Argosy University/Tampa to Host Kickoff Events for National Math & Science Teacher Recruitment Initiative

TAMPA, FL (May 1, 2006) — With America facing a need for 240,000 new math and science teachers over the next decade, Argosy University/Tampa has been selected as the site of kickoff events for a national initiative to recruit professionals to change careers and teach math and science.

The Become a Math or Science Teacher informational event will be held on May 18 in Tampa, and is open to all professionals who want to learn more about how to change careers and pursue teacher certification in math and science.  The events are being planned by Argosy University/Tampa in coordination with the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), which is launching its national PROJECT 5000: Recruiting New Math & Science Teachers for U.S. Schools in May.

Tampa joins seven other regions across the country that were selected as kickoff event sites for PROJECT 5000.  The initiative helps answer President Bush’s call for more math and science professionals to pursue teaching, so that America can compete and succeed in a global marketplace.

Across the state of Florida, math and science are listed as areas of critical teacher shortages.  Florida needs 32,000 new teachers for the 2006-2007 school year.

At the “Become a Math or Science Teacher” event, career changers can participate in informational presentations and meet with ABCTE certification counselors to learn more about teacher certification options. The information session will take place at the following location:

LOCATION

May 18, 2006
3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 p.m.
Argosy University/Tampa
Parkside at Tampa Bay Park
4401 North Himes Ave., Atrium
Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 393-5290

ABCTE offers Passport to Teaching certification, which is recognized as a route to state teacher certification in Florida.  Designed specifically for career changers, Passport to Teaching allows individuals with bachelor’s degrees the opportunity to earn their certification by demonstrating mastery on rigorous examinations of subject area knowledge and professional teaching knowledge. Individuals can prepare for certification on their own time and at their own pace; additional college courses are not required. Program fees range from $500 to $750, depending on certification area. Currently, ABCTE offers certification in elementary education, math, general science, biology, physics, chemistry, English and special education (ESE).  For more information, visit www.abcte.org or call 1-877-669-2228.

The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence is a non-profit organization, dedicated to recruiting, certifying and supplying excellent teachers essential for student success.  ABCTE offers the Passport to Teaching program –an innovative alternative route to teacher certification for highly knowledgeable individuals who want to change careers and become teachers.  ABCTE is currently developing Master Teacher, an advanced credential for teachers who advance student learning. 

Argosy University/Tampa (www.argosyu.edu/tampa) is one of 13 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) campuses and 6 extension sites in 11 states.  Argosy University/Tampa offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in clinical psychology, counseling, education, and business administration, and also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in business and psychology.  Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1.312.263.0456, www.ncahlc.org).