CSU Mechanical Alum Teaches For America
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Kyle Siler-Evans
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Mechanical engineering alumnus Kyle Siler-Evans is utilizing his unique engineering skills to give back with Teach For America, an Americorp program. Kyle is currently in his second year teaching 9th grade pre-algebra and algebra in Baltimore City's Talent Development High School.
Since its inception in 1989, over 17,000 individuals have participated in Teach For America, impacting 2.5 million students nationwide. The program, designed as a means to bridge the educational achievement gap between students in high-and-low income areas, challenges recent college graduates to teach in urban and rural public schools in the nation's lowest-income communities.
Addressing the quiet crisis plaguing America- insufficient numbers of scientists, engineers and other technical professionals- Teach For America encourages graduates like Kyle to provide more students with solid education and opportunities in these fields. Not usually certified teachers, program participants undergo a rigorous five-week summer preparation, which includes practice, observation, coaching and study under the direction and supervision of experienced educators.
Although his engineering education provided an excellent foundation in math and science, and great preparation for tackling rigorous coursework, Kyle's new classroom setting proved to be more of a challenge than he could have imagined. "In the first year there was a steep learning curve and a huge quantity of work," said Kyle. "I thought dedication would be enough, but I realized I didn't have any idea how to be a teacher."
A math and science background, however, added great perspective on the usefulness of such subjects, and in answering that age-old question, "When will we ever need this?" Having worked real-world problems in attaining his degree, Kyle is able to offer real-world applications to his students, and a sense of necessity to the subject.
Through service in Americorp and with aspirations of working in Washington, Kyle's career exemplifies the wide breadth of opportunities in engineering. A mechanical engineering graduate and recipient of numerous accolades for his work in the area of ion propulsion while at Colorado State, he now hopes to utilize his engineering degree in relating technical issues to politicians, lobbyists and other government officials in order to influence public policy. Although his particular interests lie in energy and the environment, Kyle has considered work on the hill, even running for office one day.
"Training as an engineer is great for public policy. The education system, for example, is a complex system and engineers have unique insights as to how to streamline these systems," said Kyle. "Because engineers are trained to solve problems, there is a huge need in a lot of different sectors for people with engineering minds and skill sets."
After graduation, Kyle was accepted into both Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering and Public Policy Ph.D. program and the University of Maryland's Master's program in Engineering and Public Policy. Having deferred at Carnegie Mellon for the term of his service, Kyle will have the difficult decision of attending graduate school or continuing his service with the Teach For America Program for another year or two.
Much like his work in Baltimore, graduate studies and working in Washington will provide Kyle the opportunity to affect change in our society.
"I am very passionate about social justice issues," said Kyle. "I want to be on the front lines, do something about it, make a difference."
To learn more about the Teach for America program please visit http://www.teachforamerica.org/
To learn more about Baltimore Talent Development High School please visit http://www.btdhs.org/USATODAYARTICLE9-27-2006.html