Knowles Science Teaching Fellowships – DUE: 11-25-18

The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) awards fellowships in the areas of biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences. Fellowships are designed to meet the needs of beginning teachers through the early years of their careers. KSTF supports teachers who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and are dedicated to challenging and support all students.

KSTF Teaching Fellowships are awarded based on the following three criteria: the potential to develop the content knowledge needed for teaching; the potential to develop exemplary teaching practices; and the potential to develop the qualities of a teacher leader. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to develop in each of these areas in order to be selected.

Eligible applicants are committed to teaching science and mathematics in grades 9 through 12, have earned or will have earned a degree in a discipline related to science or mathematics by the start of the fellowship, have outstanding content knowledge with recent formal education in the science or mathematics subject(s) they intend to teach, and have no more than one year of teaching experience by the start of the fellowship. Teaching fellows receive financial support in the form of grants or stipends throughout the year. Professional development and teaching materials grants are also available. Applications must be submitted online.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: https://knowlesteachers.org/teaching-fellowship/teaching-fellows-program

FROM KNOWLES SCIENCE TEACHING FOUNDATION

We understand that teaching is a critically important, complex and intellectually challenging endeavor. We also recognize that learning to teach well requires time, sustained effort, and ongoing support and development throughout a teacher’s career. To assist with that development, the Knowles Teaching Fellows Program is divided into three phases, with each phase building on the next. Two key leadership development threads run through all five years of the program: practitioner inquiry and community-building.

KNOWLES TEACHING FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS

Financial Support

Knowles Fellows may be awarded grants to cover expenses associated with purchasing classroom materials and engaging in professional development. Additionally, Fellows may receive grants to develop and execute leadership activities that have an impact beyond their own classrooms.

Fellows may choose to use approximately half of their allocated funds for annual stipends. These stipends are intended to help Fellows reduce debts they may have incurred and the financial burden teachers often bear—both of which are factors that contribute to sustainability in the profession. Stipends can also be used to support Fellows financially during summer months, allowing them to concentrate on reflecting on the past year, preparing for the coming year and professional development, instead of taking on a part-time job.

The amount allocated to each Fellow for grants and stipends may change on an annual basis.

Mentoring & Coaching

We value the expertise and knowledge of experienced teachers, which is why we make sure Fellows have access to them throughout the Fellowship. Our Teaching Fellows program staff, with more than 100 years of collective teaching experience, regularly checks in with Fellows, supports them to plan and reflect on instruction, talks them through challenging professional dilemmas, and supports them through personal challenges. Staff also observe Fellows teach, either virtually or in person, and coach them into improvement that is Fellow directed.

As a complement to our staff, veteran teachers with over 20 years of experience as both teachers and teacher leaders also work with Fellows throughout the five years of the program. These veteran teachers attend meetings, support Fellows in their inquiry work, and provide Fellows with a vision of what it means to be a true master teacher.

Community Membership

Knowles Fellows are able to tap into a support network of more than 300 teachers who are committed to improving education. From in-person conversations that take place at meetings to virtual conversations that take place on our online community, being part of the Knowles network means resources and support from a wide range of innovative and committed professional teachers is always available.

Teaching Fellowship Questions

What are the responsibilities of a Knowles Teaching Fellow?
As part of the five-year Teaching Fellowship, Knowles Teaching Fellows are required to: obtain a full-time, high school science or mathematics teaching position, participate in the Knowles community and adhere to Knowles policy guidelines. Fellowship responsibilities will typically require a time commitment of four to six hours per month, over and above the time spent in in-person meetings and preparing proposals to submit for benefits.

What are the financial benefits of becoming a Teaching Fellow?
Teaching Fellows receive financial support in the form of grants or stipends throughout the year. Professional development grants are available to cover the cost of relevant activities, including workshops, mentoring, practitioner inquiry and Fellow observations. Fellows are also eligible for teaching materials grants. Last, Fellows can apply for leadership grants to pursue efforts that will have a positive impact on education beyond their own classroom. For more detailed information, please visit the Teaching Fellows Program page.

