February 13, 2019

Congratulations to Our Fall 2018 Graduate Jennifer Hill

February 13, 2019/ Anisha Campbell

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.“

February 13, 2019

Terrapin Teachers’ Student Spotlight: Joshua Pooranmal

February 13, 2019/ Anisha Campbell

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

February 13, 2019

Terrapin Teachers Host Induction Dinner

February 13, 2019/ Anisha Campbell

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

February 13, 2019

Terrapin Teachers Student Ambassador Events

February 13, 2019/ Anisha Campbell

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.

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.