick Silvey
Division Chair Natural Sciences and Mathematics
silveyr@stmary.edu
Additional Benefits of the BEST Program
- In addition to the BEST scholarships (available during junior and senior years), you'll have access to TEACH Grants and other Loan Forgiveness programs for previous loans and expenses
- Memberships with professional associations and networking with professionals in the field
- Free professional development opportunities after graduation
"Nationally, STEM teaching positions are hard to staff and retain, particularly in high-need districts. The BEST program aims to recruit, retain, and graduate highly qualified STEM secondary teaching candidates. The students will be well prepared and supported through field experiences, pedagogy workshops, and mentored professional development that extends into their first years of teaching."
- Dr. Cheryl Reding, Unit Head of Education Programs
Criteria for Selection of BEST Scholars
Candidates interested in pursuing teacher education in biology, chemistry, or mathematics and applying to be selected as a BEST Scholar must be formally accepted to the BEST Scholars program. Acceptance to this program includes acceptance into the Teacher Education Program (TEP). This application process should be initiated just before or during the candidate鈥檚 sophomore year or at the time of transfer to the University of 花椒直播 and includes the following criteria:
- Candidates must be U.S. citizens or nationals or permanent resident aliens
- Candidates must have completed the BEST Scholar/TEP application form
- Declared BSE Secondary in Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics with the Registrar鈥檚 Office
- Demonstration of cumulative GPA greater than 2.75
- An unofficial transcript from eSpire is acceptable
- Demonstration of basic skills competencies (Praxis CORE Test of Academic Skills or composite ACT of 22 or higher)
- Two letters of recommendation (on provided forms), one of which must be from faculty in their content area
- Passing score on the interview dispositional rubric
- Essay on why the candidate wishes to become a STEM teacher
- Acceptable Certification of Health and Background Screening
After completing interviews with all final candidates, the selection committee will score all applications and create a roster that ranks candidates.
After acceptance, candidates must:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA greater than 2.75
- Receive no grade lower than 鈥淐鈥� in support, content area, and education coursework
- Maintain acceptable dispositions
- Participate in BEST Scholars required activities
This program leads to 6-12 Initial Teacher licensure in Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics.
After graduation, BEST Scholars agree to teach in a high-need school district for a minimum of four years with continued support from USM for their first two years of in-service teaching.