Wayne State University recruits aspiring STEM teachers for innovative residency

Space available for 23 individuals in second cohort

DETROIT — Interested in becoming a math or science teacher? Wayne State University is looking for aspiring educators to join the second cohort of the Metro Detroit Teaching Residency for Urban Excellence (TRUE) Project.

Started in 2019, the Metro Detroit TRUE Project is an innovative, multisector collaboration that seeks to enhance student learning, address the critical shortage of STEM teachers and support the region’s workforce development. With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, the initiative prepares highly qualified, diverse individuals to become middle and high school STEM teachers in the Detroit Public Schools Community District and Dearborn Public Schools.

Thirteen individuals are part of the first cohort. There are 23 spots available in the second cohort. Classes will begin in May 2022 for the second cohort.

Designed specifically for recent graduates and mid-career professionals in STEM fields, the Metro Detroit TRUE Project is an accelerated graduate-level certification and residency program through which participants will earn their master’s degree and teaching certification in 18 months. They will also receive a $40,000 living stipend for the first 12 months of the program. In addition, they will work with school-based mentor teachers and university coaches and participate in professional development activities during the program and for two years after graduation.

“Our accelerated program brings together research-based curriculum and instruction with immersion and mentorship in schools so that our graduates are ready to make a difference in students' lives and learning,” said Roland Sintos Coloma, Ph.D., professor of teacher education and director of the Metro Detroit TRUE Project. “This is a great pathway for STEM professionals and graduates to fulfill their dreams of becoming teachers. Our first residents are now full-time certified teachers in Detroit and Dearborn. We are excited and ready for the next cohort to join us.”

The university and its partners will host six virtual information sessions on Zoom from 5 to 6 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021
  • Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021
  • Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021
  • Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021
  • Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022
  • Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022

Interested individuals should register for an information session at bit.ly/3tTizcZ.

Metro Detroit TRUE Project partners include Wayne State University’s College of Education, College of Liberal Arts and SciencesOffice of the ProvostOffice of Vice President for Research, and College of  EngineeringU.S. Department of EducationMichigan Department of EducationWayne Regional Education Service AgencyDetroit Public Schools Community DistrictDearborn Public Schools; and The Engineering Society of Detroit.

For more information about the Metro Detroit TRUE Project, visit go.wayne.edu/trueproject.

This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education (award #U336S190025). The U.S. Department of Education is funding 43% of this project, totaling $1,111,126. The remaining 57% of the project will be funded by Wayne State University.

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