Terrapin Teachers Host Induction Dinner

Eight local TT graduates attended our first induction event on January 15, 2019. Induction involves mentoring, support and guidance for new teachers.  Graduates shared challenges and accomplishments that occurred during their first semester of teaching in local high schools. During the spring semester, graduates will receive support for professional development, instruction, and resources for loan forgiveness.   

Left to right: Dana Grosser-Clarkson, Kayla White, Sarah Henson-Darko, Elias Gonzalez, Sara Tatum, Robert Martin, Linda Steel, Christopher Knocke, Will Tanzola, Jordan Weissberg, Anisha Campbell, Carolyn Lane, Julie Brenner

Listed below are the current job placements for each TT graduate:

• Elias Gonzalez - computer science, Montgomery Blair High School

• Sara Tatum - mathematics, Bladensburg High School

• Robert Martin - Ph.D. candidate

• Linda Steele - mathematics, Northwood High School

• Christopher Knocke - chemistry, Bethesda Chevy Chase High School

• Will Tanzola - astronomy, Bethesda Chevy Chase High School

• Jordan Weissberg - mathematics, Gaithersburg High School

• Carolyn Lane - mathematics, Rockville High School
  
  

Terrapin Teachers Student Ambassador Events

Left to right: Joshua Pooranmal (computer science, '20); Samhita Chundury (bioengineering, '21); Precious Azike (biological sciences, '20)

The Terrapin Teachers Student Ambassador Program is a yearlong internship that offers Terrapin Teachers students the opportunity to become more involved in the program’s recruiting and marketing efforts. During the fall 2018 semester, the TT Student Ambassadors hosted several activities. The goals of the events were to promote the TT initiative and recruit potential students who may be interested in enrolling in our first course, Inquiry Teaching of STEM in Elementary School (TLPL 101).

Ice Cream Social: Share Something Sweet with Your Fellow Future Educators!

On October 5, 2018, undergraduates currently enrolled in TT courses shared experiences about the impact of the courses and highlights from their fieldwork. Students played games and enjoyed tasty treats.

Free Professional Headshots

Students typically apply for various scholarships and internships during the fall semester. On October 12, 2018, TT offered students an opportunity to receive a free photo (headshot) to include in their application package. While promoting the event around campus, TT Student Ambassadors talked to their peers about the TT initiative and encouraged them to enroll in our introductory course, TLPL 101.

Alexandra Wright (mathematics, '22) smiles for the camera during the Free Professional Headshots event.

Tie Dye & Game Night

Word-of-mouth has been an essential recruitment tool for Terrapin Teachers.  At the beginning of the fall semester, each TT student was given a shirt with the question, “Ask Me About Terrapin Teachers?” on the front. As a result, several students found themselves engaged in conversations with their peers and professors about the program.    

On December 6, 2018, TT hosted a tie-dye event to allow TT students to add color to their white t-shirts. Participants decorated their shirts while enjoying games (cards, board games, Mario Kart, etc.), music, and pizza.

De-stress With Terrapin Teachers

On December 11, 2018, TT Student Ambassadors hosted a yoga event in Eppley Recreation Center to help UMD students de-stress during the exam period.

Left to right: Samhita Chundury (bioengineering, '21), Joshua Pooranmal (computer science, '20), Peter Mielke (physics, '20), Lehka Tantry (mathematics, '19), unknown, unknown, Precious Azike (biological sciences, '20), and unknown

2018 National Science Teachers Association Conference

Dr. Anisha Campbell, Associate Director of Terrapin Teachers, served as the local arrangements coordinator for the 2018 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) regional conference held November 13-17 at the National Harbor in Maryland.  

The National Harbor regional conference was organized around:

• Monumental Challenge: STEM Equity, Diversity, and Advocacy via Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

• Freedom to Become Scientifically Literate

• Cultivating Curiosity in the Capital Region

Terrapin Teachers (TT) would like to thank Dr. Daniel Levin, Clinical Associate Professor for Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership (TLPL), and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Robert Noyce grant, for sponsoring three TT students who attended the conference.

Left to right: Josephine Vallejo (biological sciences, '20); Michelle Njinguet (chemistry, '20); Pamela Tarectecan (biological sciences, '19); Anisha Campbell (Associate Director); and Damaries Blondonville (Prince George’s County Public Schools, TSL Senior Project Manager, Office of Talent Development)