A Combined program in engineering and teacher certification: Fulfilling a need, capitalizing on an opportunity

A perpetual problem facing engineering education is the lack of exposure high school students have to the applied nature of math and science. Most students who choose to study engineering are basing their decision on an inherent love of math and science and faith that they will enjoy applying these skills to the development of technologies. In addition, there is a national shortage of certified math and science teachers at the secondary level. One solution to these problems is to systemically provide an opportunity for engineers to combine their technical education with teaching certification. Thereby adding to the pipeline of certified teachers who have a strong engineering background. These individuals will have the capability to teach math and science at the secondary level while, at the same time, providing high school students exposure to the exciting ways these core skills relate to the fundamental inventive and innovative nature of engineering. There are some unique challenges to creating a combined certification program. Northwestern University is in the process of addressing these issues through collaboration between the McCormick School of Engineering and the School of Education and Social Policy. The primary stake holders are threefold; the college students who will have an opportunity to combine their interest in engineering with their desire to teach, high school students who will be exposed to the unique perspective offered by a trained engineer, and the school systems that are in desperate need of certified secondary math and science teachers.