Kerry R. Venegas
National Science Foundation
NSF Division of Educational Systems Reform
2000-01
New Mexico – High school science
Kerry worked with the National Science Foundation’s Division of Education System Reform, acting as a teacher consultant to the Rural Systemic Initiative program (RSI) and contributing to the positive recognition of teachers as partners in the process of reforming mathematics and science education by assuming the responsibility of organizing and implementing the first RSI Lead Teacher Conference in Albuquerque, NM March 2001. She participated in other NSF run programs such as the Urban Systemic Initiatives, Local Systemic Reform projects and Centers for Excellence in Teacher Preparation program. During her Fellowship, Kerry researched, wrote about, and focused on issues of special needs students, underserved population, and teacher leadership efforts and began doctorate work in the Systems Change program at George Washington University. In addition, she had the opportunity to travel to many difference parts of the country to visit schools, classrooms, and programs making a difference in students’ lives. Kerry expresses her gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Costello Brown, Dr. Jerry Gipp, and Dr. Lura Chase of NSF for the experiences and opportunities to develop as a person and an educator during her tenure as an Einstein Fellow. Says Kerry, “This experience reinforced my views about giving all people a voice and working together to improve education and the world.”