Prete Fellow Learns by Teaching Conservation and Sustainability
Environmental biology major Alexandra Dorough said, “The Prete Fellowship is an invaluable experience that gave me the ultimate opportunity to learn by doing. I was able to work side-by-side with a professional educator where I learned how to develop science curriculum and engage 5th and 6th graders on the topics I’m passionate about such as environmental conservation and sustainability.”
This is Alexandra Dorough’s second year as a Prete Fellow. Her duties at Kellogg Polytechnic Elementary include mentoring other Fellows in the program. “Mentoring the other fellows has been an incredibly rich experience for me. I have been able to support a group of my peers while learning how to tailor my strategies to each individual's needs and personality. Being a mentor has required me to improve upon my time management and leadership skills, which are valuable skills in all walks of life.”
CEMaST manages the Prete Fellowship program which places Cal Poly Pomona students with the Pomona Unified School District where they co-teach science courses. The courses integrate the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and appropriate California Common Core State Standards (CCST) in the K-8 curriculum. The program started as a collaboration between Nicole Wickler, Research Director from CEMaST, and Kellogg Polytechnic Elementary School Principal Rabia Minhas. Because of its success the program was expanded to include Armstrong Elementary School this year.
“The kids look up to us college students. We’re still young enough to be cool in their eyes.” Dorough said. Progress is sometimes incremental but even small steps can make a profound difference. “I have one student who was quiet and didn’t like school. He’s made progress and has started taking notes, something he never did before. He’s a shy individual who didn’t want to draw attention to himself but recently he volunteered to do an activity. It may not sound like much but it’s a big deal.”
“I will soon start teaching about earth systems which encompasses how the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere interact to shape our earth.”
Dorough teaches in Ms. Garcia’s class. “I really like how she challenges the students with inquiry based instruction. Because of her major she has a solid background in science and I’ve actually learned more about science while working with her.” Garcia said.
The Prete Fellowships are funded by the Ernest Prete, Jr. Foundation which currently provides funding for 15 Fellows at each Elementary School. The CPP students provide up to 10 hours a week of support to the teachers which at Kellogg includes using an existing garden at the school to integrate urban gardening lessons into the curriculum. Students learn about gardening, nutrition, and how certain crops complement each other and affect the soil.
Dorough said, “The results were incredibly meaningful as I observed these children understand complicated scientific concepts as a result of my teaching. The financial stability that I gained through being a Prete Fellow decreased my overall stress and anxiety which allowed me to increase my productivity in all realms of my life. I am very grateful for the donor support which provided a pathway to share my passions with these children. I hope that future students can encounter the fulfillment that stems from this experience.”
The College of Science relies on donor support to help fund important programs like this that provide valuable learning experiences for college students while giving K-8 students in-depth exposure to science. For information on supporting programs like this or other programs of interest please contact Development Director Melissa Martinez.