SMART Program


Support and Mentoring in an Alternative Route to Teaching (SMART)

Purpose

The goal of the SMART program is to help school districts statewide to increase the number of quality mathematics teachers. The SMART program selects candidates on the basis of the strength and depth of their mathematical knowledge and interest in teaching. The focus is on professionals in mathematics-based occupations who wish to obtain the necessary pedagogical skills to enter the teaching profession. Selected candidates (SMART Fellows) will be provided with:
  1. coursework necessary for licensure;
  2. time in the classroom as student teachers under the supervision of mentors;
  3. financial support equivalent to that of a graduate assistant for one year; and
  4. continued professional development.
SMART Fellows enter the teaching profession having contracted to remain in the schools for an additional four years after the first year of training. During those four years mentoring and oversight continue, and participants follow a program of study preparing them to become master teachers.

Who is involved

The collaborating entities are: the University of Utah Department of Mathematics and the Urban Institute for Teacher Education in the College of Education; the Utah State University Departments of Mathematics and Teacher Education and Leadership; the Division of Teacher Quality and Licensure at the Utah State Office of Education; Math for America (MfA); the Park City Mathematics Institute (PCMI); Jordan, Granite, Salt Lake and San Juan School Districts. As the program develops, all Utah school districts and teacher preparation programs may join the program.

Application process

Please send an email of intent to rossi@math.utah.edu

Interested parties will apply to the ARL (Alternative Route to Licensure) program at the Utah State Office of Education and will have to meet the criteria for admission to that program: mathematics competence through Calculus, a grade of 138 on the Praxis II (0061) examination. Application to the SMART program must include:
  1. Evidence of admission to ARL;
  2. A resume;
  3. Information on Education, including transcripts;
  4. A letter of intent explaining the candidate's interest in teaching of mathematics and expressing a commitment to serve as a teacher for four years beyond the first preparatory year; and
  5. Names and contact information of at least three professional references.
This information should be sent to

SMART
Center for Science and Mathematics Education
College of Science, University of Utah
1430 President's Circle, Room 220
Salt Lake City UT 84112-0140


Selection process

Applications will be reviewed approximately two months before the start of the first semester of study; in particular, for Spring, 2010, in November, 2009. Selections will be made on the basis of the strength of the application materials, and the depth of mathematical knowledge. Candidates selected will then be invited for an interview by a committee consisting of representatives from institutions of both higher and public education. Awards will be announced shortly after the interview, and by December 5, 2009 for Spring 2010.

First year

SMART Fellows will take a full course of study in Spring and Summer semesters, 2010, consisting of both content and pedagogy courses, and mentored student teaching, leading to provisional licensure and placement as a teacher in a Utah school for Fall, 2010. In the Fall, fellows will continue to take courses (in the evenings) leading to full licensure, and will maintain continuing relationship with the mentor. In Summer, 2011, Fellows will participate in the PCMI professional development summer institute.

Compensation, year 1

Spring, 2010 Fellows will receive a stipend of $12,000 covering the period January-August, 2010, and tuition reimbursement for their coursework in this period. Fellows will receive assistance from the program in securing a teaching position for Fall, 2010.

Compensation, subsequent years

Fellows will receive a salary supplement so that their total compensation is that of a teacher with a master's degree and five years service. In addition, they will receive tuition reimbursement for courses taken leading to full licensure. Fellows will participate in continuing professional development, both academic year and summer, during their tenure as fellows.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Fellows will follow a course of study at the University of Utah or Utah State University; whichever is most suitable to their location. Provisional Licensure and Licensure will be granted by the ARL program of the Utah State Office of Education.

There will be at least two more cohorts of SMART fellows, beginning in the summer of each of 2010 and 2011. These cohorts will spend a full year in training, compensation for which will be $15,000. In other particular, the arrangements are the same as above.

For further information or questions, do not hesitate to call the CSME office at (801)5815231.