Faculty from the College of Education collectively received over $3 million last semester in grants, some of which will benefit students studying to be bilingual, math, science and special education teachers.

Rossana Boyd, senior lecturer in the teacher education and administration department, worked closely with Congressman Roberto Alonzo for the Alonzo Bilingual/ESL Teacher Education Scholarship Program Grant of $300,000.

“There’s a big need for bilingual teachers,” Boyd said. “When the students first receive the money, they’re very grateful. Some are very, very needy. They may have exhausted all the aid they can get from the state, and it still isn’t enough to cover their tuition.”

The Alonzo Grant has been awarded to UNT future bilingual educators since 2004 in order to reduce the shortage of bilingual and ESL teachers. Thirty-two students were awarded scholarships from the fund last semester.

“The money can cover their tuition and fees,” Boyd said. “Lots of students apply, but we can only cover 32 of them. The amount awarded varies from student to student.”

Mary Harris, a professor in the teacher education and administration department, was another faculty member to spearhead an effort to receive grants. Her work is targeted mostly on the work of Teach North Texas, a program designed to encourage future teachers to explore the fields of mathematics and science.

“We’re working with a grant from the Greater Texas Foundation of $350,000 and two from Texas Instruments that total $233,000,” Harris said. “The money directly benefits students by essentially reimbursing some of their tuition and providing any UNT student who wants to explore this career choice the opportunity to do so at little to no cost.”

Harris said there are around 210 students in the Teach North Texas program. The grants from Texas Instruments are used to help students work with a mentor teacher in public schools in the area and help support graduates in their first years.

“The overall purpose of the money is to help develop Teach North Texas,” Harris said. “We want students to go out and become math and science educators as quickly as possible.”

Interdisciplinary studies sophomore Brooke Marquis said students who want to become math or science teachers are becoming increasingly scarce.

“For some reason, no one wants to teach those subjects anymore,” Marquis said. “It’s smart that more money is being offered to those who do. Despite what people think, there is a need for teachers, even when the economy is like this. Some people just need some encouragement.”

— Rebecca Ryan, North Texas Daily