The Greater Orlando Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education is a National Science Foundation funded program that partners the University of Central Florida's College of Optics and Photonics with Orange County Public Schools and the Orlando Science Center. 

As part of GO GK-12, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduate and undergraduate student fellows are partnered with 9th Grade science teachers within the Orange County Public Schools system. 

The ultimate goals of the GO GK-12 Partnership are:

  • To graduate cohorts of outstanding STEM Doctoral and Bachelors graduates with strong communication skills, a high awareness of issues facing K-12 science education, and a lifelong commitment to assisting K-12 schools.

  • A significant positive impact on the 9th grade integrated science curriculum - a major issue in science education in Central Florida.

  • Improved and sustained content knowledge and confidence of K-12 teachers in teaching science, thereby improving the student learning experience.

  • Strengthened and lasting partnerships between UCF's STEM programs and local K-12 teachers and schools.

  • Dissemination of our results and developed materials to schools beyond this partnership.

  • To achieve sustainability for this program beyond the life of the grant.

Now in Year 2, student fellows and teachers applied to be part of the program.  9 graduate students and 1 undergraduate students along with 10 science teachers were welcomed into the program.  During the summer of 2006, student fellows received both content and pedagogical weekly training. 

In June of 2006, student fellows and science teachers attend a joint two week workshop to learn a variety of instructional techniques and learning styles, and spend time developing effective strategies and materials that they can use during the 2006-2007 school year.

During the school year, student fellows spend a minimum of 10 hours in the classroom with their partnered teacher and an additional 5 hours of planning time.

At the end of their one-year commitment, they will prepare and present a portfolio that demonstrates their skill in developing instructional materials. 

In return for their work in K-12 education, the student fellows receive a $30,000 stipend.  In addition, the 9th grade science teachers receive a $4500 stipend.

Interested in applying?  Click here for more details.

 

National GK-12 Website:  http://www.nsfgk12.com