John Walker M.Ed. '18

John Walker, M.Ed. '18, was chosen by the Knowles Teacher Initiative as a member of its 2019 Cohort of Teaching Fellows. This year, 37 promising high school mathematics and science teachers who are just beginning their careers were awarded Knowles Teaching Fellowships.

Walker began teaching at Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School in Los Angeles, Calif., during the 2018–2019 school year. He is committed to teaching mathematics and engineering to high school students in the U.S. Walker earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 2015. Walker interned with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) as a bridge inspector in Kylertown, Pa. He also held various co-op positions, with Mascaro Construction in Pittsburgh and State College, Pa.; and Huntington, W. Va.

The Knowles Teacher Initiative supports a national network of mathematics and science teachers who are collaborative, innovative leaders improving education for all students in the United States. The Knowles Teaching Fellowship is an intensive and cohesive, five-year program that supports early-career, high school mathematics and science teachers in their efforts to develop teaching expertise and lead from the classroom. Through the program, Knowles Fellows have access to grants for expenses associated with purchasing classroom materials, engaging in professional development and spearheading leadership activities that have an impact beyond their own classrooms. Fellows also benefit from access to stipends, mentoring and coaching from experienced teachers and teacher educators and membership in a nationwide community of more than 400 teachers who are committed to improving education.