The 2016-2017 STELLER scholars (l-r): Miranda Ayad, Franziska Shelton, Gabriel Matthews, Mokhles Salama, Kathryn Mendenhall, Hratch Melkonian, Kristen Sharpe, and Tiffini Gillespie [not pictured, Nathan Donnelly]
The Gevirtz School at UC Santa Barbara has named its 2016-17 STEM Teachers for English Language Learners: Excellence and Retention (STELLER) Noyce Scholars, nine students working on their teaching credentials in mathematics and science in the Teacher Education Program who are focused on teaching English Language Learners (ELLs). The fellowships are funded by the National Science Foundation.
The 2016-17 STELLER Noyce Scholars are:
Miranda Åyad
Nathan Donnelly
Tiffini Gillespie
Gabriel Matthews
Kathryn Mendenhall
Hratch Melkonian
Mokhles Salama
Kristen Sharpe
Franzika Shelton
UCSB teacher candidates pursuing a credential in mathematics or science can apply to be a Noyce STELLER Teacher Scholar and receive up to a $14,500 scholarship. Scholars focus on ways to effectively teach mathematics and science to English Language Learners (ELLs). Each candidate also participates in cohort-building, educational enrichment, and career guidance opportunities. Finally, scholars complete a second methods course in science or mathematics on how to teach their discipline to ELLs. In exchange for the scholarship, after graduation, Noyce Teacher Scholars must teach for two years in a high-need school district.