Programs of Special Interest

STEM Initiatives

CU is a leader in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education. The School of Education in collaboration with the College of Arts & Sciences developed and is a national leader in the Learning Assistant model. Additional, CU was one of the original 13 institutions selected to replicate the U Teach Model. Both the LA and CU Teach programs help us prepare outstanding secondary math and science teachers.

The Learning Assistant (LA) Model at the University of Colorado-Boulder uses the transformation of large-enrollment science courses as a mechanism for achieving four goals:

• to recruit and prepare talented science majors for careers in teaching;
• to engage science faculty in the recruitment and preparation of future teachers;
• to improve the quality of science education for all undergraduates; and
• to transform departmental cultures to value research-based teaching for ourselves and for our students

The transformation of large-enrollment courses involves creating environments in which students can interact with one another, engage in collaborative problem solving, and articulate and defend their ideas. To accomplish this, undergraduate LAs are hired to facilitate small-group interaction in our large-enrollment courses.

CU Teach is a four-year degree/licensure program that allows students to complete a rigorous education in a mathematics, science, or engineering major and fulfill requirements for a Colorado initial teaching license in secondary mathematics or secondary science. It is a unique collaborative program between the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of Education. CU Teach students get immediate hands-on K-12 teaching experience by enrolling in the first course in the program, STEP 1 (EDUC 2020). Students can enroll in Step 1 as early as their freshman year at CU. In addition to taking courses from research faculty in the School of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Engineering and Applied Science, CU Teach students get support from Mentor Teachers (current K-12 teachers) and Master Teachers (CU faculty who are veteran classroom teachers). The student organization hosts activities and events that are social as well as service-oriented, and that help students develop career networks. 

Educational Diversity Scholars Program

The Education Diversity Scholars (EDS) program works with the University of Colorado’s LEAD Alliance Neighborhood to provide students of color and first-generation college students with social and academic support, as well as advising on financial support and career preparation. The goal of the program is to offer students a welcoming environment and a strong support network in order to help them excel in their chosen fields. By participating in the Diversity Scholars neighborhood, students have access to the personal contact and support of a small community while still being able to take advantage of the benefits of a large university.

Graduate Student Organizations

The School of Education sponsors two graduate student groups:

• Racial Initiatives for Students and Educators (RISE) is a student organization established to extend diversity and social justice goals expressed in the School of Education's mission statement. The group's purpose is to create a safe space for the critical discussion of race. This may include but is not limited to reflecting on discussions of race in the School of Education, continuing discussions of race, and enhancing academic scholarship regarding issues of race. This group is open to students who are interested in advancing issues related to race and social justice either professionally or personally. 
• The Student Association of Graduate Educators (SAGE) is a student-led and organized group focused on leadership and student support. The mission of SAGE is to build community among graduate students in the School of Education. New and continuing graduate students volunteer to organize academic and social activities, including welcoming new students and introducing them to the academic community. SAGE maintains open communication between faculty and students, as well as with the University Graduate Student Council.