BEREA, Ohio — Getting an advanced degree is an investment in the future that often comes at a high cost.
Steve Dittmore, dean of the Baldwin Wallace University College of Education and Health Sciences, believes that working in higher education gives him a chance to be a lifelong learner.
“I always have the opportunity to interact with students on a daily basis and learn something new that they are getting from their faculty members that they’re taking classes from,” he said.
In his role, he’s responsible for preparing the next generation of educators. In an effort to attract more math and science teachers, Dittmore said the university is rolling out a program that offers free master’s degrees for students who already have undergraduate degrees in those disciplines.
“The 15-month program will allow students to get all of the necessary pedagogy, classroom management, assessment skills that they would have gotten through a traditional education program and do that in an online capacity, while also simultaneously having placements in districts in and around where they live as long as they are within the state of Ohio,” he said.
The offer comes at a crucial time for this career field. Dittmore said there’s a major need for math and science educators at the moment
“Employers are seeking students who are able to work in a 21st century environment that is very technological, mathematical, science focused,” he said. “And so there is a growing need for individuals that have that passion and that have that experience to be able to give back to students and teach them.”
He hopes the free degree program entices passionate people who want to inspire learning in others
“We’re hopeful that this this program will appeal to anyone, particularly students or adults, that have been working in a career field, that have always wanted to get a master’s degree, maybe thought about teaching as a profession or an avocation, and don’t maybe have the means, the financial resources to do that,” he said.
If you’re interested in enrolling, Dittmore says the application process is open.
“So the scholarships and the program begins in May of 2023,” he said. “Our application portal is open right now, and it’s really geared toward individuals who already have an undergraduate degree in math or science discipline like biology or chemistry, and are seeking to make that career change.”
