The evidence regarding the effectiveness of STEM support programs for K-12 students to spark their interest in the STEM field is mixed. The goals and contents of support programs vary and mostly cover short intervention periods. So far, not many studies exist that cover different learning characteristics of students in long-term STEM support…

Black males comprise approximately 3% to 5% of the overall K-12 teaching workforce. The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are overrepresented in this shortage. This research project aimed to shed light on the experiences of Black male STEM educators to better understand what garnered their interests in STEM, and what…

Computer science (CS) education has experienced rapid growth over the past decade with student demand leading to new courses or course pathways being offered in K-12 educational settings. Student demand has been matched by parent/community and technology industry support. Educators have quickly responded to the demand by expanding course…

Job opportunities in the United States are growing, but there are not enough interested or qualified workers to fill them. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also transforming the future of work, bringing both innovation and uncertainty and emphasizing the growing need to equip students with adaptable, future-ready skills. This report advocates for…

We examine the state of the U.S. K-12 teaching profession over the last half century by compiling nationally representative time-series data on four interrelated constructs: occupational prestige, interest among students, the number of individuals preparing for entry, and on-the-job satisfaction. We find a consistent and dynamic pattern across…

In Massachusetts, as is true nationally, teachers are less racially diverse than students. As of the 2021-22 school year, 87 percent of teachers in the state were White, compared with only 54 percent of students. In response to this disparity, Massachusetts lawmakers have proposed legislation targeting the shortage of teachers of color. In this…

The teacher workforce does not look much like the adult population or the students they serve. Across the country, only 21% of teachers are from historically disadvantaged racial groups compared to 35% of working-age adults and 49% of students. Simple math suggests that the diversity gap between students and teachers will only close when teachers…

The teaching profession is facing difficulty recruiting and retaining talent in the U.S., especially in STEM subjects. This study identifies the key experiences that shaped the academic paths and career plans of 10 pre-service teachers in STEM education who are participating in a loan forgiveness programme in North Carolina. Using life history…

There is a vast body of knowledge supporting the critical role of principal for school improvement and improved students' learning outcomes. While, there is increasing evidence addressing the lack of interest in the principalship, training and preparation has been identified as a potential enhancer for principalship interest. The purpose of this…

National Career Development Association (NCDA) is excited to release the re-imagined 7th edition of their influential guide to career assessment. Re-conceptualized and renamed to "A Comprehensive Guide to Career Assessment," the "Guide" contains important information career counselors, educators, and practitioners will find…

"Promoting Quality Individualized Learning Plans throughout the Lifespan: A Revised and Updated ILP How to Guide 2.0" expands upon the guidance and resources in NCWD/Youth's earlier ILP [Individualized Learning Plan] How to Guide. ILP How to Guide 2.0 provides career development resources and examples of ILP implementation for an…

The UK needs more well-qualified people to enter engineering in order to maintain and develop its economy. It appears that engineering it still seen by many as the preserve of the white male. This article looks at possible reasons (often based on established prejudice among students and their families and peer groups) why, in particular, members…

Together, Samuel L. Myers Sr. and Jr. prove that the apple tree, when properly nurtured in the rich intellectual orchards of academia, will bear prime fruit that lands close to its roots. The Doctors Myers both earned bachelor's degrees from Morgan State University and then ventured to Boston for their Ph.D.s in economics. Though their specialties…

Both academic studies and the popular press have reported the lack of male teachers in the K-12 teaching force, both in the United States and in much of the world. The number of male teachers in the United States has declined precipitously since the early 20th century. This underrepresentation is particularly highest among primary school teachers…

This article features Scott D. Tingle, a former career and technical education (CTE) student who always aimed high. November 4, 2011 marked the official culmination of a cherished, virtually lifelong dream of his--becoming an astronaut. It was a goal he had in mind even when he was a high school student in the 1980s at Blue Hills Regional…