By Georgia Jackson, College of Arts and Sciences
Twenty secondary science and mathematics teachers from Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) filed into the University of South Florida’s C.W. Bill Young Hall on Aug. 15 to a warm and enthusiastic reception.
Leadership from USF, the Coalition for Science Literacy and HCPS welcomed the recipients of the 2025 Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship and celebrated the accomplishments of the 2024 cohort, who earned their master of education in curriculum and instruction from USF this summer and completed a professional development series in mechatronic principles.
Supported by a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, the initiative — titled, “Mechatronics Integrated into STEM Teaching for Transformative Innovative Communities” (MISTTIC) — will equip fellowship recipients with the tools to introduce their students to the multidisciplinary field of mechatronics engineering.
“Community engagement was a key component of our efforts,” said Ruthmae Sears, associate director for the Coalition for Science Literacy and principal investigator for the grant. “I believe in curriculum design that responds to the community. So, I didn’t write the proposal, I talked to (HCPS leadership). ‘What do you want?’”
The project will also serve as a model for communities beyond Hillsborough County interested in empowering educators to advance the integration of mechatronics in the curriculum.
“The strategic plan for the University of South Florida focuses on several things that are important to all of us: student success, faculty success and community partnerships. And what you are seeing in this program is bringing that to life,” said USF President Rhea Law.
USF President Rhea Law addressed the crowd.
The project is made possible through a collaboration between the USF College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and the College of Engineering; Hillsborough County Public Schools; and community partners, including AMRoC FabLab, Scoutlier, Florida HighTech Corridor, Gentleman’s Quest and E-Smart Recycling. Robert Potter of the College of Arts and Sciences, Stephanie Arthur of the College of Education, Alexandro Castellano of the College of Engineering and Brandy Jackson of Scoutlier are co-PIs for the grant.
“At the University of South Florida, we are proud of our strong partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools. Together, we are building a foundation that is supporting teachers, empowering students and strengthening the STEM component in our community,” said USF Provost and Executive Vice President Prasant Mohapatra. “By committing to this program, you are investing in the development of educators and affirming the commitment of creating a community that will be more qualified going forward.
“More than anything, you are preparing the leaders of the future,” he told the fellows.
Among the 2024 cohort was Chelsey Swats, a curriculum developer, instructional coach and head of the science department at King High School.
“Ten months ago, we began a journey that many people have called, ‘a little ambitious,'” Swats said. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I don’t think any of us truly understood how much coffee, determination and group text messages it would take to make it to the finish line.”
Chelsey Swats (right) is a curriculum developer, instructional coach and head of the science department at King High School.
Like the nine other fellows in her cohort, Swats earned her master of education in curriculum and instruction at USF, where she deepened her understanding of STEM education and identified new ways of bringing that knowledge back to her classroom — all while continuing to teach full time.
“The real impact will come in what we do next,” Swats said. “In the lessons we teach, the doors we open for our students and the future we help them imagine for themselves.”
For HCPS leadership, the program is an opportunity to address a critical shortage of qualified STEM educators in high-need schools.
"Hillsborough County serves one of the largest and most diverse student populations in the state, making the need for skilled, passionate STEM educators even greater,” said Gary Brady, chief academic officer for HCPS. “Programs like MISTTIC are essential. By building a pipeline of mechatronics-trained, certified STEM educators, this program is directly targeting the areas with the greatest need. The unique focus on mechatronics helps prepare students for 21st century careers.
"USF nailed it," he said.
The incoming cohort includes 10 math and science teachers from Strawberry Crest High School, Blake High School, Leto High School, Riverview High School, Randall Middle School, Gaither High School and Tampa Bay Technical High School. Upon graduating from the program, they will return to their schools and after-school communities as teacher leaders and ambassadors of STEM-integrated education.
2025 Noyce Master Teaching Fellows Awards Ceremony
Founded in 1995, the Coalition for Science Literacy works with federal, state and local agencies to address student needs and help students of all ages gain access to the science, technology, engineering and mathematics knowledge they will need to become responsible citizens and secure careers in the 21st century.