Students pursuing careers related to education get a boost this spring with the launch of the SRJC Teaching Fellows scholarship program.
“In my brief time in Sonoma County, I have encountered many SRJC alumni who fondly recall ‘a teacher who made a difference in my life.’ It’s now time to begin development of the next generation of great SRJC and Sonoma County faculty,” wrote SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong wrote in an Oct. 9 letter to faculty announcing the innovation.
“It’s a prestigious award,” said Dr. Robin Fautley of Life Sciences. “Students will be selected through a competitive process, be able to add being a Fellow to their resume, plus they will receive a monetary incentive.
Students will be partnered with a faculty member who will mentor the fellows by providing them with teaching opportunities, providing first- hand experience and a look behind the scenes.”
Chong chose Fautley for an ad-hoc committee instructed to create the Teaching Fellows Program, the latter financed by a $5 million anonymous donatation in Spring 2012. Fautley’s
many qualifications include current president of the Academic Senate, a member of the Curriculum Review Committee, implementing the Student Success Task force guidelines as well as teaching Biology 100 this semester.
Other members of the committee included people from the Financial Aid and Scholarships departments, the All Faculty Association, three deans and Joel Gordon, director of Early Childhood Education. Gordon will also direct the new program.
The Teaching Fellows scholarships, up to $1,800 each, pair each student with a matching teacher to mentor them through hands-on practical experience in many areas of the academic environment.
“Teaching fellows will meet regularly with their SRJC mentors and will also have monthly meetings with others participating in the program,” the college announced in a press release Oct. 24.
“The students will learn about best practices in teaching methodology in educational settings, working with diverse populations and about educating students in a changing world.”
Careers listed on the application include teaching college, grades K-12 and early childhood education, plus librarian, school counselor, disability resource specialist, school psychologist