The College of Education Undergrad Virtual Info Session

The College of Education is hosting a virtual information session for Fall 2021 applicants next Wednesday, July 22nd from 2 PM- 2:45 PM. We will be providing you with everything you need before you apply. Register now by going to go.umd.edu/edterp. #umd #edterps #whyedterps #shellsunited #umdsolidarity  

Maryland Day 2019

TT participated in the university-sponsored Maryland Day event held on April 27, 2019.  Our undergraduates shared “real-life” experiences about teaching with parents and prospective UMD students.  The day was filled with fun and laughter. There was a line of students and parents wrapped around the tent, all of whom were interested in winning Terrapin Teachers swag. In order to spin the “Wheel of Goodies,” participants had to answer math or science-based questions correctly.  The level of difficulty increased based on the participants' level of education. Winners walked away with Terrapin Teachers swag that included t-shirts, water bottles, notebooks, stickers, pens, and drawstring bags. 

Congratulations to Our Fall 2018 Graduate Jennifer Hill

(photo credit: Jennifer Hill)

Congratulations are in order for Jennifer Hill, a Secondary Mathematics Education major. Jennifer transferred to UMD from Montgomery College during her junior year. Starting spring 2019, she will teach algebra at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD.  

“My overall college experience has been a challenge. Being a double major in math and education is no joke. When I was in high school and even at my community college, math came very easy to me, but being here at UMD, it was a huge change. There were times where I doubted my ability to be a math teacher and thought about changing paths. But the Terrapin Teacher classes made me confident in not only being a teacher but a math teacher. I got to meet some amazing people and go through some great experiences in the classroom. I have learned a lot about the kind of teacher I want to be and I appreciate Terrapin Teachers so much for getting me that much closer to becoming a teacher.“

Terrapin Teachers’ Student Spotlight: Joshua Pooranmal

Joshua Pooranmal (computer science, '20) talks about his TT experience.

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)

Meet our New Master Teacher

Terrapin Teachers welcomed a new Master Teacher, Dr. Dana Grosser-Clarkson, in fall 2018. Dr. Grosser-Clarkson completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Maryland in 2016.

Dr. Grosser-Clarkson holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Western Michigan University, where she also worked with the Core-Plus Mathematics Project. Prior to pursuing her Ph.D. at UMD, Dr. Grosser-Clarkson was an assistant mathematics professor at the University of Charleston and taught high school mathematics in Michigan. Dr. Grosser-Clarkson's current research interests include core-practices, practice-based teacher education, standards-based curricula, algebraic thinking, classroom discourse, and lesson study. With Terrapin Teachers, Dr. Grosser-Clarkson has been teaching several secondary mathematics methods courses and supervising our secondary teaching candidates in their year-long field placements.