Bowie State University has announced its new tuition-free program for 75 teachers. This new program allows teachers to earn their National Board Certification. These educators will participate in a rigorous three-year program to improve their teaching abilities and student achievement after being selected from a competitive pool of around 500 applications.
The Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation at Voorhees University, in partnership with Bowie State’s Center for Research and Mentoring for Black Male Students and Teachers, is leading the effort. This collaboration is a major attempt to improve Maryland’s educational system, emphasizing the value of having trained instructors in the classroom.
“This partnership aligns directly with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future by elevating the teaching profession and ensuring all students have access to highly qualified educators, regardless of family income, race, or ethnicity,” said. Dr. Julius Davis, founding executive director of the Bowie State’s Center. He added that the program would enable students to benefit from rigorous curricula and viable pathways to college and careers.
Bowie State have been achieving big things as of lately. The university received a $400,00 grant from the National Science Foundation to promote the use of artificial intelligence and inclusivity among historically underrepresented groups. The grant project’s leader, business professor Rand Obeidat, plans to use the money to improve Bowie State‘s software and hardware capabilities so that different academic departments and disciplines can use improved AI tools in the classroom.
“While this initiative reaches across BSU’s campus, it plays a particularly impactful role in supporting our students and faculty in data analytics, information systems, biology, education, computer science, criminal justice, finance, economics, and several other disciplines,” said Obeidat, who applied for the grant. “Through enhanced infrastructure, targeted training, and collaborative research opportunities, we are creating an inclusive pathway for our students to excel in AI.”
Increasing the number of Black male instructors who obtain National Board Certification is a major component of the program. Through customized tools and assistance, the program hopes to inspire more minority teachers to take on this difficult certification path.
