Being a Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellow

Woodrow Wilson Fellows come from all walks of life. Some are just finishing their undergraduate programs; others have been in the working world for a while and are looking for a change; still others are transitioning out of military service, or coming back to work after time at home raising families, or seeking a second career. All have a background in science, math, or technology, a strong record of achievement, and a passion for their fields.

Comments from past applicants to the program:

Adding some competition and prestige to getting a teaching degree is a fabulous thing; why should the M.D.s and lawyers get all the prestige? My grades and background are easily strong enough to do med school or law—but I want to teach. Having a Fellowship to attract people helps a good deal.

To me this would be a dream come true...I wish I had realized earlier in life [teaching] is my passion. The Fellowship makes it a reality now, and I love the idea that I will be helping students learn who greatly deserve it.

When I heard of this opportunity and told my family they all encouraged me to apply; they know how I love to teach. I have taught children and adults for years but I have never pursued teaching as a career; now I have the opportunity to do what I love full time and get paid for it.

Comments from current Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellows about the program:

Dustin Hughes (mechanical engineering major, preparing in technology education at Purdue)

My dream is to become a successful technology teacher in a rural Indiana school, with a supportive and involved community. I love having the opportunity to be in the classroom. I am ... seeing first-hand what today's teachers are doing to reach their students, and how today's students react.

Jacqueline Jansing (former wildlife technician, preparing in life sciences at IUPUI)

Teaching is much harder than I thought—the word that comes to mind is 'challenging.' Nothing is static; your students are constantly evolving, and so is the curriculum. To be a good teacher you have to put your heart and soul into everything you do...I am ready to take this challenge on.

Todd Oneacre (former geologist, preparing in earth/space sciences at IUPUI)

Teaching has been something I wanted to pursue for quite a while, but until the Fellowship came along I wasn't able to do it. And it's not a misnomer to call it a Fellowship—that's what I've enjoyed and valued the most. It's very a very, very demanding process, but having other people to lean on does help a great deal.