History of UTeach

The UTeach mathematics and science teacher preparation program has been in existence since 1997 at The University of Texas at Austin. Recognizing that an essential condition for student achievement in mathematics and science is a teacher with strong content knowledge, Mary Ann Rankin, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, made teacher preparation a strong college priority and initiated a partnership with the College of Education, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Austin Independent School District to improve the program for mathematics and science teacher preparation. The University’s College of Education redesigned general education courses to focus specifically on mathematics and science teaching. The College of Liberal Arts designed a course on the philosophy and history of mathematics and science. And, the College of Natural Sciences modified curriculum and began aggressively recruiting mathematics and science majors to become teachers.

From modest beginnings as a Natural Sciences pilot program of 28 students in the fall 1997, UTeach has grown to a current enrollment of over 450 students, graduating approximately 70 certified mathematics and science teachers this past year. Between spring of 2000 and spring 2006, a total of 332 students have graduated from the UTeach program. Of those who entered teaching 4 years ago, approximately 82% are still teaching and almost half of the graduates teach in schools where more than 50% of the students receive free or reduced-price lunches. For more information about the UTeach program, please visit their website at http://www.UTeach.utexas.edu/