Xavier University Honored for Contribution to STEM Teaching

With the U.S. trailing much of the world in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) education, much emphasis has been put on initiatives to inspire student, and grow the base of qualified teachers in these areas.

Recently, Xavier University of Louisiana was accepted as a partner in 100Kin10, which is a multi‐sector network addressing the need for STEM educators. The 100Kin10 initiative aims to train 100,000 science, technology, engineering, and math teachers by 2021.

According to a press release from the school, Xavier is the only university in Louisiana and the only HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) nationally in the collaboration.

The University has committed to providing hands‐on professional development
for 225 STEM teachers (including elementary) through workshops and site‐visits led by STEM professionals, with activities that are culturally sensitive to the community and students with special needs.

“Xavier is delighted to have been selected to join this elite group of organizations and
foundations committed to training 100,000 STEM teachers over the next ten years,” said Xavier President Dr. Norman C. Francis. “STEM literacy and the importance of ensuring that our nation is fully prepared to address the current STEM teacher shortage is a national priority and one that we at Xavier stand ready to address.”

Xavier is also set to help get 110 teachers (50% will be elementary) trained to work with students in urban high needs schools and districts, highly knowledgeable in STEM content areas, and culturally sensitive to special needs of the inner‐city community.