{"id":164548,"date":"2026-07-27T12:29:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T17:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=164548"},"modified":"2026-07-27T12:29:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T17:29:10","slug":"ole-miss-center-selects-inaugural-stem-teacher-leaders-in-mississippi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/ole-miss-center-selects-inaugural-stem-teacher-leaders-in-mississippi\/","title":{"rendered":"Ole Miss Center Selects Inaugural STEM Teacher Leaders in Mississippi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Center for Mathematics and Science Education works to improve learning across state<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Mississippi STEM Education Alliance<\/strong> has selected 16 teachers from across the state to serve as the inaugural members of the National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program<\/strong>, an effort to improve science, technology, engineering and math education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next four years, the\u00a0University of Mississippi’s<\/a>\u00a0Center for Mathematics and Science Education<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0will provide professional development, alternative endorsement routes and leadership training to the members, who will share what they learn with educators statewide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“These educators were selected because they lead by example, believe deeply in the potential of every student and are committed to growing alongside their peers,” said Alice Steimle<\/strong>, the center director. “We believe they have the capacity to influence learning far beyond their own classrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Alice<\/a>
Alice Steimle. Photo by Hunt Mercier\/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“Through the relationships, professional learning and leadership opportunities provided by this program, these teachers will help strengthen mathematics education across Mississippi<\/strong> and elevate the teaching profession for years to come.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funded by a\u00a0$5 million grant from the National Science Foundation<\/strong><\/a>, the\u00a0Mississippi STEM Education Alliance<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a statewide partnership that aims to address the state’s teacher shortage while highlighting and supporting dedicated instructors, said Johnathan Hill<\/strong>, the alliance’s program coordinator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Through collaborations with schools, higher education institutions, professional organizations and state education leaders, the alliance is working to strengthen Mississippi’s STEM teacher workforce, expand professional learning opportunities and improve STEM education for students across the state,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mississippi Department of Education’s 2025-2026 Educator Workforce Shortages and Strategies report noted some 900 vacancies for STEM teachers<\/a>. By providing endorsement and professional development in teaching mathematics, the alliance hopes to allow teachers who are already teaching in Mississippi to help fill the gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The alliance selected 16 educators for the inaugural group:<\/p>\n\n\n\n