Dr. Tracie McLemore Salinas has been named director of the Math and Science Education Center (MSEC), which is housed in Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education. Her appointment begins April 2020.
As the director, Salinas will provide leadership in developing collaborations and partnerships for the improvement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the region and beyond. She will also oversee the MSEC's lending library, professional development offerings, and partnerships with public schools.
“The move to online teaching creates a significant opportunity for the MSEC to step up its online presence and become a virtual hub for resources and professional development,” noted Salinas.
“I am looking forward to helping the MSEC expand its identity in this way and to finding new opportunities for the Center to interact across the campus and region,” said Salinas.
“I am looking forward to helping the MSEC expand its identity in this way and to finding new opportunities for the Center to interact across the campus and region,” she continued.
In addition, Salinas will support projects that engage faculty from across the campus and develop capacity for the institution in STEM education scholarship and service. She will also help the MSEC serve as a catalyst for innovations in STEM teaching and learning both in the classroom and outside of it.
Salinas received a B.S. in mathematics and social sciences from William Carey University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in education, specialization in mathematics education, both from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Salinas’ research focuses on the cultural contexts of mathematics and STEM education and teacher education. She is currently the principal investigator on the National Science Foundation funded Robert Noyce Scholarship program and a member of the Committee on Teacher Education Research and Dissemination of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.
Prior to the role, Salinas served as the Director of Teacher Education and Engagement for Appalachian’s College of Arts and Sciences. She and her family came to Appalachian 16 years ago, and she and her husband, Dr. Rene Salinas, are both professors in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, which is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences.
“I first came here to continue working in rural education and see the university bringing rural, low-income, and first-generation students to its priorities,” said Salinas. “Impacting education for these students is my passion, so being somewhere that aligns with your own values is a positive.”
“I first came here to continue working in rural education and see the university bringing rural, low-income, and first-generation students to its priorities,” said Salinas. “Impacting education for these students is my passion, so being somewhere that aligns with your own values is a positive.”
Salinas enjoys hiking with her dogs, gardening, baking, writing, photography, exploring community and family history, and Tennessee football - “Go VOLS!” She and her husband have two children, Anasofia and Tristan.
“We spend a lot of time taking them to dance and baseball, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Salinas.
About the Math and Science Education Center
The Mathematics and Science Education Center (MSEC) was established in 1985 as one of the centers in the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network (NC-MSEN). In addition to Appalachian’s center, there are regional centers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, East Carolina University and North Carolina State University. The goals of the centers are to:
- Increase the quality and quantity of mathematics and science teachers in North Carolina public schools;
- Strengthen instruction in mathematics and science in grades K-12;
- Sponsor research and development in mathematics and science education; and
- Increase the use of educational technology in schools.
Serving primarily the northwest region of North Carolina, MSEC at Appalachian offers special workshops, summer institutes, graduate courses and other instructional programs aimed at helping update and recertify teachers.
Tracie Salinas
