Diversity is the key: Building a STEM teacher education program at Texas Lutheran University*

Culture can be defined as "a way of life, a way of being and doing things that is understood by a particular group of people whose ways are distinct from other cultures." The community surrounding TLU is home to a diverse group of people. The need for highly qualified, culturally competent K-12 STEM educators in the largely rural, high needs school districts in our region is well documented. Recently, TLU has begin working toward establishing a unique program to inspire students in physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology to pursue careers in STEM education. The overall goal of the project is to develop research-based practices for recruiting and retaining STEM students from diverse backgrounds into educator career paths.  The teacher training program aims to bring cultural awareness directly into college STEM classes so that the future educators are informed an empowered in addressing the culture and facing the challenges in their future classrooms.