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UH Addresses Math/Science Teacher Shortage To help urban schools attract and retain qualified personnel, the University of Houston is immersing aspiring math and science educators into public school classrooms early in their college careers through the teachHOUSTON program, which began this spring. “Their exposure to a school setting from the outset is important to the initiative’s success and sets it apart from other teacher certification programs,” said Jeff Morgan, chair of the Department of Mathematics in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM). “Getting the field-based experience early and often is really key to this program. We don’t want our students to get out there and find out they’re really not where they want to be.” So far, NSM and the College of Education (COE) are collaborating with the Spring Branch and Fort Bend independent school districts (ISD). HISD plans to join us in the fall, while other districts have shown interest in partnering as well. Ideally, students will take 20 hours of education courses over four years and will graduate not only with a degree in a mathematics or science discipline, but also with a teaching certificate. If students are identified early, they only have to take one or two teacher-prep courses per semester. And, if they earn an A or B in either of the two introductory courses, the university will reimburse them for the course. “Where else can you try out a career for free?” says Susan Williams, an associate professor holding joint appointments in COE and NSM. These future teachers also will receive intensive mentoring from a university “master” teacher and an assigned mentor teacher from the school district. UH is the first university outside of The University of Texas System to replicate the teacher preparation program. We received $250,000 from the Texas Education Agency through UT and are seeking additional funding from corporations and foundations across Texas.
Veterans who are continuing their education at the University of Houston now have additional support thanks to the newly renovated UH Veterans Services Office (VSO). The renovated office has doubled its space to approximately 1,700 square feet and offers additional computers, new computer terminals designed for students with disabilities and a new study room. Also, student and veteran Sean Graves has donated a collection of antique lithographs featuring historic battles. The VSO provides veterans enrolled at UH assistance in the admissions process and offers referrals for credit evaluation of military training and Veterans Affairs health benefits. The office also provides access to computers, phones and fax services. “It’s not always easy for a veteran to make the transition from military life into the civilian world,” says Allen Grundy, VSO coordinator. “Many veterans have become disabled, so the challenges become even greater. This office’s mission is to help mentor and help veterans. We do this by offering academic resources and through our partnerships with campus organizations such as the Center for Students with DisABILITIES.”
Miller and Rauch to Receive Honorary Doctorates Broadcast journalist Ray Miller and Houston businessman and former UH System Board of Regents chair Leonard Rauch will each receive a Doctor of Humane Letters during separate commencement ceremonies Friday, May 11.
Miller will receive his honorary degree during the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences commencement, and Rauch will be honored during the C.T. Bauer College of Business graduate commencement. Miller was a newscaster for KPRC radio and KPRC Channel 2, where he also was news director. Miller earned acclaim from his television programs “The Eyes of Texas” and “Ray Miller’s Texas.” Currently, he is working on a new series titled “Texas, Our Texas.” His affection for the Lone Star State also is reflected in his books on Houston, Galveston, Texas forts and parks as well as in his “Eyes of Texas” travel guides.
Rauch served on the UHS Board of Regents for three consecutive terms (1967–1987), the longest tenure in UH history. He twice served as the board’s chair and helped oversee the expansion of UH facilities. He also was present during the creation of UH-Clear Lake, UH-Downtown and UH-Victoria. In 1995, Rauch was appointed chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), a position he held for four years, followed by two years as a board member. During his THECB tenure, Rauch helped develop the document “Closing the Gaps,” a plan to help Texas remain economically competitive in the 21st century. An astute banking professional, Rauch served as the CEO of Compass Bank Greenspoint; the founder, board chair and CEO of Interstate Bank North; and the founder and board chair of Greenspoint Bank.
During its annual awards ceremonies, the University of Houston honored faculty members for their excellence and contributions in teaching, research and service. Esther Farfel Award, UH’s highest faculty honor John and Rebecca Moores Professors Excellence in Research and Scholarship Awards Teaching Excellence Awards Provost’s Core Award Innovation in Instructional Technology Nontenure Track Graduate Teaching Assistants Faculty Award for Mentoring Undergraduate Research Provost’s Faculty Advising Award For the latest news from UH, visit www.uh.edu/newsroom. |
