GK-12 Program

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Program Description

(The full program can also be downloaded from prime-essay.net.)

The Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education (GK-12) Program provides funding to graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to acquire additional skills that will broadly prepare them for professional and scientific careers in the 21st century. NSF developed the GK-12 program recognizing that, in addition to being competent researchers, STEM graduate students must be able to communicate science and research to a variety of audiences. As the graduate students bring their cutting-edge research and practice into the K-12 classroom, they gain these skills which enable them to explain science to people of all ages, ranging from students to teachers. The graduate students also inspire transformation in the K-12 formal and informal learning environments and stimulate interest in science and engineering among students and teachers. NSF understands that STEM graduate students can contribute to the national effort to advance scientific knowledge through partnerships with K-12 communities. Through the GK-12 program, institutions of higher education have had an opportunity to make a significant change in STEM graduate and K-12 education programs by creating strong and enduring partnerships.

The Kansas Partnership for Graduate Fellows in K-12 Education

Visualizing the outcomes of our Gk-12 program will help us design the pathways to get these outcomes.

Graduate Fellows

  • Fellows will developed enhanced leadership skills; the ability to motivate a group of people toward a common goal.
  • Fellows will develop enhanced ability to communicate science and research to a variety of audiences.
  • Fellow will develop a broad vision of STEM education in both formal (Grades K-20) and informal environments.
  • Fellows will develop their understanding of pedagogy and refine their ability to teach.
  • Fellows will develop a broad understanding across STEM fields.
  • Fellows will be supported in their research and degree completion
  • Fellows will understand that there are many career pathways in their discipline.

Middle School Teachers

  • The middle school teachers will be engaged in professional development and STEM field understanding.
  • The middle school teachers will be engaged in professional development to deepen their understanding of STEM research.
  • The middle school teachers will have a STEM content expert as an in-school collaborator.

Middle School Students

  • Middle School Students will have a scientist mentor in the classroom.
  • Middle School Students will have deeper content understanding of STEM fields.
  • Middle School Students will increase interest in science and engineering among students.
  • Middle School Students will develop a broader understanding of STEM Career Choices.

Graduate Program at the University of Kansas

The GK-12 Fellows Program provides general education and training in communication, management, and leadership to assist graduate students in their preparation for career roles, that complements the specialized education and training provided in their research programs

Additional KU GK-12 Program Information

 2011-2012 GK-12 Fellows are maintianing a blog. Read it to hear their experiences at http://gk12ku.wordpress.com/.

We are now accepting applications for the 2012-2013. Applications are due by Monday, March 5 at 5pm. You may turn in completed applications to:

Steve Case
1000 Sunnyside Ave, Rm 3078
Lawrence, KS 66045

Application Materials:
- docGK-12 Application
- Statement of interest in the GK-12 Program
- Recommendation letter from your graduate program committee chair.
- Transcripts
- GRE Scores

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