Math and science teachers can boost their knowledge and make professional connections through the master of natural sciences degree program at LSU, which just announced a $5 million funding award. The money will provide $20,000 fellowships for 96 master’s degree candidates in the region to take summer and evening classes at LSU over three years starting in 2010. Tuition is waived for teachers who participate in the opportunity, underwritten by the National Science Foundation.

A successful pilot program for seven teachers who received degrees in 2007 and 20 teachers who are currently enrolled led to the funding to expand the program, says James Madden, an LSU math professor who acted as primary contact for the grant application. The instruction will be offered using existing course numbers, but Madden says the program is a custom-designed, flexible track for teachers of grades 7 through 12.