Sixteen professors in two different colleges at the University of West Georgia have received more than $370,000 in funds from the U.S. Department of Education.

The university is the recipient of eight Teacher Quality grants, which are administered by the University of Georgia. The funds are to be used for the professional development of teachers in disciplines including language arts, mathematics, reading, science and social studies.

Dr. Judy Cox, a lecturer in STEM (science, technology, education and math) learning for the College of Education, said she is “deeply indebted” for these funds, which will allow her work to deepen its meaning and value.

Cox cowrote the grant proposal with Dr. Tim Chowns, a retired professor of geosciences, focusing on their workshop for earth science teachers at the middle and secondary levels of education. The two received more than $40,000 for their project.

“This money will all be used for training in-service teachers in earth science and earth systems,” Cox said. “We are very grateful for the federal grant, and are deeply indebted to those who awarded them to us.”

The Teacher Quality grant gives teachers an opportunity to increase their depth of knowledge in a particular discipline. The grants will also have a positive impact on teaching and student learning. The grants may be used to incorporate technology, novel assessment strategies or innovative teaching practices. In total, 71 grant proposals were submitted and 35 were funded, eight of which came from UWG.

“This farsighted program enhances the careers of numerous teachers and the classroom experience for students, not only in the respective colleges but through the entire university,” said Dr. Charles H. Maris, associate vice president for UWG’s Office of Research and Sponsored Projects. “These grants and the knowledge obtained from them can have an impact on the community as well. UWG is proud to be counted among the top institutions in the state.”

The eight grants were awarded to collaborating professors in the College of Education and the College of Science and Mathematics.

Those in the College of Education include Cox, Alison Ayers, Dr. Deborah Jenkins, Dr. Frank Stonier, Dr. Lara Willox and Dr. Yun-Jo An.

“This is an excellent example of professors from various disciplines working together to improve teaching across our state,” said Dr. Dianne Hoff, dean of the College of Education. “We are extremely proud of their initiatives.”

Professors from the College of Science and Mathematics who received awards include Dr. Barbara Ballentine, Dr. Heidi Banford, Dr. Sharmistha Basu-Dutt, Dr. Timothy Chowns, Dr. Anne Gaquere-Parker, Dr. Hannes Gerhardt, Dr. Jung Hon and Dr. Christopher Tabit.

“I am delighted with the success of these collaborative endeavors that promote continued interaction with teachers in the region,” said Dr. Farooq Khan, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics.

The complete list of UWG grant recipients is as follows:

• Dr. Sharmistha Basu-Dutt, professor of chemistry and Dr. Gail Marshall, lecturer of STEM education — Enhancing the Nature of Science and Problem Solving in Elementary Science Instruction, $43,532.

• Basu-Dutt and Alison Ayers, STEM master teacher — Students and Teachers Actively Researching Science, $39.860.

• Dr. Yun-Jo An, assistant professor of instructional technology, Dr. Jung Hong, assistant professor of geosciences, Dr. Frank Stonier, assistant professor of early childhood education, Dr. Hannes Gerhardt, associate professor of geosciences, and Dr. Keith Bohannon, associate professor of history — Designing Technology-Enhanced, Inquiry-Based Lessons Using GIS, $39,809.

• Dr. Judy Cox, lecturer in STEM education and Dr. Tim Chowns, a retired professor of geosciences — Earth Systems for Middle and Secondary Teachers: An Investigative Approach, $40,163.

• Dr. Anne Gaquere-Parker, associate professor of chemistry, Alison Ayers, STEM Master Teacher and Dr. Ashley Smallwood, assistant professor of anthropology — Chemistry and Art, $51,412.

• Dr. Christopher Tabit, professor of biology, Dr. Heidi Banford, associate professor of biology, Dr. Gail Marshall — A Problem-Based Investigation of the Ecology and Sustainability of Southeastern United States Water Resources, $44,613.

• Dr. Lara Willox, assistant professor of early childhood education — Improving Mathematical Number Sense and Technology Integration in the Elementary Classroom, $59,860.

• Dr. Deborah Jenkins, professor and coordinator of EDUC sequence and Dr. Barbara Ballentine, assistant professor of biology — Taking Wing: Engaging Students in Science Through Birds, $52,534.