Why is this a five-year program?
The Knowles Teacher Initiative recognizes that teaching is a highly complex and challenging endeavor that takes time and effort to learn to do well. The Fellowship is designed to meet the needs of beginning teachers by providing the support and resources needed to help them develop into outstanding professional teachers who can become leaders and change agents in the field of education.

Do I have to commit to teaching for five years?
The Fellowship is designed for individuals who recognize that teaching is an intellectually demanding profession and are committed to being leaders and change agents in education. By contrast, the Knowles Teaching Fellowship is not intended for individuals who are pursuing teaching as a way to strengthen a resume, are taking a break from another career or wish to remain employed while seeking work in other fields. If you are not committed to teaching for at least five years, this Fellowship is not for you.

What type of training and support do I receive as a Knowles Teaching Fellow?
Aside from receiving financial support, Teaching Fellows are part of a network of like-minded individuals who share a dedication to STEM education, and are grappling with the same issues of teacher preparation and professional growth. Throughout the year, Fellows participate in the Knowles community via online workspaces. At Fall, Spring and Summer Fellows’ Meetings, Fellows are exposed to a variety of resources, curriculum materials, research, and experts in the field.

What is a typical professional development activity?
The Knowles Teacher Initiative assumes that Teaching Fellows, striving to become professional teachers, will engage in a program of ongoing professional development, even after completing a teacher credential program. Teaching Fellows may choose to take coursework at a college or university, attend a workshop for teachers, engage in a research project, or participate in an internship. Professional development activities depend on an individual’s interests and needs and will look different for each Fellow.

Where are your Teaching Fellows located?
As of 2017, Knowles Teaching Fellows taught in 39 states, plus the District of Columbia.

Can I change locations/schools during my five-year commitment?
You do not have to remain in the same location for all five years of the Fellowship. Many of our Fellows have changed locations between completing a teacher education program and beginning their teaching jobs, or even from one year of teaching to the next. However, you must continue to teach in a U.S. high school.

Is the Knowles Teaching Fellowship a teacher preparation program that will result in a teaching credential?
No. The Fellowship is a professional development and support program for beginning teachers. It does not provide a teaching credential. Fellows are required to participate in a recognized teacher preparation program that leads to obtaining a teaching license in the state where he or she wishes to teach by Sept. 1 of the year in which the Fellowship would begin.

After I complete my credential program, am I responsible for finding my own teaching position?
Fellows are expected to procure their own full-time teaching positions once credentialed. Often, your teacher education program will offer guidance in this process.

Can I teach at any school I want?
Fellows can teach at any U.S. high school, as long as science or mathematics is at least half of their teaching assignment. American schools abroad, high schools in U.S. territories and Department of Defense schools abroad are not considered U.S. high schools for the purpose of the Knowles Teaching Fellowship.

What if I do not find a full-time teaching position after I am credentialed?
Once you are credentialed, you will forfeit the Fellowship, if you are not teaching full-time. However, the Knowles Teacher Initiative will consider a Fellowship suspended for up to one year, if you are actively searching for a teaching position and engaging in another appropriate activity in the teaching field, such as working as a substitute teacher or taking additional coursework.

What happens when the Fellowship ends after five years?
After completing the fifth year of the Fellowship, Knowles Teaching Fellows become Senior Fellows who have the opportunity to remain involved in the Knowles community throughout their careers and be supported in ongoing leadership efforts. Senior Fellows are encouraged to remain involved with the Knowles Teacher Initiative in a number of ways, including designing and implementing professional development for Knowles Fellows, attending Knowles meetings and continuing to participate in our online community. Senior Fellows are eligible to receive support while pursuing National Board Certification. Additionally, they are eligible to receive leadership grants that support activities that impact education beyond their own classrooms.