Toyota Gift Creates Teaching Scholarship Program

A $750,000 grant from the Toyota USA Foundation has created a new scholarship program designed to increase the number of certified STEM teachers in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). The UT Dallas Teaching Scholars Program will provide annual awards of $10,000 for up to three years to support 20 UT Dallas students who plan to become teachers. 

The awards are open to current and prospective students seeking teaching certification in early childhood through sixth grade, in fourth through eighth grade core subjects with an emphasis in math or science, or in fourth through eighth grade math or science. Scholars must commit to seek employment with DISD schools after graduation and have a strong record of academic achievement, leadership and volunteerism.  

“Our aim is to bolster science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in local schools, which also requires enhancing the pipeline of trained teaching professionals in the area,” said Michael Medalla, manager for the Toyota USA Foundation. “Scholarships will be offered to a diverse cohort of UT Dallas’ student teachers, providing much-needed financial support during a critical moment in their training.” 

UT Dallas’ rigorous education program can be challenging for clinical teachers trying to balance practical preparation with other academic requirements and personal financial concerns, said Dr. Barbara Ashmore, assistant director of student teaching and field experience for the Teacher Development Center. 

“Completing the clinical teaching requirement is a full-time job,” Ashmore said. “Some of our students have to take three to nine additional credit hours while doing so. When you’re working all day, every day of the week and also taking classes, putting food on your table and a roof over your head can be very challenging. By offering scholarships to these students, this program will be a real game-changer.” 

Dr. George Fair, dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, said the University and the Teacher Development Center have a long history of collaboration with DISD. 

“UT Dallas is committed to serving the greater community,” Fair said. “The UT Dallas Teaching Scholars Program launched by Toyota USA Foundation will strengthen our partnership with the Dallas Independent School District by providing support to educate and train students to become high-quality STEM teachers for the district.” 

The UT Dallas Teaching Scholars Program will extend the University’s partnership with DISD for the benefit of both teachers and students. 

“Dallas ISD is proud to partner with UT Dallas and Toyota on this new initiative,” said Gabriel Sanchez Ramiro, coordinator of student teacher and special initiatives for DISD. “Helping develop strong teachers by increasing our student teaching pipeline will provide our students with the readiest teachers.” 

The program provides an opportunity for UT Dallas to make a difference, particularly for student teachers and children from underrepresented populations and low socioeconomic backgrounds.  

“Increasing access to education is a primary method of elevating people and communities,” Ashmore said. “Our students will be working with children who really need us.” 

Like most school districts throughout the country, DISD faces a significant teacher shortage, especially in the STEM fields, Ashmore said. Providing expert instruction in these areas at a young age can significantly enhance comprehension and interest in STEM subjects, providing increased opportunities to pursue higher education degrees and professional careers in high-demand fields.  

“We’re demystifying STEM for local students, showing them that the world is a wonderful and exciting place to explore and that math and science can help you do that,” Ashmore said. “If children are engaged in authentic and exciting  instruction, they will be more apt to pursue those subjects in high school and college.”