The Service, Teaching and Research (STaR) Program is now accepting applications for the 2021 cohort, which will meet in Park City, UT June 20-25, 2021. The STaR program is open to faculty members at U.S. institutions who are in their first or second year of an appointment at the time of application. The program provides an opportunity for early career faculty members to develop a network of peers and to interact with more experienced colleagues around issues of service, teaching, and research. Please encourage eligible mathematics education faculty members to learn more. Program and application information can be found on the AMTE website. The application deadline is December 6, 2020; decisions will be announced by January 29, 2021.

 

The STaR program is sponsored by AMTE, with funding being provided through two main sources:

• The generous support of various professional organizations (including AMTE, AMTE state affiliates, NCTM, SIG/RME, PME-NA, ASA, CPM and CMP) and private individuals. These funds are used to provide STaR Fellows with lodging and some meals
• The support of STaR fellows’ home institutions. These funds provide funding for transportation to and from Park City, some meals, and expenses associated with attending a follow-up meeting prior to AMTE in 2020. Institutional expenses are estimated at $1500.

The STaR program has supported 11 cohorts since 2010, and has thus far worked with 375 early career mathematics educators. These STaR Fellows come out of more than 100 different doctoral programs and hold positions at close to 200 different institutions of higher education. These STaR Fellows and the 2021 institute Director, Maria Fernandez (email: mfernan@fiu.edu), are happy to answer questions from prospective applicants. Feedback from the 2019 Fellows illustrates what one can expect from the program:

 

“Attending the STaR fellows summer institute proved to be such a rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to devote an entire week toward reflecting on my first year as a faculty member, discuss my experiences with like-minded early-career professors, and plan for specific ways to improve my teaching, research, and service. Just as important, I am now a part of an invaluable community of mathematics education faculty that will certainly benefit my future years in academia. I cannot say enough about this summer institute and how it will continue to influence my professional life in positive ways. It was a privilege to be a part of this STaR experience”

 

“The STaR program does a remarkable job meeting the diverse needs of early career math education faculty from institutions of all kinds. My week at the institute was both nurturing and challenging - just what I had always hoped my job would be. I had more real, honest, and meaningful conversations in one week with colleagues than I have had all year, in large part due to the safety that the staff create for us as a community. I have never appreciated the term "networking" which feels shallow and calculating. At STaR, I felt that instead I was connecting honestly with dozens of people with whom I share this endeavor of researching and teaching in math education. The staff exude a joy for supporting early career faculty that is rare and much needed. At many conferences or professional events, I feel satisfied if I had one good conversation or learned one new thing. So I never expected that every conversation would be valuable or that I would be learning new things every hour, but that's just what happened. I return to my institution with new ideas, energy, and colleagues. I cannot thank AMTE and the STaR staff enough for all they have given me.”

 

The STaR program is dependent on donations to ensure the future of this vibrant program. Of significance is the fact that over half of past STaR Fellows have contributed to the AMTE STaR fund. PLEASE consider giving $25, $50, $100 or more. 

 

Visit the STaR Fellows Donation Page for information on how to donate to the STaR Program.