Overview

The Socrates Fellows Program funded by the National Science Foundation as a GK-12 grant to UCSD, awards 12-month fellowships to eligible PhD students. Each Socrates Fellow will partner with a middle or high school teacher to develop and implement compelling, inquiry-based science lessons. Socrates Fellows and teachers participate in a five-week summer institute. The first two weeks on pedagogical techniques followed by a three-week period during which the Fellow and the teacher develop an activity that can be implemented in classrooms the following school year. Socrates Fellows will spend approximately 12 hrs/week during fall, winter and spring quarters participating in activities; this time will include 8-10 hrs/week in classroom or after-school activities and up to 4 hrs/week in on-campus activities (independently or as organized activities). Such activities will include planning and design of science lessons, evaluation, reflection on teaching practices and debriefing with other Socrates Fellows. Days actually spent in the classroom may vary and Fellows may not be in the classroom every week.

Our collaborating schools are located in the Sweetwater Unified School District (the area between the City of San Diego and the US Mexico border.)

Fellows are expected to provide their own transportation. Fellows will be expected to:

• Collaborate with their teacher partner in the development and implementation of classroom activities.

• Complete a simple 2-page progress report every two months.

• Develop and write activities to share with other educators.

• Participate in Socrates Fellows meetings every other week to reflect on the program and participate in professional development activities.

Stipend

For UCSD students, a stipend of $ 30,000 will be awarded from the NSF GK-12 grant and $10,000 will be made available for tuition. Stipends will start on July 1, 2008.

Eligibility

Socrates Fellowships are available to UCSD PhD students enrolled in one of 5 programs: the Division of Biological Sciences, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics and Neurosciences. PhD students in other programs may enquire and could also be accommodated if spots are available. Fellows must be US citizens or have Permanent Resident Visas.

Responsibilities

• Socrates Fellows should spend an average of 12 hrs/wk on Socrates activities.

• Spend approximately 10 hrs/wk planning, developing, and implementing problems and cases with K-12 teacher partner. During the school year, Graduate Fellows should spend no more than 10 hrs/wk in the K-12 classroom.

• Spend approximately 2 hrs/wk for independent work, including readings, case preparation and research, completion of evaluation instruments and progress reports (see below).

• Meet weekly with your K-12 teacher partner (face-to-face or by phone).

• Submit Bi-Monthly Progress Reports (2-pages outlining work accomplished and reflecting on experiences).

• Develop, implement, and submit laboratory exercises for publication on our Online website, which serves as a resource to educators.

• Attend Reflection Sessions every other week with Socrates staff (a regular time will be coordinated to best fit everyone's schedules).

• Develop a Teaching Portfolio to include a teaching philosophy statement and the materials you develop.

• Attend program meetings as needed.

Important Dates