GK 12 Fellowship application 2012 2013

							GK-12 FELLOWS Application Form – The University of North Carolina at Greensboro –                 Page 1 of 7
                            GK-12 Graduate Fellow 2012-2013 Application
                         Transforming Minds in a Transitioning Community
                            * * * Application Deadline: March 2, 2012 * * *

The GK-12 program at UNCG, funded by the National Science Foundation, partners graduate student
Fellows from the departments of Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, and Geography with teachers and
students at Montlieu elementary, Welborn middle, and Andrews high schools, located in High Point, NC.
Fellows, teachers and students will form discovery teams to scientifically investigate the biological, chemical,
physical, health-related, and socioeconomic effects of changing land use patterns in the region.

Fellows and their partnering teachers will work on three primary tasks:
    1. the development and delivery of inquiry-based lesson plans,
    2. greater quality and quantity of differentiated instruction, and
    3. the creation of school-based teams to teach others science concepts and methods.

Fellows will learn to communicate their research to a wide variety of audiences, develop lesson plans,
develop leadership skills, enhance their teaching capability, and engage in research activities with students.
Teachers will integrate new research into their teaching and learning. Fellows and teachers will participate in
professional development activities focused on inquiry-based, science instruction and working with diverse
student groups. K-12 students will become engaged in new forms of science learning and research and will
be exposed to a variety of STEM careers.
Summary of Fellow’s Responsibilities and Expectations
An average of 15 hours per week dedicated to activities with K-12 students and teachers, including those
listed below (10 hours per week in the classroom and 5 hours per week in preparation).
      Complete a required background check with Guilford County Schools
      Understand and implement activities directed toward the goals and objectives of this program
      Partner with K-12 teachers in a classroom to develop activities related to your research discipline
      Meet weekly (45-60-minute conferences) with your K-12 teacher to exchange ideas and plan future
        lesson activities based on your classroom/subject syllabus
      Submit weekly written reflections and logs on jointly prepared and delivered Fellow-teacher lessons
        for classroom or field trip activities; the logs must be submitted to UNCG personnel each week
      Communicate with your academic advisors on a regular schedule to be determined by your advisor
      Incorporate constructive feedback to enhance instruction and increase personal organization and
        effectiveness
      Enroll and participate in an independent-study graduate course every semester, including the
        summer, which includes attendance at monthly GK-12 teacher/fellows professional development
        workshops and bi-weekly meetings with PIs for planning activities and communication
      Respond to emails from Project staff within 24 hours.
      Create or modify at least three learning activities, produce written lesson plans associated with each,
        and implement these lessons in the classroom
      Prepare a final report in the spring semester which details these activities and in which you reflect
        thoroughly on their implementation
      Participate in two or more GK-12-related symposia and science events each year
      Attend two workshops in the summer (July and August) to prepare GK 12 fellows for being in K-12
        classes and to develop effective partnerships with teachers
      Participate in ongoing project evaluation/research activities and provide information to the project
        evaluator, as needed
      Prepare and deliver joint presentations with your K-12 teacher at conferences, workshops or
        symposia on your GK-12 related activities and experiences (travel expenses are provided by the
        project). For example, Fellows might join faculty and teachers at a presentation at the North Carolina
        Science Teachers Association annual meeting.
      Fellows may be asked to attend the annual GK-12 Summit meeting in Washington, DC.
      Mentor K-12 students as they prepare for science fairs, Science Olympiad and/or National Lab Day.
GK-12 FELLOWS Application Form – The University of North Carolina at Greensboro –        Page 2 of 7

This 12-month fellowship begins July 1, 2012 and continues through June 30, 2013. Fellows may
reapply for the program for a second year. The National Science Foundation limits graduate students
to two years of participation. GK-12 Fellow rewards follow.
     Each Graduate fellow will receive a $30,000 scholarship, beginning July 1, 2012. Additionally,
       tuition costs of graduate fellows, up to $10,500 per year, are provided by the grant. Grant
       funds will reimburses each Fellow for mileage associated with the grant.
     Opportunities to attend science education conferences, locally and nationally
     Opportunities to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary science/science education teams on
       projects that will make a difference for K-12 students and the neighborhoods in which they live

All applicants are expected to participate in a half-day tour of the participating schools
            to be tentatively held February 17, 2012 (information to follow).

Selected Fellows must be available for two summer workshops. The July workshop will focus
on preparing Fellows for being K-12 schools. Topics will include background knowledge on the use
of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction,
and tools for being in the classroom. The August workshop, just prior to the beginning of the
Guilford County Schools Academic year, will be a 3 day workshop designed to develop the
teacher/fellow partnership and lessons that can be used in the classroom that both enhance
teaching and learning and incorporate each Fellow’s research interests. The time will be used for
teams to develop extensive plans and goals for the coming academic year.

To apply, you must be a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident.

