The U.S. has a substantial problem with securing enough K-12 teachers with good knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects (one study of this problem). This problem extends from a shortage of highly educated high school math and science teachers, to elementary school teachers with poor backgrounds in math and science.
Schools like the University of Washington have large numbers of students in STEM subjects, including students in my field, atmospheric sciences. Even the weaker students in our STEM majors have stronger science and math backgrounds than many K-12 teachers.
via Cliff Mass Weather Blog: A Potential Source of K-12 Science and Math Teachers.
