An Innovative STEM Education Framework for a Changing Educational Landscape

Abstract

This article describes features of NAUTeach, a secondary mathematics teacher preparation program that is modeled on
the UTeach program at the University of Texas-Austin. NAUTeach is a research-based STEM program that develops
the next generation of mathematics and science teachers by engaging them in rigorous content and methodology
coursework specifically developed to provide a broad, cross-curricular framework of innovative
instruction. NAUTeach has been specifically designed to serve the needs of preservice mathematics and science
teachers as they embark on teaching a new generation of students in an ever changing world. The NAUTeach
program focuses on the development of inquiry-based instructional methods, reflective practice, and peer
collaboration through a carefully sequenced series of courses that consistently promote early and frequent field work
and a learner-centered focus of teaching and learning. Though the NAUTeach program is a blended mathematics and
science teacher preparation program, this article will focus on the preparation of secondary mathematics teachers by
describing the cross-curricular (mathematics & science) methodological sequence of courses, along with the
mathematics-specific pedagogical courses, that preservice mathematics teacher candidates take as part of this program.
Connections between the NAUTeach program and guidelines for the content and pedagogical preparation of teachers
will be made with specific attention paid to the development of reflective, innovative, flexible, and reform-oriented
mathematics teachers.