Knowles Science Teaching Fellowship awards CMU grad, others nationwide


The Knowles Science Teaching Fellowship awards 32 awards nationwide to tier one programs, and Central Michigan spring 2014 graduate Michelle Vanhala was one of them.

The national program selects first year teachers in science, technology, engineering and math concentrations, also known known as STEM fields. It is a highly competitive process, said Jeff Rozelle, the director of the Teaching Fellows Program, adding that 10-15 percent of those who apply are awarded fellowships.

"We support those fellows for the rest of their career," Rozelle said. " We offer intensive support in the first five years, what it means is extensive professional development access to grant money, and support in a cohort of 30 or so other teachers."

Janet H. and C. Harry Knowles established the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation in 1999 to improve math and science education in the nation by increasing the number of STEM teachers. There are now more than 248 teaching fellows and senior fellows across 39 states.

Rozelle said the intention is to turn the fellows into leaders in the industry and make change happen in STEM fields. Vanhala will begin her teaching career with many fellowship resources including $30,000 of support for her professional development and classroom supplies.

Vanhala said the application process was long and difficult, beginning with a written application, essays and letters of recommendation. From there, candidates are selected based on their potential to develop content based knowledge of their area of study, to have exemplary teaching practices and to develop the qualities of a leader.

Only about a third of the candidates make it through this step. After a written review and phone interview, the remaining 60 or so are flown out to Philadelphia for a two-day interview process where they are grilled by national experts from around the country in workshop. From that point on, they are narrowed down further.

"It was so cool doing the activities and simulations," Vanhala said. "I was impressed with the program they put together, just across the weekend. I learned so much about being a future science teacher and myself."

Rozelle said recruits for the fellowship come from some of the highest class universities in the nation, bringing candidates from the likes of Notre Dame University, the University of Michigan and various Ivy League schools. Even more intimidating were those who had been graduates with master's degrees.

"I felt like the underdog," Vanhala said. "One moment I keep sharing is at the first dinner, I was seated between two Harvard graduate students."

Rozelle said the school of origin is not part of their criteria for selection. Instead, the Knowles Science Teaching Fellowship selects their candidates based on skill and knowledge instead of coming from a national powerhouse. It can be noted that these schools are certainly more represented than CMU.

What may have put her above the others was her extra-curricular activities. Vanhala took advantage of these types of opportunities at CMU, including studying abroad, taking research projects, serving as student body vice president and even presenting at a conference in Hawaii.

Vanhala also double majored in science and english, and plans to teach high school science classes in the fall. Vanhala said she has received a few offers from potential employers, but is still conducting a job search.

"You have to give credit to Central Michigan University, they're getting good people on a national scene and are competitive," he said. "Michelle stood out as someone who was deserving out of the really high pool."

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