Deepening teachers' knowledge of science is crucial to improving student performance in science. Equally important is strengthening their expertise in how to teach science. Providing teachers with opportunities to build this strong foundation of science knowledge and teaching skills is an Institute priority. The Institute's professional development programs focus on districts near Merck's largest facilities. Working closely with teachers, curriculum supervisors and administrators in these districts, the Institute helps to improve the teaching and learning of science through Peer Teacher Workshops focused on inquiry-centered learning. Other strategies such as the Leader Teacher Institute and the Merck Fellows Program have been used for the professional development of inservice and preservice teachers.

In addition to the professional development offered to teachers, the Institute provides opportunities for principals to deepen their understanding of science education and therefore strengthen their ability to support teachers in their schools.

The National Science Foundation supported the partnership between the Merck Institute and the school districts of Linden, Rahway and Readington Township in New Jersey and North Penn in Pennsylvania through a five-year grant awarded in 1995 as part of NSF's Local Systemic Change initiative. This award helped expand the partnership's efforts to provide standards-based science and mathematics instruction to all students.

Related Links

Explorer, Volume 1, Fall 1999: Focus on Professional Development

MISE staff provided leadership to the development of the New Jersey Standards for Required Professional Development of Teachers.