WPI Noyce Teacher
Scholarship Questions and Answers Sheet
What are
the NSF Noyce Teacher Scholarships?
The “Scholarships” are
financial aid designed to encourage WPI undergrads to complete the WPI teacher
education program and then teach in
Why does
WPI offer the NSF Noyce Teacher Scholarships?
WPI has as commitment to
improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in public
schools and is especially interested in helping schools in high-need, such as
neighboring Worcester Public Schools.
How big is
a Scholarship?
Scholarships range from
$10,000 to $14,000 per year for one or two years, depending on financial need,
time of application, and service obligation. For each year that a scholarship
is accepted, the student must provide 2 years of teaching in a high-need
district or repay the scholarship.
What do I
have to do to get an NSF Noyce Teacher Scholarship?
You must apply for the
scholarship (applications are available at this link
), complete the WPI Teacher Education Program, and teach in
What do I
have to do to complete the WPI Teacher Education Program?
The “Program” requires
the completion of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Psychology of Education, Methods
in the Teaching of Mathematics and Science, a Pre-practicum, and a Student
Teaching Practicum. Traditionally, students complete these during their freshmen,
sophomore and juniors years, but a new, term-after option has been created for
students who start the program in their junior or even senior year.
What is
the term-after option?
This special term allows
a student to complete the Pre-practicum, and Student-teaching Practicum
immediately after graduation, with the additional possibility of completing one
of the psychology courses as an independent study. It is likely that Noyce Teacher Scholars will
use their scholarship to pay tuition, room and board during this term.
How much
does the term-after option cost?
The term after option
costs 1 and 1/6 units at half-tuition or about $5000. If the second PSY course is taken
concurrently it costs 1/3 unit at half-tuition or about $1450.
Will I
still get my regular Degree in "chemistry",
"engineering" whatever?
Yes. Completion of the WPI Teacher Education
Program supplements the WPI degree with the training that leads to
Massachusetts Teacher Licensure at the Initial Level (2nd level).
Is this
like getting a double major?
No. A major refers to
concentrated study in an academic field whereas the WPI Teacher Preparation
Program supplies the theoretical and practical training necessary to earn a
professional license in teaching.
Where do I
teach after graduation from WPI?
Noyce Scholars are
expected to teach in the Worcester Public Schools. In some cases a student may teach in another
high-need district, but many restrictions apply.
Which
grades would I have to teach?
Noyce Scholars teach either
middle school or high school, depending on their preference and their training
during the student-teaching practicum.
What is
the value of teaching in a high- need district for 2 or 4 years after
graduation?
Teaching in high-need
districts invariably leads to a sense of satisfaction that comes from helping
underrepresented youth, from overcoming personal challenges, from a deepened
understanding of one’s subject area, and from a heightened regard among
employers and graduate school admissions. It’s also a respectable, real paying
job!
How long
do I have to teach to fulfill my obligations to the scholarship?
You must teach 2 years
for each year you accept a scholarship.
Sophomores and Juniors are eligible for 1 or 2 years of scholarships;
seniors are eligible for one year.
What
happens if I am unable to fulfill my obligations to the scholarship?
Though it is hoped that
this will not happen, if a student must leave teaching in a high-need district,
the scholarship, or some pro-rated portion thereof, must be repaid.
Will I be
paid as a regular teacher when I teach or is this an internship?
Worcester Public Schools
has agreed to hire Noyce Scholars as full-time teachers of record upon
successful completion of the Teacher Education Program requirements.
What is
the starting salary of teacher in
$40,378 for a 183 day
contract (10 calendar months: late August to late June).
Teaching
in a high-need district can be challenging, what support will I get?
Worcester Public Schools
has an extensive beginning teacher support program, including start of year
orientations, a building level support team with an assigned mentor, and a
first and second year beginning teacher seminar that meets weekly to discuss
issues and strategies of beginning teachers.
I'm a
sophomore, what are my options?
I'm a
junior, what are my options?
I'm a
senior, what are my options?
For any of these questions,
please see this link or see Professor
Goulet in Stratton 201A or email
goulet@wpi.edu
For an application form, please download the form at this link and complete it (Word document).