Indiana Wesleyan University alum Kelly Day ‘09 has been named a 2020-21 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. She is one of 15 K-12 science, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the country to be given the honor.
The Fellows will spend 11 months serving in a federal agency or U.S. Congressional offices in Washington, D.C., engaged in the national STEM education arena. Day will work with the Department of Energy (DOE).
One of Day’s roles at the DOE will allow her to visit the 17 National Science Laboratories located around the country. From splitting atoms to witnessing the world's largest Mega computer, she will get behind-the-scenes access to the most exciting research and experiments being conducted by the nation’s leading scientists.
“I hope to be able to share those experiences with Hoosier students in some capacity throughout the year!” she said.
Day will also have the opportunity to help organize and create content for the National Science Bowl as well as sit on committees on Capitol Hill to help promote and inform education policy.
“This is an incredible opportunity to be a real World Changer, and I am looking forward to seeing how God can use me to make a difference in our nation and for His Kingdom,” said Day. “I pray for wisdom as I advise our leaders on how to best move forward with education reform during this time of uncertainty. It is my goal to help kids engage in and be excited about STEM!”
Day graduated from IWU-Marion in 2009 with a degree in Mathematics Education. During her time on campus, she held leadership positions as the Student Government Association vice president, Friday Night Live director and math lab coach.
“Kelly was one of the most energetic, inquisitive and positive students I have ever taught. Her IWU senior math project analyzed students’ performance on internationally normed math exams, and she has subsequently continued to study best practices in math education,” said Dr. Mel Royer, chair, Division of Mathematics and CIS. “Kelly truly wants other math teachers and their students to succeed. I believe this ability to be a role model makes her an outstanding recipient of the Einstein Fellowship.”
Day has previously been honored as a 2015 Fulbright Distinguished Teacher, a 2019 finalist for the Presidential Awards in Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and the 2009 IWU Graduating Senior of the Year.
For more information on IWU’s Mathematics Education program, visit https://www.indwes.edu/undergraduate/school-of-teacher-education/bs-mathematics-education.
