Graduate Fellowship, 2011-2012

Overview: PRISM is a National Science Foundation Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education (NSF GK-12) program that awards 12-month fellowships to eligible graduate students. Each PRISM Graduate Fellow partners with a middle or high school teacher to develop and implement compelling, inquiry-based science lessons. Fellows and teachers participate in a two-week Summer Institute on problem-based learning (PBL) and investigative case-based learning (ICBL) pedagogy. Together, each teacher-graduate student team spends the summer writing original problems and cases and planning for classroom implementation the following school year. Graduate Fellows spend approximately 12 hrs/wk during summer, fall, and spring, participating in PRISM activities including case development and implementation, planning, evaluation, and reflective teaching practices. This time will include approximately 10 hrs/wk in the K-12 classroom. Days actually spent in the classroom will vary according to placement, and Fellows may not be in the classroom every week. Participation in PRISM requires a time commitment that typically fluctuates from week to week, but will average 12 hrs/wk, and include a two-week summer institute (June 6-17) and four planning days (one each in July, September, January, and June). Fellows will:

• Collaborate with their teacher partners in the development and implementation of problems and cases, meeting weekly for reflection and planning.
• Complete Monthly Progress Reports (simple 2-page forms)
• Develop, implement, and publish case materials.
• Participate in Grad Student meetings every other week to reflect on the program and participate in professional development activities.
• Participate in PRISM professional development days:
  • Summer Institute. June 6-17, 2011. 8:30am-4:30pm.
  • Summer Planning Day. July 29, 2011.
  • Fall Planning Day. September 2011.
  • Spring Planning Day. January 2012.
  • Demo Day. June 2012.

Clark Atlanta Students: This webpage is dedicated to information about the PRISM program. However, Clark Atlanta doctoral students may apply to the PRISM Fellowship, the PRISM/CFNM Fellowship, or both (if applying for both, complete the PRISM application and indicate your additional interest in the PRISM/CFNM Fellowship). The fellowship programs and application procedures are similar. Consult the PRISM/CFNM Graduate Fellowship Application Information document for details. Information sessions and deadlines are the same for both programs.

Important Dates:

Eligibility: PRISM is open to doctoral students in the following programs and departments: Emory's Anthropology, Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Biomedical Engineering, Biostatistics, Chemistry, Epidemiology, all Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences programs, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology; and Clark Atlanta's Chemistry and Biology programs. International students are also eligible. Previous experience in K-12 classrooms is not required. Applicants must:

• be full-time students in good standing in their graduate program
• have permission of their mentor to participate
• NOT be enrolled in any courses during the Fellowship year
• NOT participate in any teaching assistantships during the Fellowship year

Application Information: Download the PRISM Graduate Fellowship Application Information document, which contains all information about the Fellowship eligibility, stipend, application procedures, activities and responsibilities. Some of this information is reproduced below. Clark Atlanta students should consult the PRISM/CFNM Graduate Fellowship Application Information document for details about the PRISM/CFNM application procedures.

The PRISM Graduate Fellowship application consists of three parts. Applications are not considered complete until all three components have been received.

Part A: Online Survey. Personal and demographic information are collected through this online survey for PRISM and CFNM applicants.

Part B: Student Materials. Assemble all Part B items together in a single PDF file and email it to Jordan Rose at jrose14@emory.edu. Name the file "YourlastnamePRISM11.pdf" (use "YourlastnameCFNM11.pdf" if you are applying to PRISM/CFNM). Download Making PDF files for guidance on combining separate files into a single PDF.

1. Emory Graduate School Fellowships Application Cover Sheet [download the PDF]
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Written Statement - In a 2-4 page, double-spaced, typed statement, please address the following:
   
   • Why you are interested in the PRISM Fellowship, how you will benefit from participation in PRISM, and how PRISM will benefit from your participation.
   • Preferred K-12 grade level and subject (e.g., high school chemistry, middle school physical science)
   • In 1-2 paragraphs, illustrate one way you might use an active learning method to teach a specific science concept for the grade level and area chosen above.
   • In a single paragraph, explain your research (current and/or future) as if you were speaking to a typical high school student.
   • Brief statement of any prior experience and interest in working with K-12 teachers or students. This could include volunteer work, tutoring, or other experience. (NOTE: prior experience is NOT required - if you have little experience, emphasize your interests and rationale for applying)
   • Brief statement of science background (baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate coursework, research, or other experience) and teaching experience (if any).

Part C: Mentor Support Materials. Download and print the PRISM Letter of Support Cover Sheet, fill out the top portion, and request that your faculty mentor sign the form, attach it to their letter of support, and submit both to Jordan Rose. (PRISM/CFNM applicants should use the form included in the PRISM/CFNM Graduate Fellowship Application Information document)

Contact: For questions regarding the PRISM program, the application process, or to check on the status of your application, contact Jordan Rose (404-712-9242).