The Mississippi STEM Education Alliance, or MSEA, is a five-year initiative led by the Center for Mathematics and Science Education at the University of Mississippi and funded through the National Science Foundation's National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program (#2454022). The initiative brings together teachers, universities, school districts, nonprofits and industry partners to strengthen mathematics and data literacy education throughout the Magnolia State.
The National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program recognizes outstanding STEM educators serving high-need schools and supports them as teacher-leaders who advance educational excellence. In Mississippi, MSEA supports 16 National STEM Teacher Corps members representing four mathematics content areas: middle school mathematics, algebra, geometry, and data science. These educators represent all four congressional districts and work collaboratively to strengthen mathematics teaching and learning across the state.
As co-investigator and lead for algebra and geometry, Dr. Liza Bondurant of Mississippi State University works with mathematics educators, state leaders and project partners to develop professional learning opportunities and endorsement pathways for secondary mathematics teachers. She leads the algebra and geometry teacher corps members as they collaborate with university faculty and fellow educators to support mathematics teachers throughout Mississippi.
The goals of MSEA are to develop a statewide network of teacher-leaders, create high-quality professional learning opportunities and endorsement pathways, elevate the teaching profession through leadership and collaboration, strengthen mathematics instruction, and support the recruitment and retention of future mathematics educators.
During years two-five of the project, teacher corps members participate in professional learning experiences, work with the Mississippi Department of Education to develop endorsement programs, design curriculum for professional learning institutes and facilitate learning opportunities for mathematics educators across the state. A major focus of the algebra and geometry teacher corps is the development of the Algebra and Geometry Institute, a professional learning program designed to support secondary mathematics teachers and expand access to high-quality mathematics instruction.
Over the five-year project, MSEA aims to support approximately 100 additional teachers in earning endorsements in middle school mathematics, algebra, and geometry. The initiative will also establish an online hub that connects professional development opportunities, resources and student STEM programs, creating a stronger and more connected statewide STEM education network.
Through the National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program, Mississippi educators are building a statewide network of teacher-leaders dedicated to advancing STEM education and expanding opportunities for students across the state.
