The New Mexico Tech Master of Science teaching program: an exemplary model of inquiry-based learning

The Master of Science Teaching Program offered by New Mexico Tech provides high quality science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) content-based, hands-on, experiential learning for practicing K-12 educators and is taught by graduate faculty of the discipline departments. To facilitate transfer of knowledge and skills to K-12 students, the program requires teacher participants to develop inquiry-based curriculum for their respective classrooms and laboratories from what they experience as they pursue a graduate degree in science teaching. Opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum are also available. A research internship component provides active research involvement by teacher participants at various research centers of excellence. International projects take teachers abroad to study science and engineering related to global environmental issues while integrating an intercultural component into the educational experience. Curriculum development and implementation originating from these experiences allow teachers to open the world to their K-12 students, offering them a comprehensive understanding of complex diversity issues worldwide. Elevating K-12 teaching to this level is an increasingly important aspect of education as we move toward a more global society.