NSF Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunity

2006-07 GK-12 Fellows in Mathematics and Science Education

Overview

This UC Davis NSF grant provides seven Fellowships for mathematics and science graduate students to work in K-12 schools. Graduate student fellows will participate as active members of research teams with K-12 teacher mentors focusing on issues related to K-12 mathematics and science curriculum and instruction. This Fellowship provides graduate students with the opportunity to gain knowledge about student learning and effective teaching practices in their disciplines through the application of educational research methods and classroom interactions.

Commitment

1. The time commitment for this 12 month (50% FTE) fellowship involves: (1) approximately fifteen hours per week of providing direct assistance to K-12 teachers; (2) five hours of preparation per week outside of class; (3) participation in a weekly two-hour seminar on campus; and (4) active participation in a teacher-research group.

2. Fellows begin work with the beginning of the 2006-07 public school calendar, typically at the end of August or early September, and will conclude most K-12-based work at the end of May. K-12 sites are located throughout the greater Sacramento area including Natomas, Rancho Cordova, Vacaville, and Dixon. Fellows are expected to provide their own transportation to school sites. (Mileage reimbursement will be provided.)

3. The summer months are relatively free except for Summer Institute where Fellows will partner with K-12 teacher-mentors to learn about classroom-based inquiry. The Summer Institute work will be completed during the second week of August.

4. Continuation of the Fellowship is on a quarter-by-quarter basis, contingent upon satisfactory performance.

Fellowship Stipend and fees

The NSF grant provides each Fellow with an annual stipend of $30,000 and graduate fees up to a maximum of $10,500.

 

Who May Apply

Any graduate student in the biological sciences, chemistry, geology, mathematics, or physics, who will be at least in the second year of graduate study during the 2006-2007 academic year, is eligible to apply.Applicants forthis NSF fellowship opportunity must be citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.

Application Procedures - Application packet should include

1. A personal statement (limited to 3 double-spaced pages) that describes your interest in the fellowship, and indicates why you are well qualified to hold such a position.

2. A letter of recommendation from someone who is in a position to comment on your commitment to and success in teaching or other work in education

3. OPTIONAL : You may wish to include additional information about work you have done related to teaching/education, such as curriculum development work, teaching evaluations, or program reviews in school-based programs.

4. A statement from the graduate advisor of your program indicating that you are making appropriate progress toward completing your degree.

5. A letter of recommendation from your major professor.

Completed packets should be submitted to the appropriate discipline faculty contact listed below:

Applicant Screening and Award Announcements

Information Meeting: 06 January 2006. Location to be announced

Application Due Date: 03 March 2006. Interviews will be scheduled with selected applicants.

Anticipated Announcement of Awards: 15 March 2006.

Contact: Michelle R. McCombs, mrmccombs@ucdavis.edu