The University of Toledo is one of three university campuses in the state to join the Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellowship program.
The fellowship program recruits accomplished career changers and outstanding recent college graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to complete a special intensive master’s program to teach math and science in the state’s urban and rural schools.
UT joins the program with Ohio University and the University of Dayton, which grows the fellowship to seven participating campuses in the state.
“The universities participating in this program realize that invigorating our teacher education programs will help our state to invigorate the way we educate our children in these STEM subject areas,” said Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Jim Petro, who announced the program expansion last week.
“The U.S. labor market is projected to grow faster in science and engineering than any other sector in the coming years. The University System of Ohio eagerly anticipates the difference these new educators will make in focusing more Ohio children on STEM degree pathways and, ultimately, careers in these vibrant sectors.”
The fellowship program in Ohio began with John Carroll University, the University of Akron and the University of Cincinnati, which received the first class of 65 fellows in 2011. Ohio State University also is participating and will host its first fellows in 2012.
“This is a prestigious fellowship program and The University of Toledo is honored to be selected as a partner university,” said Dr. William McMillen, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, who attended the press conference announcement in Columbus.
“The selection of UT through the competitive process is a recognition of our excellent education program and the exceptional training of teachers we provide at UT. We see this as an exciting opportunity for us to build on our relationship with Toledo Public Schools and area school districts as we train quality STEM teachers to be tomorrow’s leaders.”
The fellows complete a rigorous yearlong application and selection process. Each receives a $30,000 stipend to complete the redesigned teacher preparation programs, which focus largely on experiential learning in the local classrooms, similar to the way physicians train in hospitals and attorneys in law offices.
After participants in the Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellowship program complete their master’s degrees, they commit to teach for at least three years in a high-need state school with ongoing support and mentoring.
