Chemistry Teacher Education Coalition (CTEC)

The U.S. is currently experiencing a shortage of highly-trained science teachers. Addressing this issue at the pre-service level is of critical importance to inspiring the next generation of chemists.

CTEC’s goal is to commit colleges and universities to actively participate in the preparation of future K–12 chemistry teachers to increase the quality and quantity of chemistry teachers in the U.S.

To achieve this goal, we are asking college and university chemistry departments across the U.S. to include teacher preparation as part of their mission and curriculum.

• Statement on Pre-Service Education
• Invitation from ACS President Tom Lane
• Email your college/university’s official support

• Only 36.8% of chemistry teachers in public schools have both a major and certification in chemistry.¹
• Only 48.2% of public school chemistry teachers majored in chemistry in college.
• Chemistry is classified as a field with significant shortage of educators.

President Barack Obama has made improving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education a top priority in his administration. Federal government initiatives include:

• Recruiting and training 100,000 great STEM teachers over the next decade capable of preparing and inspiring students.
• Recognizing and rewarding the top 5% of the nation’s STEM teachers.
• Creating 1,000 new STEM-focused schools over the next decade.
• Inspiring students and teachers through individual and group experiences, within and outside of the classroom.

• ACS-Hach Programs