U.S. Department of Education: Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education
Advancing AI and Computer Science Education for K-12 Preservice and Inservice Educators
Project abstract: This project will build an integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer science teaching and learning ecosystem in Nevada that supports preservice teacher preparation and inservice teacher professional learning pathways. Core activities include developing a preservice/inservice teacher internship/fellowship network, AI and computer science K–12 STEM Kits, and multimodal teacher professional development pathways. Interns and Fellows will receive training and applied learning opportunities. STEM Kits deliver curriculum, materials, and paired training modules that enhance teachers’ capacity to implement AI and computer science instruction. Professional development offers both theoretical and applied learning pathways, resulting in (1) a State of Nevada K–12 licensure endorsement and/or (2) an industry-recognized certification, allowing teachers to pursue one or both pathways based on their professional goals. These integrated activities are designed to reinforce and build upon one another through applied learning and feedback cycles, creating a scalable framework that prepares teachers to effectively use AI tools and teach their foundational concepts. This addresses a critical national need by developing sustained pathways that expand the number of teachers prepared to deliver high-quality AI and computer science instruction.
National Science Foundation: Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
Collaborative Research: Improving Teacher Retention and Effectiveness through Knowledge Sharing (iTREKS): Studying STEM Teachers in High Need Schools across a Community of Practice
Project abstract: Track 4 funding supports an emerging national STEM preparation community of practice (CoP),including HBCU Alabama A&M University, regional comprehensives Central Washington, Middle TN State, University of Nevada-Reno and University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, urban-centric University of Houston, Hispanic Serving Institution UT Rio Grande Valley, and state flagships North Dakota State University and the University of Texas at Austin working together to study teacher persistence and effectiveness along with supporting partners (Tripod and UTeach Institute). The CoP provides sufficient enrollment and variation in teacher and preservice experiences to provide statistical power for quantitative analyses of initial placement and retention in high-needs school districts (HNSDs). The project measures teacher effectiveness with the nationally normed Tripod student survey. These analyses are enhanced through qualitative interviews of teachers in HNSDs providing a comprehensive exploration of STEM teacher persistence and effectiveness. Finally, the CoP provides the platform for communicating and implementing strategies identified in this project back to practitioners in teacher preparation programs to build a common vision of effective STEM teacher preparation. The combination of institutions, data collected, and Tripod survey measure of efficacy aids in addressing DEI goals in STEM education, specifically differences in student engagement and distribution and retention of teachers to HNSDs.
National Science Foundation: Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Track 1: Developing Secondary Science and Mathematics Educators in Rural Nevada
Project abstract: The University of Nevada, Reno’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Track 1 project addresses critical STEM teacher shortages in rural Nevada, where nearly 90% of districts face challenges recruiting qualified educators. The project recruits and prepares 10 undergraduate STEM majors to become secondary teachers in high-need rural schools through financial support, internships, mentorship, and culturally responsive training. In partnership with Great Basin College and Elko County School District, participants complete dual degrees in a STEM field and secondary education, while receiving support from recruitment through induction to promote retention. The program builds a sustainable pipeline of highly qualified, culturally responsive STEM teachers and contributes strategies and research to address national rural teacher shortages.
U.S. Department of Education: Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education
K-12 STEM Skills Development to Prepare Nevada’s Students for Critical Materials and Other
Project abstract: This project will build an integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer science teaching and learning ecosystem in Nevada that supports preservice teacher preparation and inservice teacher professional learning pathways. Core activities include developing a preservice/inservice teacher internship/fellowship network, AI and computer science K–12 STEM Kits, and multimodal teacher professional development pathways. Interns and Fellows will receive training and applied learning opportunities. STEM Kits deliver curriculum, materials, and paired training modules that enhance teachers’ capacity to implement AI and computer science instruction. Professional development offers both theoretical and applied learning pathways, resulting in (1) a State of Nevada K–12 licensure endorsement and/or (2) an industry-recognized certification, allowing teachers to pursue one or both pathways based on their professional goals. These integrated activities are designed to reinforce and build upon one another through applied learning and feedback cycles, creating a scalable framework that prepares teachers to effectively use AI tools and teach their foundational concepts. This addresses a critical national need by developing sustained pathways that expand the number of teachers prepared to deliver high-quality AI and computer science instruction.
Community of Bilingual English-Spanish Speakers (CBESS)
Project abstract: The Community of Bilingual English-Spanish Speakers, a pipeline program to increase linguistic and geographic diversity in STEM + Health, seeks to increase the number of bilingual English-Spanish students who pursue paths in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM)-healthcare fields such as biomedical, behavioral and clinical careers.
The Latino Research Center and School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Raggio Research Center, will create opportunities to position bilingual K-12 high school students as insiders into STEM-healthcare fields
College of Education and Human Development Teaching Lab
Project abstract: The College of Education and Human Development Teaching Lab is a space designed to engage faculty, education majors and the College of Education and Human Development stakeholders in utilizing multimodal and technology-rich practices that integrate 21st century classroom technologies to advance teaching and learning, research, and service. The design principles will not only accommodate the needs of today’s classrooms but will be adaptive for the classrooms of tomorrow by fostering a space that is multimodal and technology-rich to support multiple purposes and pedagogies.
