Obama turns to 'master teachers' to improve US math scores; up to $20K stipend from Fed

Obama administration announces STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teacher corps; up to $20K stipend for teachers

By Jordan Bienstock, CNN,

July 18th, 2012

03:16 PM ET

(CNN)– President Obama’s administration has announced plans for a national Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Master Teacher Corps. The effort is part of the administration’s plan to recruit, recognize and reward leading educators in these fields.

Plans are for the STEM Master Corps to begin with 2,500 members  - 50 teachers from each of 50 different sites - and then expand to 10,000 master teachers within four years. The Department of Education said it will work with nonprofit organizations, along with business partners and school districts, to identify teachers for the Corps through a competitive selection process.

Membership will require a multi-year commitment from educators, who will receive up to $20,000 in compensation above their base salary, as well as other rewards. In return, these teachers will be required to offer their expertise and leadership to promote and expand STEM education.

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