I am applying for the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship to grow in my profession as an educator. I love teaching, but feel that I need a new intellectual challenge. Leaving the classroom for a year will provide the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and expand my knowledge of education at the national level. As a Fellow, I look forward to learning and engaging with colleagues from the government, academia, and industry. Not only do I want to participate in the fellowship for my growth, but I want to serve as a bigger role model for my students. I always challenge my students to take risks academically. Too often my students cannot see the opportunities that lay outside of our local area. The fellowship is the ultimate opportunity to model my pursuit of learning for my students. At the end of the fellowship, I hope to return to the classroom with a renewed sense of energy and desire for my students, school, district, and state. …show more content…
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to successfully manage multiple things. I thrive when I am busy with my four children, teaching multiple courses, mentoring teachers, and juggling multiple commitments. I bring an extensive knowledge of mathematics instruction through my involvement in a variety of experiences. I have been involved in various educational improvement initiatives such as Geometry Assessment for Secondary Teachers Project, AdvanceKY initiative, Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program, and a Texas Instruments Strategic Development Focus Group Participant. I have experience working with first-year teachers through the Kentucky Internship Teacher Program as well as with experienced teachers through my National Board work. These structured opportunities have led to networking with teachers in my district, state, and