The application includes:
   • a completed signed application form
   • a Statement of Purpose (described below)
   • two letters of reference
   • Statement of Commitment by your faculty advisor
Please attach a current transcript.

FOR QUESTIONS CONCERNING ANY ASPECT OF THE GK-12 PROGRAM, CONTACT:
  John J. Lepri, Ph. D       Lynn Sametz, Ph.D., GK-12 Project Manager
  Associate Professor        Associate Director, Center for Youth,
  UNCG-Biology               Family and Community Partnerships
  312 Eberhart Building      345 Eberhart Building
  Greensboro, NC 27402       Greensboro, NC 27401
  phone: (336) 334-4132      phone: (336) 217-9751
  email: jjlepri@uncg.edu    email: l_sametz@uncg.edu

Send completed applications to:
 John Lepri
 UNCG-Biology
 312 Eberhart Building
 Greensboro, NC 27402
 phone: 336-334-4132
 email: jjlepri@uncg.edu

                      Successful applicants will be notified by the end of March.
                                 DUE DATE: March 2, 2012, 5pm
GK-12 FELLOWS Application Form – The University of North Carolina at Greensboro –                Page 3 of 7


                    GK-12 Graduate Fellow 2012-2013 Application Form
Please Print Clearly or Type Contact Information:

Your Name: _________________________________ UNCG ID number _______________
Mailing Address:
   _________________________________________

   _________________________________________

City, State, Zip _______________________________


Cell/Home Phone #____________________________
E-mail_______________________________________

Residence and Citizenship Information:
___ Resident of North Carolina
___ Resident of another state
___ US Citizen
___ US National
___ Permanent Resident

Education:

I am a graduate student in the Department of _____________________

Current Degree Sought: __________________
Ultimate Degree Sought: __________________

Education Background (include all post-secondary):
Institution       Major               Degree                Hours               Dates




Statement of Purpose:
Please write an essay that summarizes your educational and career objectives and why you should be
considered for a GK-12 scholarship. In your essay, you must address the following questions:
  1. Why do you want to participate in the GK-12 Fellows program?
  2. What qualities do you feel you possess that make you a good mentor for K-12 teachers and students?
  3. Briefly describe your experiences in the K-12 setting or during informal opportunities with K-12 students.
  4. What do you see as some of the challenges of effective K-12 science education?
  5. In which specific disciplines, e.g., environmental science, chemistry, geology, physics, etc., do you feel
      most qualified to teach and provide expertise to K-12 teachers and students?
  6. How might you contribute or facilitate innovative programs, ideas, or lessons?
  7. Are you willing to work at any grade level? Do you have a preference?

    * * * application continues on following page * * *
GK-12 FELLOWS Application Form – The University of North Carolina at Greensboro –                     Page 4 of 7


References:
Please list two (2) individuals from whom you have requested a letter of support. Please provide these
individuals a copy of the application form (including Fellows’ responsibilities) and have them submit their
letter and/or form to the address listed. It is up to you to ensure that these materials are submitted. If you are
currently enrolled at UNCG, one of these must be your current research supervisor. Note: Research
supervisors or other faculty members are strongly encouraged to join and support Fellows in their K-12
partnership activities as time allows (this commitment should be included in the letter of support). Research
supervisors agree to sign off on a bi-weekly report form prepared by the fellow detailing their activities with
the GK12 program. Please ask your references to send these forms to John Lepri by March 2, 2012.

References:
1. Please list your faculty advisor and provide your advisor with a copy of the entire application.

Faculty Advisor: __________________________ Department: _______________________

Advisor’s contact information: email and phone___________________

2. Name and Contact Address for second person that will write a reference letter (address, email, phone)


_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________


I certify that all general information given on this application is complete and correct. I also agree to
the responsibilities of a GK-12 Fellow as described in this application, including participation in
required meetings, seminars, and workshops.

______________________________________________________________ __________________
Signature of Applicant                                           Date

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does
not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion,
gender, age, or disability.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro regards discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation to be
inconsistent with its goal of providing an atmosphere in which students, faculty and staff may learn, work and
live. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro values the benefits of cultural diversity and pledges to
students, prospective students, faculty, staff and the public that it will defend pluralism in the academic
community and welcomes all men and women of good will without regard to sexual orientation.


                                      DUE DATE: March 2, 2012, 5pm
GK-12 FELLOWS Application Form – The University of North Carolina at Greensboro –                  Page 5 of 7

                       GK-12 Graduate Fellow 2012-2013 Reference Form
Request for Reference
Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, this applicant will have
access to the information provided below unless he/she waives such access.

