Math, science pay off: Educators get money, perks for taking courses

From Gainesville Times
Published on: August 1, 2007

By Jeff Gill

Educators can earn a little extra cash -- and other perks -- by taking some newly established classes geared to improve math and science instruction.

Pioneer Regional Educational Service Agency, in league with North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega and Piedmont College in Demorest, is offering "Math Science Partnership Pathways."

Pioneer RESA is using a federally funded state grant of $300,000 to pay for the endeavor, which will take two years for educators to complete.

Educators can receive between $1,825 and $3,125, a $65 textbook allowance per course, professional learning credits toward recertification and possibly free college credits under the program.

"Never before has such an opportunity to entice teachers, administrators and paraprofessionals back to school been offered," says a press release issued by the Cleveland-based Pioneer RESA.

"It is a program designed to make educators stronger and strong educators exceptional."

The "pathways" educators can sign up for are mathematics endorsement and integrated mathematics-science for third through fifth grades, science for sixth through eighth grades, and integrated mathematics for ninth through 12th grades.

The courses emphasize the state's new curriculum, Georgia Performance Standards.

"Our goal is to improve teacher content knowledge, resulting in improved student learning," said Sandy Bales, a science consultant at Pioneer RESA.

All the pathways except integrated math are being offered this fall, with the middle school science starting Aug. 7, the earliest of the bunch.

Also, all the classes will take place at Pioneer RESA's offices off Ga. 254, except for middle school science, which will meet some at Piedmont College.

Sandy Addis, Pioneer RESA's director, said those interested should contact the agency as soon as possible.

"Because of these large stipends, class sizes are limited," he said. "One pathway will soon reach that limit and we will need to close (registration)."

From www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/stories/20070801/localnews/187865.shtml