Alumni Listing and Experiences (Fulbright DA)

Alumni Tips

Before leaving home, take photos of home and your classroom/school to show to during presentations.
Make different versions of your presentations for elementary/high school.
Bring postcards from home. These are versatile tools! They can be used to send follow up thank you notes after visits, passed around during presentations to show your hometown, and given out as souvenirs. They are so easy to pack and are inexpensive.
Go to the Sportti Divari for second hand skis and skates early in the winter.
This has been the easiest and most superior travel experience that I have encountered. I use all the travel apps such as HSL and VR. Air travel has also been quite easy. I so appreciate every aspect of this.

The trickle effect is absolutely the most distinguishing feature of the Fulbright program. The doors that Fulbright opens and the people that eventually benefit from it are countless. We currently have several teachers in our district who are now connected with Kulosaari Upper Secondary School and are working on their own collaborative projects!
Argine Safari, Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research 2018-2019

American Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program Grantees in Finland

2023-24

Jill Bue
Roseville Area Middle School, MN
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: A Focus on Mathematical Understanding and Shrinking the Gap: Best Teaching Practices 6-12

Teresa Butler-Doran
Stone Valley Middle School, CA
University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu
Inquiry Project: Global Citizens, Global Action: Students Taking Climate Action Across Borders

Dawn Oler
Hinsdale Central High School, IL
University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu
Inquiry Project: What the U.S. Can Learn From Finland About How Teaching Is Promoted as a Profession

Ashley Pankratz
Dodson Public Schools, MT
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Fostering Professional Learning Networks for Educators to Reduce Rural Student Achievement Gaps

2022-23

Fallon Abel
The Sharon Academy, VT
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: Teaching Adolescents Social-Emotional Skills Through Phenomena-Based Learning and Flexible Pathways

Christina Biddle
West Orange High School, NJ
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: Multidisciplinary Learning: Understanding Humanity and the World’s Interdependence

Mikayla Patella-Buckley
University Prep, WA
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Supporting Female Students and Students of Color in Science: Best Pedagogies From Finnish Classrooms

Nanette Voss
Eureka Senior High School, CA
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Less Is More: Increasing Rigor and Engagement Without Creating Teacher or Student Burnout

2021-22

Jennifer Booz
Homer Middle School, AK
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Exploring the Use of Phenomenon-Based Learning and Its Impact on Students' Sense of Connection to Their Community

Scott Ferrell-Garcia
Blytheville High School, AR
University of Oulu
Inquiry Project: Putting the Purpose in PBL: Using Student Inquiry and Agency to Build a Place of Learning

Robert Fudge
Memphis University School, TN
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: Crafting the Future: Exploring the Role of Identity and Traditional Crafts in the Modern Makerspace

Scott Gordon
Prairie du Chien High School, WI
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Finland: The Case for the Differentiated High School Model in the United States

Abigail Harkey
Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy, CO
University of Oulu
Inquiry Project: The Role of the Transversal Competences in Upper Secondary Education Toward the Creation of an Ecosocial Art Curriculum

Kathryn Picardo
Livingston High School, NJ
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: Bringing Competence Learning to Life: How the Finnish National Curriculum is Actualized in Local Schools

Carolyn Streets
Engineering Science University Magnet School, CT
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: The Role of Academic Vocabulary and Reading Achievement

2019-20

Melissa Galang Han
Baker Elementary School, CA
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: The Secrets of Finland’s Phenomena-Based Instructional Alignment with The National Core Curriculum

Pamela Joslyn
Central Middle School, IA
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: Unleashing the Design Process

Leland Leslie
Central Ninth Grade Center, OK
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: Art Experiences in Phenomenon Based Learning: A Multi-Curricular Pathway for Visual Literacy

Maedeh Pourrabi
Alice Fleet Elementary (formerly known as Patrick Henry Elementary), VA
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Global Competency in Schools: Empowering Students Through the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals

Ann Marostica Ransom
University Preparation Charter School at Cal State Channel Islands, CA
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Learning From Finland’s Shifting Educational Paradigm; Perspectives on Phenomenon-Based Instruction

Kelsea Turner
Spartanburg Day School, SC
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Not for School but for Life: Cultivating Agency and Purpose in Adolescents

2018-2019

Robyn Young
Kellogg Elementary School, CA
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Inclusion Strategies of Evidence Based Practices: Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities (Autism)

Leslie Baker
Taos Municipal Charter School, NM
Univesity of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Joyful Learning: Best Practices for Engaging and Inspiring Students

Argine Safari
Pascack Valley High School, NJ
University of the Arts Helsinki, Sibelius Academy
Inquiry Project: Glabal Classrooms: Connecting Communities Through Arts Collaboration and Phenomenon-Based Design

