This program is a collaboration between Loyola’s School of Education and Loyola’s Division of Natural and Applied Sciences. The Loyola University Maryland Culturally Responsive Equitable STEM Teaching (CREST) program seeks STEM degree holders interested in becoming secondary (7-12) teachers. Through scholarship funding in Loyola’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program and targeted early-career supports, CREST aims to increase the number of diverse, highly qualified secondary STEM teachers in high-need schools. Current eligible STEM majors include Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Earth/Space Science, Physics, and Mathematics & Statistics.
The CREST program supports tuition, books, fees, and licensure exams for full-time one-year MAT students by awarding funds ranging from approximately $18,000 to $22,000. In addition to meeting the requirements of the program, funded CREST Scholars must commit to teach in a high-need school for at least two years after graduation for each year of funding.
Prospective students:
- Loyola undergraduates enrolling in the 5-year MAT program who are majoring in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or related fields with sufficient coursework in one of these areas. (hyperlink these to the programs)
- STEM professionals enrolling in the 1-year MAT program who hold a degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, or related fields with sufficient coursework in one of these areas. (we will hyperlink to these above, no link for earth sciences)
CREST supports and activities include:
- Cohort program model: collaboratively connect and engage with peers as you learn,
- MAT curriculum infused with culturally responsive STEM teaching practices,
- Early co-curricular teaching experiences which include faculty observation and feedback,
- Mentored field experiences in a Baltimore area Professional Development School,
- Teaching internship in a high-need school,
- Employment and career guidance as you approach graduation,
- Annual summer interdisciplinary STEM institute for learning and networking,
- CREST Connect, a professional learning community of early career teachers.