Applicant, please complete this section:

Name of Applicant: ________________________________________________________________

Graduate program currently enrolled in _________________________________________________

Optional item: I hereby waive my right of access to the material recorded below

_______________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Applicant                                     Date

Respondent, please complete this section:
On a separate page, please state your relationship to the candidate and provide your judgment of this
applicant’s qualifications and promise; your perception of the candidate’s intellectual ability, motivation, and
capacity for research or for acquiring professional skill; the applicant’s promise for a career in productive
scholarship and effective teaching, the quality of previous work; the applicant’s potential for contributing to the
GK12 program, and comments on his or her character and personality.

Please complete the following as pertains to this applicant:

                                                Above                             Below               No
                            Exceptional                         Average
                                               Average                           Average         Information
    Intellectual ability
    Writing ability
    Speaking ability
    Academic
    preparation
    Maturity
    Teaching ability


Reference’s Name_______________________________________

Signature_______________________________________________                       Date________________

Please send/ email completed reference form to:
        John J. Lepri, Ph. D.
        UNCG-Biology
        312 Eberhart Building
        Greensboro, NC 27402

        phone: (336) 334-4132
        email: jjlepri@uncg.edu

                               References DUE DATE: March 2, 2012 5pm
GK-12 FELLOWS Application Form – The University of North Carolina at Greensboro –                  Page 6 of 7


                       GK-12 Graduate Fellow 2012-2013 Reference Form
Request for Reference
Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, this applicant will have
access to the information provided below unless he/she waives such access.

Applicant, please complete this section:

Name of Applicant: ________________________________________________________________

Graduate program currently enrolled in _________________________________________________

Optional item: I hereby waive my right of access to the material recorded below

_______________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Applicant                                     Date

Respondent, please complete this section:
On a separate page, please state your relationship to the candidate and provide your judgment of this
applicant’s qualifications and promise; your perception of the candidate’s intellectual ability, motivation, and
capacity for research or for acquiring professional skill; the applicant’s promise for a career in productive
scholarship and effective teaching, the quality of previous work; the applicant’s potential for contributing to the
GK12 program, and comments on his or her character and personality.

Please complete the following as pertains to this applicant:

                                                Above                             Below               No
                            Exceptional                         Average
                                               Average                           Average         Information
    Intellectual ability
    Writing ability
    Speaking ability
    Academic
    preparation
    Maturity
    Teaching ability


Reference’s Name_________________________________________

Signature________________________________________________                      Date________________

Please send/ email completed reference form to:
        John J. Lepri, Ph. D.
        UNCG-Biology
        312 Eberhart Building
        Greensboro, NC 27402

        phone: 336-334-4132
        email: jjlepri@uncg.edu

                               References DUE DATE: March 2, 2012 5pm
GK-12 FELLOWS Application Form – The University of North Carolina at Greensboro –             Page 7 of 7


                     GK-12 Graduate Fellow 2012-2013 Advisor Form
NOTE: Research advisors are asked to complete this form AND provide a letter of reference.

Applicant, please complete this section:

Name of Applicant:__________________________________________

Name of Faculty Advisor and Department:

_________________________________________________________

Contact information: email and phone ___________________________

Faculty Advisor:
Please read and complete this section and return to the candidate PRIOR TO March 2, 2012.

    Statement of Commitment by Faculty Advisor for NSF GK-12 Fellow Professional Development
Three of the major objectives of the UNCG’s GK-12 program are to (1) equip fellows, teachers and K-12
students with the essential scientific tools and methods to understand their neighborhoods, (2) to enhance
the communication between University faculty and graduate students with K-12 teachers, and (3) provide
professional development opportunities for GK-12 Fellows and their teacher partners. These goals require
active participation by faculty advisors who can serve as mentors for Fellows. The graduate student listed
above has applied for an NSF Graduate Fellowship as a GK-12 Fellow for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Fellows are appointed for a 12-month period beginning with a workshop in July 2012. They are also expected
to work independently with teachers to develop lesson activities throughout the year. The applicant has
indicated that you are willing to serve as a faculty mentor through your participation in various activities.
These would include the following:
     Working with students to present their work in a summer workshop,
     Attending at least one monthly meeting during the academic year,
     Providing guidance to Fellows to help the Fellow re-conceptualize their area(s) of expertise to be
        appropriate for k-12 students, and
     Observing the Fellow in the classroom one time each semester.
The faculty advisor may choose to participate in other activities in addition to those listed above. However,
reappointment of the Fellow is based on the commitment made by the faculty Advisor in support of the
professional development activities of the Fellow under this NSF graduate fellowship. Your signature is an
acknowledgement of this agreement and commitment to the GK-12 Fellow applicant listed above.

_________________________________________________________________ _____________
     Signature of Faculty Advisor                                   Date

Candidate: Please include this form with your application and submit to:
       John Lepri
       UNCG-Biology
       312 Eberhart Building
       Greensboro, NC 27402
       phone: 336-334-4132
       email: jjlepri@uncg.edu


                                    DUE DATE: March 2, 2012, 5pm