Sabrina Goldberg
The School at Columbia University, NY
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: Great Mathematicians: Authentic Middle School Student Inquiry and Phemenon-Based Learning

Joseph Oleniczak
Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School, TX
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: Exploring Biotechnology Career Pathways from Secondary Education to the Workplace in Finland

Jennifer Stewart
Moses Broen School, RI
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: How Less Can Be More: What Finland Can Teach the U.S. about Cutting the Homework in the Humanities

Matthew Freedman
Newburgh Free Academy, NY
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Social Literacy and Teen Immigrants: Using Technology to Bridge Cultural and Linquistic Gaps in L2s

Jane Weiss
Boeckman Creek Primary School, CA
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: The Finland Oregon Connection: How Do We Create the Greatest Thinkers for the World?

Amy Sampson
Baltimore City College, MD
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Jumping the Track: An Investigation of Finnish Mixed Level Grouping and the Implications for Detracting High School ELA Courses in Urban American Schools

2017-2018

Sarah Flynn
Arapahoe Campus, CO
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Grasping it: Craft Education's Role in Post Secondary Choices

Martha Infante
Los Angeles Academy MS, CA
Niilo Mäki Institute
Inquiry Project: How Outdoor Education Fosters Equality in girls

Ebony Meyer-White
Carver-Vocational Technical High School
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Motivating the Unmotivated. Helping All Students Achieve Academic and Career Success

Samuel Northern
Simpson Elementary School, KY
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: Global Competence: 21st Century Students Take Action with Phenomenon-Based Learning

"My involvement as a Fulbright Finland grantee was the most rewarding experience of my career—of my life really! The benefits are countless. There is much to say about my Fulbright experience. I have been impacted both professionally and personally. I am eager to share what I have learned in Finland with educators from all over the United States. I believe my research will give teachers a renewed sense of vigor for designing meaningful learning opportunities that prepare students for life beyond the classroom walls. Due to the support I have gained in Finland, my Fulbright project will thrive well past my program dates. Together, we can change the status quo.” - Samuel Northern

Aulikki Pekkala-Flagan
Ramona Convent Secondary School, CA
University of Helsinki
Inquiry Project: Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM Education

Kerry Pigott
Cottage Lake Elementary, WA
Niilo Mäki Institute
Inquiry Project: The Action Packed Class: Learning in Motion - How Finland's Best Practices Support Students with ADHD

Linda Szypula
Fernwood Middle School, NJ
University of Jyväskylä
Inquiry Project: Infusion of STEM Education into 21st Century Learning: A Comparison of Programs and Integration

"Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for contacts, and take chances. Let yourself go out of your comfort zone. I learned so much about myself during my one aboard. Never did I think I would do all that I did and meet so many amazing individuals. Take time to enjoy it all and pinch yourself because some days it doesn’t feel real that I did what I did during my Fulbright experience. Thank you Fulbright- from the bottom of my heart!” - Linda Szypula

2016-2017

Howard, Stephen
Meadowdale Middle School, WA
University of Helsinki
Capstone Project: Not Just in Science Class: Developing a Global View of Sustainability Education Across the Curricula

Larson, Tiffany
El Dorado High School, CA
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Second Language Acquisition: Does Finland Get Immigrant Students to the Finnish Line?

Lucius, Rachel
Rahn Elementary School, MN
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: An In-Depth Look at Music Education and Children's Choirs in Finland

Molina, Mayra
Winter Gardens Elementary School, CA
Niilo Mäki Institute
Capstone Project: The Effects of Motivation and Best Practices on Low-Performing Students: Finland's Success Story

Nickerson, Sundra
Rudy G.Bologna Elementary School, AZ
University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu
Capstone Project: Instructional Strategies for Engaging 5th and 6th Grade Girls in Project Based STEM

Poole, Mark
High Tech High Chula Vista, CA
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: An Analysis of Deeper Learning Competencies Across Finnish Upper Secondary Tracks

Schmuttermair, Andrea
Colorado STEM Academy, CO
University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu
Capstone Project: Globalizing STEM: Creating STEM Partnerships with Finland

Woodruff, Nathaniel
Amherst Regional High School, NY
University of Helsinki
Capstone Project: Education for the 21st Century: Engaging Students with Authentic, Interdisciplinary Projects

2015-2016

Brandt, Ann
Baggaley Elementary School, Latrobe, PA
Niilo Mäki Institute
Capstone Project: Improving Interdisciplinary Staff Education in the Use of Multisensory Environments

Dowding, Erin
Flushing International High School, Flushing, NY
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Learning to Learn: Performance Based Assessments in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classrooms

Hanson-Peters, Meghan
Steamboat Springs High School, Steamboat Springs, CO
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Cooperative Learning Strategies as a Best Practice in Student-Directed, Globally-Minded Classrooms

