Are you a high school teacher in New York City?
Do you teach science or math, or have an interest in brain science? If so, this fellowship is for you. Based at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Teacher-Scholar Program offers an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge neuroscience research and be part of a team creating educational materials to bring neuroscience to the classroom.
This is a paid, 1-year fellowship at Columbia University.
**Application deadline: Friday, June 5, 2020**
Structure
Teachers attend four lectures (two per semester) as part of the Brain Insight Lecture Series, free and open to the public, in which eminent Columbia scholars examine how brain science intersects with everyday life. Teachers are encouraged to bring colleagues and students to the lectures as well. Professional Development activities occur approximately one week before and one week after the associated lecture. In these seminars, teachers examine the neuroscience content in more detail, and work in groups to design ways to bring the neuroscience into the classroom, aligning it with the science and engineering practices of the Next Generation Science Standards.
We predict that the 2020-2021 Teacher-Scholar Program will go ahead, but due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic please note that we may have to make changes to the program including holding some sessions virtually.
Program dates and subjects
There are four lectures per year on weekdays at 6:30 pm, and eight seminars per year, from 4:30-6:30 pm. Seminars occur on select Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Columbia University. Lectures and seminar dates are scheduled so as to not conflict with the NYC DOE public school high school calendar. The program calendar will be finalized the summer before the program begins.
The lecture topics for each year are as unique as the changing list of speakers. Lectures from past years have included the science behind adolescent brain development (Nim Tottenham, PhD), mental health disparities across communities (Sidney Hankerson, MD), using music and entertainment to teach children to identify warning signs of stroke (Olajide Williams, MD), and how neuroscience can help reduce test anxiety in students (Sian Beilock, PhD).
Expectations and deliverables
Satisfactory attendance at seminars and lectures is essential for a successful program experience. Infrequent absences are permitted provided previous arrangements have been made. Active participation in the seminars, and occasional but limited work outside of the seminars is expected. Teacher Scholars are required to create one activity or lesson plan per semester, incorporating the lecture content presented in the Brain Insight Teacher-Scholar Program.
Stipend and supplies money
Teachers Scholars are paid $1,200 for their involvement in the program ($600 for the first semester and $600 for the second, upon successful completion of attendance and lesson plan requirements).
Teachers Scholars have a $300 supplies budget for supplies purchased in relation to lessons created for the Teacher-Scholar Program. Teachers must submit receipts and a description of how the money was used to be reimbursed for those expenses. The budget is active for the current year of program participation and the following academic year.
Eligibility
The Teacher-Scholar Program is open to high school science teachers currently employed by any public, independent, or parochial school in New York City. Teachers must have at least two years of experience teaching by the start of the Teacher-Scholar Program. Applicants must be a US citizen or resident alien. Middle school teachers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
We welcome applications from alumni of the program, with no limit on the number of prior years in the program. All alumni are welcome to attend the public lectures at any time.
**NEW APPLICANTS ONLY: In addition to your online application, you must also submit your resume to [email protected] **