8. & 16. Teaching Fellows: Funding Education

8. & 16. Teaching Fellows: Funding Education

This We Believe (NMSA, 2010).

*Leaders demonstrate courage and collaboration. Courageous and Collaborative Leaders

*The school includes community and business partners. Community and Business

Over the years, there have been incentives for people in North Carolina to go into teaching. The Paul Douglas Scholarship, Burroughs Wellcome Scholarships, and Federal Programs such as Troops to Teachers have provided funding for those interested in becoming teachers. Grants and scholarships are needed to support the future of education in our state.

A state-funded program in North Carolina was Teaching Fellows. This grant provided financial assistance for highly motivated and academically excellent young people to consider teaching as a career. Candidates were recruited in high school. This $26,000 scholarship gave many students the opportunity to attend college, with the stipulation that they would teach in North Carolina for four years. It was not a hand-out; it was a strong program including: service components, highly structured expectations related to academics and leadership, and a collaborative network led by professional, highly qualified educators who monitored and mentored these young people. For those who successfully completed the program, their training and mindset of professionalism can be seen across our state.

Due to a stretched-budget, our legislators eliminated this program.

Yesterday, our institution honored and celebrated the legacy of Teaching Fellows. An alumna of our program spoke to the gathering of Fellows and administrators, faculty who had worked with these young people over the years, and community members. Her words tell one story of the impact of this program. I asked her if I could share excerpts from her speech. She agreed.

I will never forget the summer after my senior year of high school; I received a letter in the mail from Teaching Fellows. I was so anxious to open it, hoping more than anything that I had been awarded the scholarship; but when I opened my letter, I read that I was an alternate. I was actually alternate number four in the state. I remember thinking, "Oh, I was so close!" I was devastated; because at that moment, I had no idea how I would pay for college. Unfortunately, that is an issue that WAY TOO MANY high school students face each year.

Shortly after that, I was called to this institution. While meeting, I was told there was a spot for me. I was accepted as a Teaching Fellow, the class of 2013. I burst into tears of joy and hugged the director. When my family and I walked out of the building, my dad stopped me on the lawn to take a picture. I vividly remember his saying, "Bec, this is a day you'll always remember; and this is the building where you will spend the next four years of your life." What I did not realize was how many hours I would spend inside and outside that building. We spent hours doing service work on campus and in the community; we spent weeks traveling (literally all over the world); and we spent hours tutoring students. From organizing blood drives for the Red Cross, to hosting the annual Head Start Holiday party, Teaching Fellows valued service to the community. These service projects weren’t just something to add to our resume; they were a testament to the program and outgrowth as leaders. We were becoming caring and involved movers and shakers, which is exactly what our state needs today.

In addition to service projects and travel opportunities, Teaching Fellows also provided me with knowledge and skills including opportunities to apply hands-on activities in schools and in after-school programs. I believe these were my most valuable experiences. It was through fieldwork that I was able to figure out who I was as a teacher. I built relationships with students; I was able to try out different tools and strategies; and I found out what worked and what didn’t work. Because of these experiences, when I began teaching, I was prepared. Now as a teacher, I see how valuable tutoring is. Now, more than ever, our kids need tutors and mentors.

When I received my letter in the mail saying I was an alternate, I felt a huge storm cloud hovering over me. But when I heard from the director that there was a spot for me I saw my silver lining.

   

It is no secret that it often feels like there are dark storm clouds hovering over public education in our state; but now we must create our own silver lining. Obviously, we are all here because we care deeply about education; but it is not enough just to care. We have to DO SOMETHING. So I urge you to think about your silver lining. Perhaps you could volunteer at a local school, or mentor a child. Maybe you could start a scholarship fund for future teachers, or an after-school program for students at risk. In your own way, I challenge you to be an advocate for public education. Future teachers need you; but more importantly, our children need you. 

     

So, while I stand here today, very sad that this program has ended. I also stand here with a grateful heart: grateful for the priceless opportunities Teaching Fellows gave me, thankful for experiences that can't be bought. I am grateful for the amazing friendships I have made, and relationships I have with my former professors and directors. I know that Teaching Fellows prepared me to weather this current storm and inspired me to create my own silver lining; and I hope that you will join me in seeking silver linings for education.

 - Becca Werthiem is a fourth grade teacher and author of Live high on life, and Founder of Little Leaders (littleleaders.org)

Advice

1)   We must be advocates for our students. Communicating the impact of education must be shared in our communities and in our state. 

2)   Our business partners are our advocates. Finding ways to let them know how they can impact our schools and thanking them for their service must be clear and visible.

3)   Becoming politically active means communicating with State Legislators and Funding Organizations. Perhaps we can work together to share the good work of teachers and share ways to seek outside funding. 

4) There are many scholarships and grants available. We need to educate young people of the opportunities to go to college that are available. Middle school is not too early to share ways to fund education.