Stephanie Toney
Department of Energy
Capitol Hill, Representative Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX)
2001-02
North Carolina – Middle school science and mathematics
Though Toney had very little involvement with national education issues or programs other than attending hearings and writing appropriate questions for the Congressman (who sits on the House Education and the Workforce Committee) to use during hearings, she more than made up for it in involvement with Representative Hinojosa’s Congressional District. Toney’s work was a part of the Congressman’s Math and Science Initiative in his District. She states that the Congressman wanted a Fellow who could take a hard, dispassionate look at the education efforts of his Congressional District and make reasonable recommendations on methods to improve the situation. Her motivation and independence were very important in this Fellowship because of the freedom that she was given. Toney states, “This has been a wonderful experience and will allow me to have a broader approach as I return to North Carolina, whether to the classroom or to an administrative position. The contacts that have been made during this year will continue to be an important part of my academic life. The other Fellows constitute a cohort of individuals that I may call on for idea generation and critiques for years to come.”