In response to New Jersey’s critical shortage of state-certified K-12 teachers for Technology & Engineering Education, Dr. John Karsnitz, Professor Emeritus and national leader in STEM education, has launched the Karsnitz Technology & Engineering Education Scholarship Fund. This innovative initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of educators in this vital field.
The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably exacerbated challenges in education, leading to a significant decline in students pursuing teaching careers. Nationwide, education programs at colleges have witnessed dwindling enrollments, signaling a pressing need for interventions.
Recognizing this urgent gap, Dr. Karsnitz’s newest scholarship fund aims to directly motivate high school teachers to encourage their students to pursue a rewarding career in Technology & Engineering Education. By recommending promising students for the Technology & Engineering Education program at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of STEM education. Up to 15 students who enroll in TCNJ’s program on such recommendations and successfully complete their first semester will be awarded a $500 scholarship in their teacher’s name, fostering a legacy of mentorship and excellence in technology & engineering education.
Teachers or students wishing additional information should contact, Dr. Manuel Figueroa, Chair, Department of Integrative STEM Education at figuerom@tcnj.edu.
About Dr. John Karsnitz
Dr. John Karsnitz served the College of New Jersey for 35 years, dedicating 25 of those years as chair of the Technological Studies Department, now known as the Department of Integrative STEM Education, until his retirement in December 2012. His leadership extended beyond TCNJ, holding influential roles within major organizations such as the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) and the Council on Technology and Engineering Teacher Education (CTETE). Additionally, Dr. Karsnitz represented TCNJ within the New Jersey Technology and Engineering Educators Association (NJTEEA) and the New Jersey Engineering Education Council (NJEEC), advocating for technological literacy and the integration of STEM principles in education across various platforms.
In his personal life, Dr Karsnitz is enjoying retirement with his wife, Suzanne. They spend winters in Naples, FL and enjoy visiting their daughter in NJ, their son in Phoenix and their five grandchildren in Montana, Denver, and Phoenix. Dr. Karsnitz has a passion for designing and making things, as well as singing in the church choir. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys skiing, golfing, and playing tennis. With six published books, his research interests are centered on enhancing technological literacy in general and pre-engineering education, as well as broadening the reach and impact of STEM education.
