Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) calls on teachers passionate about teaching Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM), and are dedicated to challenging and supporting all students, to apply for the 2014 KSTF Teaching Fellowship.
KSTF supports passionate, dedicated teachers to thrive in the profession, lead from the classroom and become change agents in education. The KSTF five-year fellowship, one of the most generous and comprehensive professional development programs for STEM teachers, provides its fellow’s access to a close, collaborative community of like-minded colleagues.
Worth of Awards
If you are awarded a Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Teaching Fellowship, the requirements of the fellowship program include:
- Attending an orientation meeting in New Jersey from June 6–7, 2014 at KSTF’s expense
- Attending three fellows’ meetings per year at KSTF’s expense, including the Summer Fellows’ Meeting which will be held in New Jersey from July 23–26, 2014
- Participating regularly in an online community with other KSTF Fellows
- Engaging in at least 40 hours of professional development each year
- Submitting reports associated with fellowship benefits when applicable
- Engaging in an ongoing practitioner inquiry across five years of the fellowship, grounded in your practice
- Obtaining a full-time position as a high school teacher in the subject you are credentialed to teach upon completion of teaching credential
Eligibility
KSTF Science and Mathematics Teaching Fellowships are intended to support beginning high school science and math teachers. Fellows are chosen from among individuals who:
- Are committed to teaching high school STEM
- Have earned or are in the process of earning a degree in a discipline related to the STEM subject(s) they intend to teach
- Have outstanding current content knowledge with a recent degree or education (typically within the last 5–10 years)
- Have the capacity and determination to commit to teaching as their primary career
- Have not previously established a career (typically more than 5–10 years in another field)
- Have recently earned a secondary teaching credential (no earlier than January 1, 2013) or will earn their credential no later than September 1, 2014
Selection Criteria
KSTF Teaching Fellowships are awarded based on the following three selection criteria:
- The potential to develop the content knowledge needed for teaching.
- The potential to develop exemplary teaching practices.
- The potential to develop the qualities of a teacher leader.
KSTF seeks candidates with a capacity for collaborative leadership based on past experiences, as well as the potential to continue developing as leaders in and from the classroom.
How to Apply
All applications for the KSTF Teaching Fellowship must be submitted online. The application requires the following components:
Applicants are to include the following in their applications:
- Your name, current mailing address, telephone number and e-mail; how you found out about KSTF; and the area in which you have or are pursuing teaching credentials (i.e., Physical Science, Mathematics or Biological Science)
- A current resume or curriculum vitae (uploaded in PDF format)
- Three essays discussing how you meet the three criteria (600 words max. per essay). A strong essay will provide evidence of how you meet the criteria, be reflective, be grounded in your personal experiences, and allow us to get to know you as an individual and a prospective teacher. We recommend that you avoid abstract platitudes about teaching and education, jargon or citing educational theories without personal reflection.
- Letters of Recommendation: In the online application, you will be asked to enter the names and e-mail addresses of three individuals who will each write a letter addressing one of the three criteria. These individuals will receive an e-mail with instructions for submitting their recommendations online.
- Transcripts: KSTF requires unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary (i.e. college level) coursework to be uploaded to the application. Official transcripts will be required for individuals that are selected for the fellowship.
- All applicants that are selected as semi-finalists will be required to participate in a telephone interview that will take place in late January 2014. This one-hour interview will provide the selection committee with the opportunity to learn more about you.
- If you are selected as a finalist for the 2014 Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Teaching Fellowship, you will be required to participate in a selection interview which will take place in Philadelphia from March 7–8, 2014. Finalists are expected to be available for and participate in all selection activities, which will begin at approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 and end at approximately 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 8. KSTF will cover all expenses associated with travel, food and lodging for the selection interview weekend.
Deadline: Applications accepted for 2014 Teaching Fellowship closes October 15, 2013
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