The National Math and Science Initiative visited campus in March to announce a $1 million gift in support of GeauxTeach.
GeauxTeach Meets $2 Million Endowment Goal The National Math and Science Initiative recently visited campus to announce a $1 million matching gift for the GeauxTeach Math/Science teacher preparation program. LSU alumni, corporate partners and a private foundation met NMSI’s challenge to raise $1 million in endowed funds to sustain and grow the GeauxTeach program. NMSI’s matching gift brings the GeauxTeach endowment to $2 million. “We are excited about the future of the qualified math and science teachers that will graduate from LSU’s GeauxTeach program,” said Sara Martinez Tucker, NMSI CEO. “The amazing teachers coming out of this program will provide Louisiana students with more rigorous, project-based coursework to help them succeed in the highly competitive fields of science, technology, engineering and math.” “GeauxTeach Math/Science is
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a transformational way to recruit, prepare and support science and math teachers,” said Dr. Mary Neal, an LSU zoology and medical school alumna and the development chair of the College of Science’s executive committee. Neal said of her commitment to the program, “This fundraising effort was successful because of the generosity of LSU’s alumni and friends. My husband, Ron, and I were proud to join other donors in support of this program that is critical to inspiring the next generations of leaders in energy, healthcare, national security, technology, our environment and beyond.” A community of master and mentor teachers prepare GeauxTeach Math/Science students for the rigors of the classroom. Mentor teachers guide the students in field experiences, where they work together to design unique and relevant classroom experiences.
Cornerstone | Summer and Fall 2013 | LSU Foundation
LSU math, science and education researchers guide the students’ learning of content and pedagogy. Guillermo Ferreyra, interim dean of the LSU College of Science, said, “This endowment will allow us to accept more students into the GeauxTeach Math/Science program and to graduate more math and science teachers who will positively impact the children of Louisiana.” “Having the funding to provide support for students pursuing degrees in math and science education will increase the number of teachers who are prepared to be effective in the classroom,” said Laura Lindsay, founding dean of LSU’s College of Human Sciences & Education. “We know, and research supports, GeauxTeach Math/ Science places much-needed quality STEM teachers in the classroom.” www.lsu.edu/secondaryed