Monroe County to Host Kickoff Events for National Math & Science Teacher Recruitment Initiative

MONROE COUNTY, FL (May 1, 2006) — With America facing a need for 240,000 new math and science teachers over the next decade, Monroe County 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 events will be held on May 15, 16 and 17 in Tavernier, Marathon and Key West, and are 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 Monroe County Public Schools 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.

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

“I am excited to have the opportunity to partner with ABCTE to offer the professionals in our district the possibility of pursuing a fulfilling career as a teacher in the public education system.  I and my staff look forward to meeting and assisting all applicants interested in making a difference in the education of our students,” Superintendent Randy Acevedo said.

At the “Become a Math or Science Teacher” events, career changers can participate in informational presentations and meet with Monroe County schools officials and ABCTE certification counselors to learn more about teacher certification options.  The information sessions will take place at the following locations:

LOCATIONS

May 15
5:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Coral Shores High School
89901 Old Hwy.
Tavernier, FL 33070-2198

May 16
5:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Stanley Switlik Elementary School
3400 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL 33050-2397

May 17
5:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Key West High School
2100 Flagler Ave
Key West, FL 33040-3700

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 $800, depending on certification area. Currently, ABCTE offers certification in elementary education, math, general science, biology, physics, chemistry, English and special education (ESE).

Monroe County joins 7 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.

For more information, visit www.abcte.org or call 1-877-669-2228.