CenMaSTER

Who We Are

CenMaSTER forms the intellectual home for the community of science and mathematics education researchers and practitioners in El Paso.

Our diverse community includes UTEP , El Paso Community College, members of the El Paso Collaborative for Academic Excellence , undergraduate and graduate students in the Colleges of Science and Education who are either preparing to be teachers or who are developing additional expertise in teaching and understanding mathematics and science, science and engineering graduate students preparing for careers in higher education, in-service teachers and leaders from regional school districts.

The geographically isolated El Paso metropolitan area forms a truly unique and exciting “field laboratory” for innovative studies in math and science education. This is because the region contains a large “educational closed-loop” in which a dominantly Mexican-American population of students and educators cycle between the area’s K-12 schools, UTEP, and EPCC with relatively little flight from the system. As a result, a rare opportunity exists for social sciences research into exactly how innovation in teaching practice in any one part of the system impacts learning in other parts of the system. Key to the success of such research is a long-established tradition of cooperation and data sharing among all educational organizations in the region.

Mission

To research, develop, and disseminate exemplary mathematics and science teaching and learning practices for all grade levels (K-20) by facilitating collaboration among faculty across the university committed to improving mathematics and science education and by serving as a resource for math and science educators and leaders in the El Paso region and beyond.

Vision

To build and foster a community of researchers and practitioners that discovers and implements innovative teaching and learning strategies to ensure the engagement and long term success of math and science learners of all groups and ages.