Project Title: Get the Facts Out: Changing the Conversation around STEM Teacher Recruitment

Researcher: Wendy K. Adams, Ph.D., Physics Department
Phone Number: 303-273-3068 E-mail: wkadams@mines.edu

Purpose and Description: The purpose of this study is to inform and improve national and local campaigns to get the facts out about the teaching profession. We are conducting research to understand which of the recommended strategies in the Get the Facts Out toolkit are most effective, both in terms of impact on faculty and student perceptions and faculty uptake over time. Our initial work has indicated the possibility that the effectiveness of these strategies may vary by discipline and student culture. To answer these questions, we will monitor student and faculty perceptions of the teaching profession and their interactions with the recommended activities in the toolkit via annual surveys. Additionally, we will visit a diverse set of Study Sites annually to learn about their experiences with the toolkit and the impact on student and faculty perceptions of the profession.

As a research participant, we are asking you to complete a survey or to participate in an interview about the perceptions of teaching as a profession. This data will only be used in a de-identified manner. If your name is being collected now, it is only for the purpose of matching your responses to your future responses, if you choose to participate in a survey or interview at a later date. All names/identifiers will be stripped from the data before the data are analyzed and all data reporting will be done in aggregate. There are no foreseeable risks or discomforts to participants who participate beyond the time spent to participate. There are also minimal direct benefits to participants beyond the potential of personal satisfaction in improving the perceptions of teaching as a profession; however, your participation will have the indirect benefit of aiding in the understanding of the views of the profession of teaching and hopefully help faculty understand how to better identify and support future teachers.

We will take every precaution to protect your individual information. Data collected from surveys will have personal identifiers stripped before any analysis is completed and only data in aggregate will be reported. All data collected and any notes taken during interviews will be kept on a password protected computer or if hand written, in a locked filing cabinet in a locked office. Research reports will include aggregate results and will not provide any individually identifiable information but will include discipline and institution identification. The Colorado Governmental Immunity Act determines and may limit the legal responsibility of the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) if an injury happens because of this study. Claims against CSM must be filed within 180 days of the injury. Questions about participants' rights may be directed to Human Subjects Team at CSM at humansubjects@mines.edu.

Participation is voluntary. You may decide not to participate in this study and if you begin participation you may still decide to stop and withdraw at any time. Your decision will be respected and will not result in loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. Having read the above and having had an opportunity to ask any questions, please complete the survey. By completing the survey, you will give permission for your participation. You may keep this form for future reference.