Math Student Wins Newton Fellowship
Megan Gibson of Alma has won the prestigious Newton Fellowship to
continue her college education and teach high school mathematics in New
York City.
The Newton Fellowship Program, sponsored by Math for America, focuses
on the shortage of qualified mathematics teacher in public secondary
schools. Newton Fellows receive $90,000 over five years and a full
tuition scholarship to a master’s level teacher preparation program.
Recipients must commit to one year of full-time graduate study and four years of teaching mathematics in New York City schools.
Gibson, a graduate of Alma High School, is a mathematics major and
graduating senior from Alma College. She is one of 45 students
nationally to be named Newton Fellows.
“It’s pretty exciting,” she says. “I saw an ad for the program, and it
seemed like a good thing to apply for. I filled out the application and
took a math content test. Dr. Mel Nyman, my advisor, wrote a letter of
recommendation.”
Math for America seeks college graduates who demonstrate a strong
interest in teaching, have a bachelor’s degree with substantial
coursework in mathematics, and a willingness to commit to the five-year
program.
Math for America was founded in 2004 by James Simons, president of
Renaissance Technologies Corporation and other educators and business
people with a mission to improve math education in public schools.
Gibson is the daughter of Daniel and Lori Gibson of Alma.
Posted: Thu, April 12th, 2007 at 11:23AM
