NMSI Announces New Class of Leaders for NMSI Launch Fellowship

The National Math and Science Initiative is pleased to announce the first class of Fellows for the NMSI Launch Fellowship program. 

The Fellowship is a cohort-based program that recognizes educators and school leaders committed to supporting students traditionally left out of STEM education.

NMSI spoke with several educators during the selection process. Many echoed their desire for equity and access to STEM education in their classrooms. The conversations also revealed what we've always known: the systems in place do not instill education equity in schools resulting in students lacking access to STEM education. 

"In most cases, students of color and lower-level students aren't allowed to be a part of STEM, especially if they haven't taken certain classes in high school," says Fanita Morris, a biology teacher from Virginia. "[NMSI Launch Fellowship] will provide leaders with the resources all students need - regardless of their abilities - to strengthen their math, science, and technology skills."
 

Forging STEM Pathways

Leaders and educators will collectively identify solutions for building inclusive STEM classrooms and enhance their leadership skills through the Fellowship. They'll pave the way for all students to take on rigorous STEM coursework, strengthening students' academic and life skills. 

"NMSI Launch Fellowship allows school leaders to engage in robust dialogues about why STEM matters," says Karen Salerno, Vice President of Program and District Sales. "As school leaders look ahead to build a STEM workforce representative of today's youth, they need a space to explore concepts related to workforce readiness and create transformational STEM cultures for students across the country."

We look forward to working alongside our new Fellows to create inclusive STEM environments for schools nationwide. Our new class of Fellows includes:

• Rachel Adelstein, Highland Falls Fort Montgomery Central School District, New York

• Al Alexander, Chesapeake Public Schools, Virginia

• Corey Bács, Ed.S, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Virginia

• Samuel Balas, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Virginia

• Michael Bedell, M.S.Ed., Virginia Beach Public Schools, Virginia

• Bobby Bell, North Allegheny, Pennsylvania

• Christine Bodden, Chesapeake Public Schools, Virginia

• Thomas Breitfeller, Highland Falls Fort Montgomery Central School District, New York

• David Brown, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Virginia

• Heather Hibner, Plum Borough School District, Pennsylvania

• Hayva Hill, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Virginia

• Jacquelyn Hull, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Virginia

• Sally Jarvis-Lubbe, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Virginia

• Michael McElduff, Highland Falls Fort Montgomery Central School District, New York

• Daniel Miani, Ed.D., Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Virginia

• Fanita Morris, Chesapeake Public Schools, Virginia

• Thomas Murtaugh, School District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Christopher Omasits, North Allegheny, Pennsylvania

• Ryan O'Meara, Ph.D., Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Virginia

• John R. Smith, School District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Erin Vickrey, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Virginia