Recruiting Bright Students into Education: A Collaborative Effort.

Overview & Synopsis

The Best and Brightest Program at Central Missouri State University (CMSU) encourages talented high school students to enter the teaching profession. High school students with effective teacher attributes are nominated, through collaboration among university personnel, elementary secondary practitioners, educational organizations, and alumni. These students are contacted directly by university personnel and urged to pursue university studies in education. The students are invited to Career Day for Talented Students in Education, where they receive an overview of career opportunities in education and the university's teacher education program. Nominations are aligned with state and university scholarship programs designed to provide financial incentives for the students. Evaluation of the program indicates it has led to a significant increase in Missouri Teacher Education Scholarships received by students planning to attend CMSU and in the percentage of freshmen distinguished scholar candidates committed to teacher education. From the first to the second year of the program, there was a 78 percent increase in nominations and a 99 percent increase in enrollment of talented students. The model has been recognized by the Missouri Department of Education as an exemplary recruitment method. (Contains 11 references.) (JDD)