The Impact
The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship focuses specifically on individuals with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and math—the STEM disciplines—because these are the individuals who can have the greatest impact in supporting of high-need urban and rural public high school students develop 21st century skills.
By 2013, the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship will prepare over 700 highly skilled math, science, and technology teachers for high-need public schools in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. These Fellows will make a significant impact on the futures of the tens of thousands students they will teach.
Passionate, Knowledgeable Science & Math Teachers Are Critical to the Nation's Future
At a time when the global economy requires more students to attain math, science and technology literacy to compete in the workplace, increasing both the quantity and quality of STEM teachers ensures that all students have the access to what they need – and deserve. Fellows also bring their passion for math, science and technology to the classroom to secondary-level STEM instruction helps to boost inspire the next generation to be scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technology experts.
A Series of Best Practices for Teacher Training
The WW Teaching Fellowship program provides participating universities with the resources to develop model math and science teacher preparation programs. Working closely with the Foundation, each partner campus redesigns their STEM teacher education curriculum to ensure it is more clinically-based, focuses on the needs of at-risk students, and supports teachers throughout their first years in the classroom.
Supporting Math and Science Teachers in the Field
Nationally, about half of all new teachers leave within their first five years. The Fellowship supports Fellows who enter the classroom by ensuring that their preparation is aligned with the skills teachers need to succeed in high-need schools, including significant teaching experience prior to becoming the full-time teacher-of-record. Fellows are prepared to hit the ground running. Upon receiving their teacher certification, Fellows are assisted in securing teaching placements within high-need schools And every Fellow receives ongoing, intensive mentoring and assessment during their first three years of teaching. Fellows also have opportunities for extended professional development both through their university and the Foundation.