The third cohort of PGC Teaching Fellows began their teaching careers in August 2009. 100% of the Fellows are teaching high need subject areas.
Selectivity
- PGCTF is a highly selective program
- In 2009, about 12% of initial applicants were accepted to the program
Diversity
- The Fellows are a diverse group of individuals
- 40% of the Fellows identify themselves as people-of-color
- Just under 25% are male
Educational Background
- The cohort is highly educated
- The average GPA of Fellows is 3.33
- 32% of Fellows hold an advanced degree
Fellow Profiles
2009 Fellows:
Betsy Miller
Prior to joining PGCTF, Betsy worked with a learning center in Bethesda, MD. Although she loved helping her students, it was tough for her to turn away potential students due to financial reasons. After working in this environment for two years, Betsy finally decided that for-profit education wasn’t the right fit - and that she wanted to work to impact the academic achievement of all students. Prince George’s County Teaching Fellows gave Betsy exactly the opportunity that she desired.
Betsy is in her first year of teaching Mathematics at Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, MD.
Jason Ray
After completing a law degree at Catholic University in Washington, DC, Jason Ray began teaching at a charter school in the city. Jason says, “I became a Fellow for so many reasons, but perhaps the most important is that I decided that if I was truly serious about justice and equality then I needed to act on my belief in the most direct way possible: in the classroom, where I could still make a difference in people's skills, attitudes, and opportunities before they actually needed an attorney to solve their problems.” He joined the Teaching Fellows because he wanted to work in a high needs school and because he spent his first few years of schooling in Prince George's County Public Schools. Jason wanted to give back to the community that gave him the foundation for his later success.
Jason is in his first year of teaching English at DuVal High School with Christina and J.P.
2008 Fellows:
Angela Franklin
Angela Franklin graduated in May 2008 with a degree in Biology and a desire to make a difference. After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, where Angela was attending Xavier University, she returned home to complete her college coursework at the University of Maryland – Baltimore County. She explored several options during her senior year of college and decided that teaching would be a great way for her to give back while creating a career for herself. Since she had dealt with challenges before, she knew that she would be up to the task of helping to close the achievement gap here in Prince George's County.
Angela knew that she "wanted to make a difference in the lives of children, and help them realize the POWER of an education." She now has the opportunity to influence students on a daily basis.
Currently, Angela is in her second year teaching Biology, Secondary Special Education.
Heather Gilles
During her years as a private piano and voice instructor, Heather Gilles found that her true passion was helping students' master music. Heather's days used to be filled with performing and directing operas and other musical pieces, but they are now filled with planning lessons for her elementary school students. With a degree from The Julliard School, Heather is able to bring a wide variety of experiences into her classroom.
While Heather loves music and knew that she enjoyed teaching, she has been blown away by how much she absolutely loves her students and the impact she is having. She says that "although it's not always easy, it is the most rewarding job I've ever had... and probably the best career decision."
Currently, Heather is in her second year teaching Vocal Music.
2007 Fellows:
Christina Howland
After working as a Family Support Liason, a Youth Minister, and a Health Educator, Christina Howland was looking for another way to effect change among the youth population. Using her degrees in Biology and Public Health, Christina plans and delivers challenging and engaging biology lessons to her high-school students. She has a "passion for helping young people achieve their goals and discover goals that have not yet surface." Using her expertise and this passion, Christina is able to foster educational growth among all of her students.
Christina is "thankful for this opportunity for late-blooming teachers like me." She realizes that teaching in a high need school is more than just another job; it is a chance to truly impact student achievement here in the county. Christina, along with other Prince George's County Teaching Fellows, have described teaching as the most challenging, but most rewarding career choice of their lives.
Currently, Christina is in her third year teaching Biology classes.
J.P. O'Hara
After graduating from John Hopkins University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, J.P. O'Hara's career path did not seem headed towards teaching in any direction. However, after working as a long-term substitute, J.P. realizes that while teaching he was doing something that "suits my strengths and is fulfilling." J.P. now has the opportunity to grow as a teacher as he fosters educational growth among his Math students.
More than just being a good fit, this career challenges J.P. to be the best possible teacher and role model for his students. In his perfect world, "the bet teachers would be teaching the students with the highest need." He sets high expectations and big goals for his classes - "striving for excellent, not mediocrity." J.P. is pushing his students as he pushes himself to truly have an impact on the quality of education here in Prince George's County.
Currently, J.P. is in his third year teaching Science alongside Christina.