Eric.ed.gov – [Training Second Career Teachers in Math/Science Education.] Final Report.

The National Executive Service Corps, an organization which uses the skills and experiences of senior professionals, responded to the perceived shortage of qualified mathematics and science teachers in New York City. This paper describes a project designed to tap the skills and talents of retired scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who wished to enter teaching as a second career. The program consisted of five major parts: recruitment, orientation, training, placement, and support. These activities are described in the main body of this report. A project summary points out that second career teachers bring something current, real, and relevant to lessons. However, while they recognized the content area knowledge of this group of new teachers, supervisors also noted weaknesses in classroom management skills and urged the inclusion of a practicum in the training component. General recommendations for future programs and an outline providing suggestions for what should be incorporated into an education program for the targeted population are included. Appendixes, which comprise about half the document, provides a list of state offices and administrators of the Executive Service Corps Network; an evaluation report of the first cohort of NESC teachers 6-month teaching interview; a design for analysis of NESC programs; and the agenda of a conference program on “Technical Talent from the Military and Industry.” (LL)