Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Houston, Texas (June 25, 2024) – The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) and General Motors (GM) , in collaboration with teach HOUSTON , announce the launch of the GM New Teacher Academy Houston. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by a generous $500,000 contribution from GM and an additional $100,000 from CenterPoint Energy , will provide essential professional development and support for up to120 early career STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) teachers of color.
"Through our partnership with General Motors and CenterPoint Energy, we are committed to fostering diversity and excellence in STEM education," said Jeremy Anderson, CEO of NMSI. "Initiatives like the GM New Teacher Academy are crucial for investing in the future of education, ensuring that all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, have the opportunity to thrive in STEM fields."
In the U.S., more than 50% of students in public schools identify as non-white, yet only 21% of public school teachers are from diverse backgrounds. This disparity is even more pronounced in STEM fields, which are projected to grow faster and offer higher-paying jobs than other occupations. Teachers of color play a critical role in advocating for students from similar backgrounds, helping to bridge this representation gap and fostering inclusive educational environments.
“At GM, we understand the pivotal role educators play in shaping the future of technology and innovation,” said Kelsey Gaines (she/her), Senior Manager, STEM Education at GM. “By supporting the GM New Teacher Academy, we are investing not only in teachers, but also in a diverse and talented workforce that will propel our industry forward. We are proud to partner with NMSI on this essential initiative.”
This initiative is a critical milestone in NMSI’s strategic commitment to enhancing diversity and excellence in STEM education. It aligns with the broader goals of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance and the You Belong in STEM initiatives by the White House. Through this effort, NMSI is dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based professional development to 4,800 STEM teachers identifying as Black, Latino, or Indigenous by 2027.
June Deadrick, CenterPoint Energy Vice President of Community Relations, emphasized the importance of supporting new teachers in STEM. “CenterPoint Energy Foundation is proud to contribute to advancing STEM education through the GM New Teacher Academy. This initiative aligns with our commitment to educational equity and community empowerment.”
The GM New Teacher Academy Houston training will be held from June 25-28, 2024, at the University of Houston campus. This event will feature esteemed speakers and hands-on training sessions designed to equip new teachers with the skills and confidence to excel in their careers and positively impact their students.
About the National Math and Science Initiative
(NMSI) The National Math and Science Initiative is dedicated to improving student outcomes in math and science, particularly in underserved communities. By providing educators with high-quality professional development and support, NMSI ensures that all students have access to the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more information, visit www.nms.org.
About General Motors
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac , Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar , a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology, can be found at https://www.gm.com .
About CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE) is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution, and energy services operations. We are committed to enabling the future of energy and dedicated to the communities we serve. More information is available at www.centerpointenergy.com .
About the University of Houston and teachHOUSTON
The University of Houston, a designated Hispanic-serving institution, is a public research university committed to providing a world-class education to a diverse student body. The teachHouston program in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics prepares traditionally and alternatively certified teacher candidates seeking to become secondary STEM teachers for the greater Houston area and beyond who can inspire and educate the next generation of innovators. Learn more at https://uh.edu/nsm/teachhouston/ and @uhteachhouston.