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MAST Institute

The Mathematics and Science Teaching (MAST) Institute, established in 1987, provides leadership and coordination for projects and programs to improve mathematics and science education, within the University, the state, and nationally.

The MAST Institute is situated in the College of Natural and Health (NHS), and has collaborated with faculty from NHS's Department of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and the Science Education Program. Faculty from the collaborating academic programs and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences participate in Institute projects, working in partnership with K-12 educators, faculty from other higher education institutions, government agencies, and business/community representatives.

Nearly fifty UNC faculty members in the College of Natural and Health Sciences and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences have been involved in MAST-related projects over the past twenty years. 

Since its inception in 1987, the MAST Institute has collaboratively obtained several million dollars from external funding for research and through the pre-service and in-service training of teachers of mathematics and science of grades K-16 throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. The Institute has coordinated joint efforts among the departments of the University, other Colorado Institutes of Higher Education, and numerous school districts within state and region.

MAST Institute Vision & Mission Statements

Vision

The vision of the MAST Institute is to lead efforts to transform teaching and learning in science and mathematics education and to promote diversity and equity.  

Mission

The mission of the MAST Institute is to be a leader of and advocate for initiatives to promote and improve teaching, learning, diversity, and equity in STEM education. The Institute seeks to increase the body of STEM education knowledge by collaborating with UNC researchers, K-12 stakeholders, and community partners to conduct and disseminate STEM education research. The Institute strives to put research into practice by advocating for policy, facilitating education outreach initiatives, and developing the expertise of educators in STEM education. The MAST Institute serves as both an intellectual and logistical hub to support these initiatives.

 Approved 10/9/18