I love math. Like in a weird way. If I could do math every day I would be in heaven. Not science, not computer stuff, just math. I received my math degree from Wright State in 2002. I wanted to teach but didn't want to take the additional time (and money) to get my teaching certification. I hoped that at some point I'd have the opportunity to get into a program where I could get my certification. However I couldn't find any programs near Dayton. (Mom told me about a program in Florida near her, but I wasn't sure I'd qualify for that one.)
After being an IP (Intellectual Property) Docket Clerk for 8 years, I still dreamed of doing something else. I'm an excellent docket clerk, I know my field and do my job well. However, it's not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Early last year I saw an article in the Dayton Daily News about the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship. I had several friends who also had Math or Technology degrees, so I told them about it. My friend Nikki applied, and she was accepted! She was part of the first class of Woodrow Wilson fellows to go through the University of Dayton. I thought about applying last year but I wasn't sure I wanted to be a teacher.
As Nikki went through the program I was a little envious that she was on her way to becoming a math teacher. Last December I started looking into the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship. I finished my application in February and started the wait. In March I found out I was a finalist and invited to an interview in Toledo.
I had about 10 days to prepare my presentation on a topic in my field (I chose Pythagorean theorem) and get ready for my taped interview. My presentation went well, and the group discussion went well. But then I walked into my individual interview, which was taped, and I fell apart. My interviewer asked why it took so long to finish my degree and he asked about all the jobs I've had. My insecurities came out and I started saying things I'd never say in an interview. I went home feeling defeated and knew I had blown it. I started thinking about applying next year and what I'd do different to make sure I got it next time.
At the end of April I had given up all hope that I was going to get the fellowship. And then I got the email - the one that congratulated me that I was selected as a Woodrow Wilson fellow. I was at work and practically ran to a conference room to call Jason and let him know. I then called my supervisor at work and let her know. (She had known since December that I was planning on applying.) And then I called my mom, of course. And then I tried to go back to work. It was so difficult to concentrate when I knew my whole life was about to change.
So next Monday I start my Masters in Education at the University of Dayton. It's an intensive 14 month program and I'll be done next August and teaching in the fall of 2014. I start shadowing a teacher this fall, and then I'll do my student teaching in the winter. Most likely I'll end up teaching at Dayton Public Schools when I'm done.
For more information about the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship, here's the website: http://www.wwteachingfellowship.org/
Please pass this on to anyone you know who has a math, science, technology or engineering degree and is interested in teaching.
Also, if you'd like to see my profile on the Woodrow Wilson site, here's the link: http://www.wwteachingfellowship.org/fellow/2013-ohio-bios.php
Wish me luck! :)
