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1991-2005
Georgia Intern-Fellowships for Teachers (GIFT) is a
collaborative effort designed to enhance mathematics and
science experiences of Georgia teachers and their
students. GIFT was initiated in 1990 by the Georgia
Institute of Technology with the assistance of the
Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education
in Washington, D.C., and the California-based Industry
Initiatives for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering (IISME).
The GIFT Advisory Council is chaired by Mike Robertson
of EMS Technologies, and statewide leadership has been
provided by Georgia Power Company.
Recognizing the importance of university, business and
industry involvement in K-12 schools, GIFT and similar
programs nationwide evolved in response to declining
student achievement in mathematics and science.
GIFT's goal is to improve teaching and learning with a
systemic approach that focuses on the key role of
teachers in preparing youngsters for the future work
force and informed citizenship.
Through GIFT, Georgia teachers experience new
technologies first hand, work on the leading edge of
research, applied science, mathematics and computing,
practice teamwork and collaboration, and are immersed in
"real world" inquiry, problem-solving and reasoning.
Through GIFT, Georgia teachers develop leadership
skills, and take new science/math perspectives,
knowledge, and strategies back to their classrooms and
Georgia students. GIFT combines the summer work
experience with the teacher's development of a plan for
increasing the amount of inquiry that students engage in
and school year follow-up and networking. GIFT teachers
share their experiences with their students through the
development of an inquiry based Action Plan.
GIFT throughout Georgia:
Since its inception, GIFT has offered over 900 summer
placements, principally in metro-Atlanta, Tifton,
Augusta, Columbus and Macon/Middle Georgia. In addition,
clusters of GIFT summer experiences currently exist in
Middle Georgia (Macon) and in the Columbus region. There
are typically 3 types of intern-fellowships:
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Business/Management: Work
experiences in leading Georgia businesses through
corporate sponsorships. Corporate sponsors have
included, Bellsouth, EMS Technologies, Georgia
Power, Georgia Pacific, GE Energy, IBM, SunTrust,
and UPS.
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GIFT Scientific
or Technological Research: Experiences
in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, bioengineering,
materials science and physics.
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Training/Curriculum Development:
Work/research and education
materials' development in informal science education
organizations (science museums and zoos, for
example) and public agencies.
Characteristics of the
Internship
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$714.29 per week stipend
for teachers in 6 - 8 week program; 10 staff
development units, upon completion of all program
requirements.
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Internships are open to
mathematics, science, and technology teachers of
grades 5-12. Preference is given to those with
middle or secondary certification in science or
mathematics. Priority is given to teachers who have
taught for two years or more.
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