Five Scholars to "Teach for America"
August 16, 2004
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- This year, the University of Maryland exceeded the overall national rate of graduates selected for Teach for America. During this summer, 13 University of Maryland seniors will complete their Teach for America training in Compton, CA., New York City, or Houston, TX, prior to beginning their two-year teaching assignment in low-income community public schools. Five of the Maryland initiates are College Park Scholars.
Melissa Freedman, daughter of Barry and Roberta Freedman of Princeton, NJ, will teach third grade at North Bend Elementary School in Baltimore, Md. Though a business major, Melissa decided to teach because she wanted to help provide children a better education. While participating in Teach for America, Melissa will also be earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. In Melissa’s own words, “I will probably learn as much from my students as they will learn from me.” Melissa earned her College Park Scholars citation in American Cultures.
Michael Prada, son of Gary and Sharon Prada of Fulton, Md., will teach science and coach track at Booker T. Washington Middle School in Baltimore City. In the process of earning his degree in biological sciences, Michael redirected his career pursuits from medicine and research to teaching. He credits the Teach for America mission – One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education – as the motivation for him to teach in inner-city schools. Michael earned his College Park Scholars citation in Life Sciences.
Kaitlin McDermott, daughter of Gregory and Kathleen McDermott of Monroe, Conn., will teach fourth grade as part of the Rio Grande Valley Corps in Chapa Elementary School on the Texas-Mexico border. Upon completion of her two-year teaching assignment, Kaitlin hopes to put her government and politics major to work by influencing policy to support the academic success of underprivileged students. Kaitlin earned her College Park Scholars citation in American Studies.
Other College Park Scholars participants include Erin Auerbach of Silver Spring, Md. and Kara Schiess of Harpersville, NY. College Park Scholars is a multi-disciplinary learning community in which academically and creatively talented freshmen and sophomores explore their future professional and personal roles. The program prepares students academically for competitive research opportunities and challenging internships. Through public service, civic engagement and team projects, Scholars examine and develop their personal character.
