Why STaR?

As we consider the impact of the STaR program over the past decade, personal narratives from past fellows show the importance of the program and how their academic careers have been shaped by the comprehensive experience. Each year, STaR Fellows rely on the generosity of the members of AMTE and other external sponsors to cover the expenses related to the program. In learning more about how STaR has supported the development of junior faculty, we hope that you will consider making a donation so that this very important work may continue. 

Rachael Welder (STaR Fellow 2010)

The STaR program was pivotal in the development of my research agenda and acclimating to life as a professor. . .This experience changed everything for me. Not only was I able to receive guidance from the mentors who were experts in the field, I had the opportunity to meet other junior faculty members who were experiencing the same struggles as I was. I left Park City having gained a group of friends, colleagues, and collaborators with whom I still connect and work with 10 years later.

The STaR program was truly the life boat that caught me. I went from being completely isolated to having more people to catch up with during conferences than time to do so! For me, this made all the difference. I finally felt connected to the field and knew that I had colleagues to turn to for advice on anything from teaching to dealing with difficult administration. I had found my people and this not only increased my productivity, it enhanced my confidence to succeed in the field and my enjoyment of the work I was doing. I will be eternally grateful for the serendipitous timing and the hard work that went into the development of the STaR program. It is vital that this program continues to support junior faculty, especially those who come from smaller doctoral programs and those who may be the only mathematics teacher educator - or the only one doing research - in their department. The STaR program completely changed the trajectory of my career and I give it full credit for the mathematics teacher educator I have become.

Sarah Roberts (STaR  Fellow 2011)

STaR was foundational as I began my career as a mathematics education faculty member. I made connections with both junior and senior faculty members in the field, who helped me strengthen my research trajectory. Junior faculty members and I began research projects in Park City that continued through our first years and spanned multiple campuses. I also worked with other faculty members to develop and study teaching within my methods courses, also publishing this work. Finally, I never feel alone at a conference and always have the confidence to reach out to another scholar for guidance. Thank you, STaR!

Erin Krupa (STaR Fellow 2012)

I strongly believe the STaR program is a seminal experience for mathematics educators. STaR supported the 3 C's: connection, community, and collaboration, in ways that I never could have facilitated myself. Not only did it help me become better equipped to serve, teach, and research at my home institution, but it bonded me with a cohort of colleagues to navigate the academy and start new teaching and research endeavours. I also believe the STaR program provides early career faculty with insights on the structure at other institutions, which can better equip faculty to appreciate their institutions or advocate for change or improvements in some areas. In addition to supporting new faculty, the STaR program positions AMTE to be a strong and vibrant community by continually giving back to early career faculty. I believe AMTE has grown as an organization because of the foresight by Barbara and Robert Reyes to start the STaR program.

Diana Moss (STaR Fellow 2015)

The STaR program is more than a summer retreat, it is a lifelong network of friends and colleagues. I meet regularly with other STaR fellows from my cohort and from other cohorts to collaborate on research and discuss teaching. I credit the STaR program for helping me make these valuable personal and professional connections with individuals that share my interests in mathematics education.