Fellow and Teacher Application Information

Prospective Fellows

Program Overview

G-TEAMS (Graduate Students and Teachers Engaging in Mathematical Sciences) is a fellowship program that pairs University of Arizona graduate students with mathematics K-12 teachers and their students. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the program provides an innovative and dynamic opportunity for graduate students and teacher partners to collaborate on the development of novel, rigorous and relevant material for K-12 mathematics courses.

The program funds one-year partnerships between fellows and teachers, each sharing different perspectives and expertise. An overarching theme of the G-TEAMS activities is to promote the understanding of mathematical concepts and their applications to practical and realistic settings, by means of a variety of resources, such as simulations, modeling, and hands-on and problem-solving activities.

By participating in the program, fellows learn how to communicate mathematical ideas to diverse audiences and to incorporate their research into K-12 learning; they become familiar with a variety of teaching techniques; and they increase their understanding of K-12 educational issues. Teacher partners are involved in professional development workshops and appreciate how mathematical concepts may be applied to a variety of situations. K-12 students learn about the wide variety of possibilities offered by STEM disciplines by interacting with individuals who are planning a career in the Mathematical Sciences.

Benefits

Fellows receive a stipend of $30,000 plus additional funds to cover the cost of their education for the year of the fellowship. This includes in-state and out-of-state tuition, individual student health insurance, and normal university fees.
Each fellow learns new approaches and strategies to improve his/her capacity as a teacher and as a communicator of mathematics.
Fellows develop a broader understanding of K-12 education.
Fellows receive support for professional development (networking, funding to attend conferences, etc).

Responsibilities

Fellowships start on June 1st and end on May 31st of the following year.
Fellows prepare for their G-TEAMS experience in June and July and work with teacher partners throughout the school year. Fellows are expected to spend an average of 10 hours per week in their K-12 classroom and an additional 5 hours of preparation, for a total of 700 hours over the entire year.
In the summer preceding their fellowship, fellows attend a week-long Summer Institute, meet their teacher partners, and begin planning for the school year.
During the year of their fellowship, fellows are enrolled in a 1-credit special topic course (MATH 593), which meets weekly. The fellows also keep a journal in which they record their daily classroom activities and reflect on the challenges and excitement of their teaching experience.
During the school year, fellows work with one or two teacher partners at the same school (one teacher partner at either a high school or middle school; two teacher partners at an elementary school).
In the spring semester of their fellowship, fellows participate in the University of Arizona GK-12 Showcase, where they present their K-12 activities to the UA community.
Fellows are encouraged to attend and participate in regional and national GK-12 meetings.
While curriculum and activities vary depending on the needs and interests of the individual classes, all fellows typically perform the following tasks.
- Work with teachers to plan mathematics units or projects.
- Assist with lesson development and implementation.
- Introduce concepts about the practice of mathematics, i.e. being a researcher, an educator, or being in a profession where mathematical skills are required.
- Field student questions during class periods and hands-on sessions.
- Guide students in original research and inquiry projects, when appropriate.
- Share examples from their own UA research and that of others, when appropriate.
- Access resources (outreach programs, materials, and faculty) from UA.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in one of the University of Arizona doctoral degree programs in mathematical sciences. Students enrolled in a mathematics education or science education graduate program are not eligible.
Applicants must be citizens, nationals or permanent residents of the United States. Foreign students who hold student visas are not eligible.
Applicants must be well on track with their graduate studies. In particular, participation in the G-TEAMS program requires approval of the student's graduate advisor and graduate chair.
Applicants should have access to a car, as many schools are located at a considerable distance from the UA.

How to Apply

Please fill out the G-TEAMS Graduate Fellowship Application Form. You will be asked to upload the following materials, as a single PDF file, as part of your application.
1. A current resumé or CV (maximum length: 2 pages), including information on your mathematics background and research work.
2. A written statement (maximum length: 1 page) that addresses your interest in K-12 outreach and/or education and explains how a G-TEAMS fellowship would complement your development as a mathematical scientist and educator. If you have any previous formal or informal teaching experience or experience working with children, please describe these activities as well.
3. A written description of your research interests in non-technical terms, and a list of ideas for communicating them to school children (maximum length: 1 page). Imagine you are talking to a student in the particular K-12 grade level you would like to work with as a G-TEAMS fellow. Explain your general research goals and why you enjoy being a mathematical scientist. Write your answer using words and concepts that will be understandable and interesting to the student. Please note that the description of your research interests may be shared with your teacher partner(s).
4. A UA graduate transcript (an unofficial copy is fine).
Arrange for two letters of recommendation, including one from your graduate advisor, to be sent directly to Alejandra Gaona (520-626-6145, agaona@math.arizona.edu), either by email, or at the following address.
G-TEAMS Graduate Application
Alejandra Gaona
Institute for Mathematics & Education
Department of Mathematics
University of Arizona
617 N. Santa Rita
Tucson, AZ 85721
The letter from your advisor should be attached to the Fellow Signature Page. Please have this form signed by your graduate chair before giving it to your graduate advisor.

Important Dates

Applications are due before February 1st of each year.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the review process by March 1st.
Students awarded a G-TEAMS fellowship must take MATH 593 in the Spring and Fall semesters of the academic year of their fellowship. The class meets from 4 to 5 pm on Mondays.
Fellows must also participate in the G-TEAMS Summer Institute (typically held in June) and in the MIME Workshop (typically run in April by the Insitute of Mathematics and Education). For specific dates, please see the application form (just above the "Submit Form" button, at the end of the form).
Stipend, tuition and fee waivers for students awarded a G-TEAMS fellowship will cover the period starting June 1st and ending May 31st of the following year.

Questions

If you have any questions about the G-TEAMS program and/or application process, please contact Joceline Lega (520-621-4350, lega@math.arizona.edu). Thank you.