Quotes From Participating Teachers

"This fellowship is an opportunity like no other. I have learned a great deal about the operation of government, met with truly creative and dedicated people, and have made lifelong friends."
         --James Cherry, 2003-2004

"The fellowship enables teachers to go back to their schools much better prepared to be leaders in local, regional and national arenas."
         --Richard Pieper, 2003-2004

"Years ago, in my high school government class, we were taught how a bill becomes a law. During the last 10 months, I have learned how ideas become a bill."
         --Dan Schab, 2003-2004

"It's been a chance to come full circle - to influence the agencies that impact the whole teaching continuum: from teacher preparation to professional development, from kits to textbooks, from "statewide initiatives" to my own classroom. It's where the classroom meets the government face to face and, better yet, ear to ear."
         --Nick Cabot, 2001-2002

"Being an Einstien Fellow this year has been a life altering experience. The opportunities provided made me stretch, grow, and create new dimensions that have enhanced my understanding of the educational process."
         --Cathy Barthelemy, 2001-2002

"My professional life has made major turns due to my opportunities as an Albert Einstein Fellow."
         --Pam Newberry, 1996

"I feel that I did make some contributions to the development of legislation, and I know that the program contributed to my growth as an individual."
          --Bill Brent, 1993-1994

"I . . . learned so much about how our national government works and even more about NASA and its role in education. I continue to share what I have gained with my students and fellow educators."
          --Donald Hoff, 1997

"This experience reinforced my views about giving all people a voice and working together to improve education and the world."
          --Kerry Venegas, 2000-2001

"Working as a Fellow in Congressman Ehler's office was a wonderful experience. While moving from a classroom to a Congressional office is sure to be an exciting year, I felt my particular placement was particularly fortuitous. In Congressman Ehler's office, I was given significant tasks and great responsibility and was also encouraged to learn as much as I could about the political process and life on Capitol Hill."
           --Mike Lach, 1999-2000

"I have learned about education at the national level in a way that is not possible for many. I saw the work that NEA and NCTM do at a national level and understand the importance of their work. I also learned a great deal about DOE and the excellent work that they do for education. I had the opportunity to meet the leaders in education in our country. I do admire them."
           --Donna Osborn, 1999-2000

"Having been an Einstein Fellow lends a certain increased degree of credibility to input I give . . ."
          --Sonja Godeken, 1999-2000

"My Fellowship was one of those rare opportunities in life that come along, one that has provided so much in such a short time that when you start to 'take them out,' to list and think about all the many different things you've done, you find it difficult to 'put them back'-there just isn't enough room."
          --John Kounas, 2000-2001

"By helping to make . . . [Congressman Boehlert] and his staff more aware of the important [education] issues and by helping to create wider and stronger ties to schools in his district, I feel that I had a significant impact."
          --Paul Hendry, 1999-2000