Savannah LaMar, a Springfield High School alumnus (Class of 2022) was one of three Wittenberg University students to receive a new scholarship geared toward reversing the local STEM educator shortage.
The Wittenberg ASCENT-STEM initiative recently awarded the scholarships through its new $1.2 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.
The Robert Noyce Scholarship Program provides $20,000 scholarships to rising 7-12th grade STEM teachers. In return, those students then teach in high-needs school districts. Many of these STEM teachers will have field placements specifically within the SCSD, which could then lead to potential job opportunities.
LaMar said her interest in teaching stemmed from the passionate educators she had during her education at the SCSD, including Ms. Lori Clark at Snowhill Elementary and Mr. Danny Reed at Springfield High School. She now desires to be a high school math teacher and give back to students in as many ways as possible.
“K-12 education in Ohio – and more than half of states within the nation – are experiencing a shortfall in qualified STEM teachers,” said Dr. Craig Myers, SCSD Chief Academic Officer. “Recruiting and retaining STEM teachers has been a problem for decades. I look for this program to help turn the tide on this issue locally and get more upcoming students, like Savannah, excited about the next generation of education.”