Education grad selected for prestigious teaching fellowship

08 May 2020     By Haley Apel

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, Evan Thornton-Kolbe will join a record number of graduates earning degrees from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. At 10 a.m. he will participate in his first virtual discussion with fellow cohorts of the Knowles Science and Mathematics Teaching Fellowship. Thornton-Kolbe was awarded one of just 34 of the prestigious teaching fellowships for early-career high school math and science teachers.

“I am most excited to join a larger community of passionate teachers who teach in so many different places,” Thornton-Kolbe said.

The Denver-native and secondary math education graduate will teach algebra and pre-calculus at Lincoln High School in Lincoln in the fall. 

The Knowles Teaching Fellows program is an intensive and cohesive, five-year program that supports early-career science and mathematics teachers in their efforts to develop teaching expertise and lead from the classroom. 

Valued at more than $150,000 Knowles Fellows receive access to a wide range of benefits including stipends; grants for professional development, classroom materials and National Board Certification; coaching and mentoring from experienced teachers and teacher educators; support for teacher leadership initiatives; and membership in a national community of more than 400 educators. Knowles Fellows engage in nearly 100 hours of professional development each year.    

The first year of the program focuses on personal reflection and development of knowledge about the field of math. This process will allow Thornton-Kolbe to build upon the foundation he established as a student in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education.

“My experience in TLTE has allowed me so many opportunities to plan engaging lessons and learn more about what schools are like in both rural and urban settings,” he said. 

Thornton-Kolbe noted that associate professor Lorraine Males has had a significant impact on his time in the department and was the one who recommended that he apply for the fellowship.

“I look forward to all the new people and events I will be able to engage with as a Knowles Fellow and know I wouldn’t be here without Dr. Males’ guidance and support,” Thornton-Kolbe said.