In 2009, Rhode Island Teaching Fellows launched its inaugural cohort.  Nineteen individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences joined together to begin their teaching careers as Fellows serving Rhode Island’s high-need schools.

Who are the Rhode Island Teaching Fellows?*

Selectivity                                                                                                       

• 9% of applicants were accepted into the program

Diversity

• 53% of Fellows are male
• 32% of Fellows are experienced professionals over the age of 30
• 53% of Fellows relocated to RI to serve our communities’ high-need students

Educational Background

• 3.54 is the average undergraduate GPA of Fellows
• 32% of Fellows have graduate degrees (e.g., MBA, JD)

Commitment

• 74% of Fellows have volunteer experience
• 100% of Fellows will teach in a critical shortage area of math, science or special education

*Source:  TeacherTrack Applicant Tracking System (August 13, 2009)

Meet the Fellows:

Fabian Sanchez

Teaching position: Chemistry teacher, Central Falls High School

Fabian has eight years of professional experience as a chemical engineer, an intense drive for success, and a passion for teaching and inspiring youth.  Fabian moved to the United States from Colombia to attend Louisiana Tech University, where he earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering.  He then went on to earn his M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana State University, where he excelled academically.

Fabian faced many challenges as an international student in rural Louisiana. Fabian became involved in his school communities by joining academic organizations and campus groups.  While in school Fabian also volunteered at a local high school as a math and chemistry tutor, which ignited his passion for teaching. 

After earning his Masters degree, Fabian worked as a process and sediment remediation engineer in consulting and manufacturing. After eight years in the field, Fabian decided he was ready to change his career path. As Fabian was considering applying to RITF, he said that he “liked the idea of instilling a new culture of success and achievement” in RI’s high-need schools.

Fabian is committed to bringing his life and professional experiences into the classroom in order to inpsire high expectations for success in his students.  Fabian, who is also bilingual in English and Spanish, is a Chemistry teacher in Central Falls.

Kim Centazzo

Teaching position: Special education teacher, Central Falls High School

Kim is a native Rhode Islander who received her B.A. in Journalism with a minor in Spanish from American University.  After graduating in 2005, Kim worked as a reporter for newspapers and radio stations in Virginia and Rhode Island.  As she pursued journalism after college, Kim said that she at times felt like something was missing. 

Kim, who has family members who have taught for years in the field of special education, also felt that she had a calling as a teacher.  “I have always wanted to be a teacher, but did not have the time and money to commit to a formal program.”  Kim found the Rhode Island Teaching Fellows and says she was drawn the RITF’s mission to make a difference in the lives of poor and minority students.

Kim is in her first year of teaching special education at Central Falls High School.  While the first year of teaching can be immensely challenging, Kim says that RITF is “a life-changing opportunity” and that the best aspect of our program has been “the opportunity to affect change in one of the state’s [high-need] school districts.”

Adam Cherko

Teaching position: Math / ESL teacher, Jenks Junior High in Pawtucket

After graduating from the University of Miami with a B.A. in Architectural Engineering, Adam worked for several years as a structural engineer. He also spent time researching and creating a diesel/vegetable oil conversion system for his vehicle. While Adam enjoyed the challenge of working as an engineer, he felt a strong calling to pursue a teaching career where he could use his talents and experience to make a difference.

Adam has extensive experience working with young adults, volunteering as a tutor and serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster with the scout troop where he himself became an Eagle Scout.  Adam’s passion for teaching led him to the Rhode Island Teaching Fellows because it offered him the opportunity to make an immediate impact on his students.

A summer native of Rhode Island, Adam was excited to make the commitment to his favorite state as a math teacher in a high-need school.  “I think [that] those are the students who most need enthusiastic, passionate teachers who are willing to put in extra time and effort to make sure their students learn. I believe that it is very important to show students that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, even if that means changing careers for something that is more meaningful. It shows that we are all real people who work hard but can still change our goals and be successful."

Kevin Knoll

Teaching position: Math teacher, Nathan Bishop School in Providence

Kevin earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics from Marietta College where he excelled both as a student and as a student leader.  During his undergraduate career, Kevin received awards, scholarships and recognition of excellence in the fields of physics, mathematics, and student leadership.  He went on to earn a full scholarship, including teaching assistantship, to attend graduate school in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at the University of Missouri.

Kevin also worked as a volunteer at Ohio Reads and as a teacher at Sylvan Learning Center.  Working at Sylvan, Kevin had “the privilege of working with under-served and underachieving students” from high-needs schools.  Of his experience at Sylvan, Kevin says, “through working with these children, I have realized that no matter how discouraged they feel, they really do want to learn.  I have seen how excited they get when they discover that math is accessible to them.” 

As a Teaching Fellow, Kevin is able to help many more students believe that they can achieve at high levels.  During his first year of teaching Kevin has already exemplified exceptional leadership and the ability to affect change as a newcomer. He serves on the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Implementation team and was also chosen by his principal to be on the Providence curriculum writing team.  Kevin’s strong content knowledge in the field of math along with his high expectations for himself and his students are essential assets in his work to close the achievement gap. 

Kelsey Pavao

Teaching position: General science teacher, Woonsocket High School

Kelsey graduated from Harvard College in 2009 with a B.A. in Human Evolutionary Biology.  Kelsey brings an intense drive for success to her role as a Teaching Fellow and firmly believes that all students can learn and achieve at high levels.