Grand Valley seeks Woodrow Wilson Fellows for 2013

Grand Valley State University is taking applications for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Woodrow Wilson Michigan Teaching Fellow program, aimed at increasing the number of science and mathematics teachers.

The program is open to graduating college seniors, recent graduates and mid-career or second-career professionals with degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) who are interested in teaching in Michigan’s high-need, urban secondary schools.

The Fellows will take part in Grand Valley’s innovative master’s level teacher preparation program linked with intensive classroom experience. Each Fellow will receive a $30,000 Fellowship in exchange for a three-year commitment to teach in a high-need secondary school. Grand Valley has partnered with Grand Rapids Public Schools, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, Kentwood Public Schools and Muskegon Public Schools.

Steven Feutz, who earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in aerospace engineering and music theory, was part of the 2011 Fellowship Program. He is now teaching high school math in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools.

“The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship is a rigorous, supportive program that is truly a model for teacher education programs,” said Feutz. “It has provided me with not only what I need to be the best teacher I can be now, but also with the tools, knowledge, and resources I need to continually improve for the rest of my career.”

Feutz gained media attention in May when he and his eighth-grade students used their math skills to build a wheelchair ramp for a local woman.

Bobbi Jo Kenyon, named 2012 Michigan Teacher of the Year, is a Grand Valley alumna who mentors in the Woodrow Wilson program. “I had a wonderful opportunity to mentor a Fellow throughout the year to become a highly effective teacher,” said Kenyon. “The program is intensive and by being year-long, it gives the Fellows a chance to really grow and learn how to become highly effective in the classroom so they will be prepared to teach on their own and be successful in their own career.

“My favorite part of this program is that it requires a commitment from the Fellow to work in high-needs schools. These schools desperately need to bring in great teachers who are committed to working with at-risk students and the challenges this brings.” 

For more information or to apply to be a Fellow, contact Barbara LaBeau, at (616) 331-6693, or Caryn King at (616) 331-6654.