ORONO – Future and potential teachers will have the chance to work with some top educators during a series of workshops March 2 at the University of Maine.

The second annual Mathematics and Science Future Teachers Club Spring Conference is expected to attract more than 60 aspiring teachers and excite them about teaching in the critical shortage areas of math and science, especially the physical sciences.

UMaine students pursuing degrees in education, as well as those majoring in mathematics or science and who are interested in teaching, will delve into topics such as integrated hydroponics, aligning instruction and assessment to the Maine Learning Results, and calculator programs for the mathematically minded.

They will hear a keynote address by Francis Eberle, director of the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, and will visit exhibits and poster displays.

The conference will take place in Donald P. Corbett Business Building from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p. m.

The event is sponsored by the Maine Mathematics-Science Teacher Excellence Collaborative project as part of its goal to boost the numbers of grade seven-12 math and science teachers.

To assist in recruitment, the organization has created a $100,000-per-year scholarship fund to help support qualified students over the next four years.

Some of the award-winning math and science educators presenting at the conference include: Matthew Cyr, Leonard Middle School, Old Town; Shirley Ellis, Orono High School; Tad Johnston, former teacher at Orono High School, now with the Maine Department of Education’s regional Educational Services Team; Peter Pedersen, Vinalhaven High School; and Joe Siddiqui and Mike True, Maine School of Science and Mathematics, Limestone.