Gretchen Muller, a Burlington High School science teacher, has been awarded a fellowship with the Rowland Foundation for the 2017-18 school year.
Muller was one of ten teachers from around the state to be selected. The Rowland Foundation provides high school educators with opportunities and resources to affect student achievement, culture and climate, according to the organization’s website.
Muller, who also serves as co-coordinator of the Year End Studies Program, will be focusing on flexible learning opportunities under Act 77 by creating a community partnership program.
“Currently students are confined by a block schedule and do not have enough options for using their free time to further their learning as well as be involved in experiential learning in our community,” Muller said. “We have a tremendous amount of resources in and around Burlington that I want to help students access.”
The community partnership learning program aims to provide real-world, authentic learning opportunities that allow students to earn credit. Experiences includes internships, work-based learning and research projects.
Muller was recently honored at the annual Rowland Foundation dinner where the board of trustees named the new fellows. The lengthy application process includes an interview and review by the foundation’s board. Only ten candidates were selected out of over 40 applicants.
“I am very excited and humbled by this opportunity,” Muller said. “This fellowship is something that I’ve been working on for a long time and it is a privilege to be recognized for this effort.”
Muller applied because she felt there were missed learning opportunities for students.
“I see how various community connections that are made during the YES session have made a great impact on students’ experiences and I think this should be happening throughout the entire school year,” she said.
