Overview

The New Jersey STEM Innovation Fellowship is an exciting teacher‐leadership program open to experienced elementary teachers and coaches working in New Jersey public schools. Educators accepted to the fellowship will receive a $5,000 stipend and join a supportive learning community where they will learn about a research‐based, innovative math teaching routine alongside talented educators from other New Jersey districts and schools. The program is based on Math for America’s (MƒA’s) fellowship model developed in NYC that has been successfully adapted in other cities and states.​

Fellowship at‐a‐Glance:

  • Fellowship duration: One-year renewable fellowship
  • Eligibility: Currently licensed K‐5 math teachers and coaches, with 4+ years of experience, working in a NJ public school
  • Activity: Educators implement and reflect on an innovative math teaching routine
  • Time commitment: Summer institute + monthly after‐school meetings
  • Locations: Montclair State University, Princeton University, Rowan University
  • Benefit to fellows: $5,000 stipend; high‐quality professional learning experience
  • Benefits to schools/districts: Increased capacity for high‐quality math instruction

Application Checklist

  • Carefully read the New Jersey STEM Innovation Fellowship Overview
  • Complete a current resume. Save with a filename of: “last name_district_Resume”
  • Complete the Written Response Question 1 and save with a filename of the form “last name_district_WRQ1”
    • Describe an experience within the last two years that deepened your understanding of how to teach mathematics effectively (350 words max). Be sure to describe:
      • What you learned;
      • What you did differently;
      • How you knew it was effective.
  • Complete the Written Response Question 2 and save with a filename of the form “last name_district_WRQ2"
    • If accepted to the fellowship you will be learning about and implementing a teaching routine called “number strings” on a regular basis with your students. Number strings are also sometimes called “mini‐lessons.” The links below provide access to excerpts from book chapters that describe how teachers can use number strings in grades K‐1, 2‐3, and/or 4‐5. The readings use “mini‐lessons” as another name for number strings. (When you read “mini‐lesson,” just think “number string."                               K – 1          2 – 3          4 – 5
    • Choose the grade band that is most applicable to the area of math that you teach and read the associated excerpt. Then:
    • Please describe what interests you about implementing number strings (aka mini‐lessons) with your students in the 2021‐22 school year. (350 words max). Use concrete, specific examples as illustrations - “I want to improve my students’ skills adding multi‐digit numbers” is better than “I want to improve my student’s math skills,” for example. We’re looking for educators who want to learn – don’t be afraid to write about aspects of teaching and learning that you want to improve upon and understand more deeply!
  • When the resume and written responses are completed begin the application process here. 
  • Arrange to have the Statement of Assurance completed and signed by both your school building leader (e.g. principal) and school district leader (e.g. superintendent/network leader); the single, two-page document should then be submitted by either the administrator or the applicant. In most cases it will make sense to first secure the endorsement of your school building leader, who can help you to secure the endorsement of your school district/network leader. Please feel free to share the New Jersey STEM Innovation Fellowship Overview document with both administrators. Deadline for the Statement of Assurance is April 21 at 11:59 PM (EST)
  • Arrange to have the Letter of Recommendation form completed and submitted by a colleague or coach. Deadline for the Letter of Recommendation to be received is April 21 at 11:59 PM (EST)​

Dates to Remember

  • April 21, 2021: Applications due
  • Mid May 2021: Decision letters sent via email
  • Late May 2021: Fellowship agreement letter / letter of intent due
  • August 24-25, 2021: Summer Institute at Montclair State University (participation is mandatory and a requirement of the fellowship)

The 2021 Application Cycle for the NJ STEM Innovation Fellowship has closed

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