The application process is now closed.  We appreciate your interest in the program.  If you would like to receive special notification when the application process opens for Year 2 (Spring 2010) please send an email to the program director, Paul Allan, at pallan@uidaho.edu

This opportunity is available to ten graduate students in a STEM research field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.)  Those students in the Waters of the West (WoW) program will have preferential treatment in the application process.  Students will preferably be second year or beyond so a smaller university course load is required.  PhD candidates will also have preference over MS or MA students.

You must have an interest in the following:

• sharing your content knowledge and science expertise with a partner middle or high school teacher and students (7th - 10th grade)
• spending approximately 20 hours per week preparing science lessons and teaching 7th , 8th , 9th or 10th grade students in local schools (approx. 10 hours of contact with students)

Here are a few of the requirements you must meet to participate:

• be a full-time graduate student at the University of Idaho
• be a US citizen (required by NSF to receive stipend)
• preferably be a second year student (or beyond) with fewer required courses (recommended two or fewer courses, with the rest of the fulltime requirement filled with research credits)
• have the approval and support of your research advisor
• make your priorities: GK-12, UI courses, research (in that order)
• have a personal, reliable vehicle (can make exceptions)
• be able to pass a fingerprint background check (no sex offenses, etc.)
• have consistent email access (main form of communication)
• work the K-12 school calendar (which often aligns to the university calendar, but not always)
• take one 2-credit course in June (approx. 2 weeks), attend two 2-day summer institutes, one in June, one in August, and attend a 2-day seminar in June in-between class and the first institute. (tentative summer schedule)
• attend bi-weekly program meetings during academic year (approx. 1 hr.)
• write short online journal entries bi-weekly, detailing your classroom activities

What are the benefits you gain from participating in the GK-12 program?

• Enhance your teaching and communication skills; this is valuable not just for teaching 7 - 10 students, but also in working at the university level and in industry
• Learn about teaching methods and how people learn
• Have fun interacting with young kids
• Support your partner teacher in helping him/her learn science content
• Monthly stipend of $2,500.00 (June - May; $30,000 total)
• Tuition and fees paid for Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters
• All mileage reimbursed (no out of pocket expenses)

Note that this program takes the place of an RA or TA position. You should not be committed to either an RA or TA position for the '08 - '09 academic year.

You may want to look over the old UI GK-12 web site that is ending June 2009.  The graduate students worked in 4th – 6th grade classrooms so that is different from this new program, but you will get some idea of the work past Fellows have done with students.

http://www.phys.uidaho.edu/default.aspx?pid=92026

No prior teaching experience is required. Your science teaching methods course in the summer helps prepare you to teach 7-10 students and your partner teacher provides support during your classroom work.

If you are interested, please complete the application and send it to the program manager, Paul Allan at pallan@uidaho.edu