The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation seeks individuals with a demonstrated commitment to a career teaching American history, American government or social studies at the secondary school level who are also interested in pursuing a master's degree.
As an independent agency of the executive branch of the federal government, the James Madison Fellowship provides up to $24,000 over two years to assist graduate students cover educational expenses – tuition, fees and books, as well as to cover living expenses. The form is available online at http://www.jamesmadison.com/ ; the deadline is March 1.
Established by Congress in 1986 to improve teaching about the United States Constitution in secondary schools, the foundation's funding is augmented with contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.
“The purpose is to improve professional skills teaching in the areas of U.S. history and government in order to improve students' understanding in those areas,” said Wanda Martin, associate dean, UNM College of Arts and Sciences.
Martin also noted that with the state's new three-tier system for teachers, a master's degree is required for advanced licensure, making the fellowship an attractive option for those teachers wishing to move up academically and economically.
Established to honor President James Madison's legacy, the fellowship also
includes a four-week intensive course of study on the Constitution held in Washington, D.C.
Delbert E. Carrillo was a James Madison fellow who earned his master's in history from UNM in 2002. A nine-year history teacher at Valley High School, he said, “The program provided excellent instruction with professors from American University and William and Mary. We received six hours of graduate credit and had the opportunity to meet with a Supreme Court justice as well as members of the House and Senate.”
Carrillo said the fellowship paid for his master's while also augmenting his skills as an educator. “The deeper understanding I got of the U.S. Constitution enhances my teaching in that period. Although written in 1787, it is still valid today,” he said. He added that current and recent events such as the Patriot Act, the 2000 election and presidential war powers can be assessed and evaluated against the Constitution.
Carrillo said that even though it was difficult to go to graduate school in the evening after teaching all day, the UNM history faculty provided him with strong support. “I recommend that others pursue both the fellowship and the programs available at UNM,” he said.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales (505) 277-5920
Posted by kwentworth at February 18, 2004 01:57 PM