BOONE—A new scholarship for prospective teachers is available from Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education. Similar to the highly competitive N.C. Teaching Fellows Scholarship, the Bob and Thelma Alexander Scholarship is a four-year, $20,000 scholarship that will be awarded to five outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated academic achievement, financial need and a desire to teach.

The scholarship was established by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

“This scholarship is an example of the importance of private support to make it possible for deserving young people to enter teaching,” said Charles Duke, dean of the Reich College of Education at Appalachian. “We are particularly delighted that this program is connected to the N.C. Teaching Fellows Program, which is considered one of the best models for preparing teachers. Scholarships are probably among the best investments people can make in troubled economic times, particularly at a time when we are trying to place as many qualified teachers in North Carolina schools as we can.”

Applicants must be a resident of North Carolina and have applied for the 2009 N.C. Teaching Fellows Scholarship and passed local screening. Applicants must be admitted to Appalachian by April 14 and demonstrate financial need as determined by Appalachian’s Office of Financial Aid.

Recipients also must teach for a minimum of four years in a North Carolina public, charter or government school after graduation and will have seven years to fulfill that obligation.

An application is available at http://www.teachingfellows.appstate.edu/alexanderscholars/.

The Alexander Scholarship is administered from Appalachian’s Teaching Fellows office. Alexander Scholars will be part of Appalachian’s Teaching Fellows and participate in all N.C. Teaching Fellows required activities.

For more information, contact Jan Stanley at stanleyjp@appstate.edu or 828-262-7171.  Stanley is director of the N.C. Teaching Fellows Program at Appalachian.

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