Terrapin Teachers’ Student Spotlight: Joshua Pooranmal
/Joshua Pooranmal (computer science, '20) talks about his TT experience.
Joshua Pooranmal (computer science, '20) talks about his TT experience.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
Scholarships for future STEM teachers:
The 2025-2026 application is now available! Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship (middle and secondary STEM) - receive tuition/fees, room and board
Noyce Scholars Program (secondary STEM only) - Undergraduate students can receive $11,500 (tuition/fees) for up to two years; Graduate students can receive $23,000 for one year
Meet Zoe, a secondary math education major!
Are you a Maryland-certified secondary science or math teacher looking for an opportunity to support UMD teaching candidates? Read more…
Terrapin Teachers receives a $1M NSF-funded Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Award to support future STEM teachers. Read more…
Terrapin Teachers receives a $5,000 Do Good Institute Award “Game-Based Learning Facilitated by Future Mathematics Teachers.” Read more…
Congratulations Class of 2024!!
Are you a STEM middle or high school teacher looking for a flexible, online full or part-time Masters program that will build on your science knowledge? Check out the Master of Chemical & Life Sciences program.
1108 John S. Toll Physics Building
4150 Campus Dr, College Park, MD 20740, Room 1108
(301) 405-0645
Monday – Friday: 9AM – 4PM
General Inquiries: TT@umd.edu