Marquardt, Anna
Carencro High, Lafayette, LA
University of Turku
Capstone Project: Creative Literacy in the Secondary Language Classroom(s)

Radday, Elizabeth
The Marvelwood School, Kent, CT
Niilo Mäki Institute
Capstone Project: Special and Supplementary Education Beyond the Compulsory Years in Finland

Tow, David
Terra Linda High School, San Rafael, CA
Host to be confirmed
Capstone Project: Boundaries Beyond Borders: Constructing Global Identities from National Civic Involvement

Walsh, Patrick
Catlin Gabel School, Portland, OR
University of Helsinki
Capstone Project: Globalized Youth Online: Communication, Debate, Solutions
2014-2015

Allen, Yvonne
Horseheads Middle School, Horseheads, NY
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Is the United States Losing a Generation of Music Makers? What US Schools Can Learn From Finland

Chavez, Tina
High Tech High North County, San Marcos, CA
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Risk-Taking in Teaching in Finland: What Factors Allow Teachers to Innovate in the Classroom?

Chavez-Miller, Jennifer
Mountain Mahogany Community School, Albuquerque, NM
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Global Learning: Fostering Knowledge, Attitudes and Skills for Global

Damon-Wynne, Audrey
McFarland High School, McFarland, WI
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Democracy Is a verb: Best Practices for Engaging Students in Civic Education

Day, Kelly
Westfield Middle School, Westfield, IN
University of Helsinki
Capstone Project: Breaking Through the "Math" Ceiling: Helping Girls Gain Confidence and Competence in Mathematics

Dix, Cheryl
Strong Vincent High School, Erie, PA
University of Turku
Capstone Project: Mind the Gap: Teacher Practice Bridging High Elementary to High Middle School Performance

Fisher, Sherri
Patapsco High School & CFA, Dundalk, MD
Aalto University
Capstone Project: Charting the Culture of the Classroom

Kissel, Stacy
Brookline High School, Brookline, MA
University of Helsinki
Capstone Project: Supporting Special Education Students in Science: Lessons from Finnish Comprehensive Schools

Lioz, Melissa
Joseph J. Hurley K-8, Boston, MA
University of Turku
Capstone Project: Depth vs. Breadth and Critical Thinking in Finland's Middle School Maths Classes

O'Donnell, Ellen
Deerfield Community School, Deerfield, NH
University of Helsinki
Capstone Project: Science Teacher Preparation in Finland: What Does It Entail and How Does It Look in the Classroom?
2013-2014

Condon, Katherine
MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis, MN
Sibelius Academy
Capstone Project: Creating a Comprehensive, Replicable Music Education Program

Elkins, Kathryn P.
Sapulpa Public Schools, Sapulpa, OK
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Project-Based Learning Practices of Finland

Martin, Karen JoAnn
Denali Borough School District, Healy, AK
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Research-Based Teaching: The Power to Transform Teaching Practices

Polski, Crystal
Wayzata High School, Plymouth, MN
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Creating a 21st Century Classroom

Zoellner-Gonzalez, Jeanne
Brighton Park School, Chicago, IL
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: Conceptual Knowledge vs. Procedural Knowledge - Laying the Math Foundation Before Memorization Begins
2012-2013

Eldridge, Laurie
Ira A. Murphy Elementary School Phoenix, AZ
University of Helsinki
Capstone Project: Crossing Borders - Being Part of the World: An Intercultural Art Education Curriculum Model

English, Janet
Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Lake Forest, CA
University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus
Capstone Project: Sharing and Collaborating with Great Science Teachers Around the World

Lee, Karen
Thurgood Marshall Academy, Washington, DC
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone Project: The Option of Vocational Schools

MacCartney, Christine
Newburgh Enlarged City School District, NY
University of Tampere
Capstone Project: Using Performance Based Indicators to Guide Ongoing Daily Assessment

Siepiola, Amanda
Horace Mann Elementary School, Washington, DC
University of Helsinki
Capstone Project: You are NOT Taught, You Learn: A Cross-Cultural Dialogue of Constructivism and Play in the United States and Finland

2011-2012

Reynolds, Robert
Chicago Public Schools, Instruction Office, Chicago, IL
University of Helsinki
Capstone Project: Building on Best Practices of Mathematics Teaching and Learning
2010-2011

Applegate, Sarah
River Ridge High School, Lacey, WA
University of Helsinki
Capstone project: School Success Without Always Having a School Library

Thai, Binh
University Neighborhood Middle School, New York, NY
University of Jyväskylä
Capstone project: Applied Critical Thinking through Skills-Based Standards

Yocum, Katherine
William Walker Elementary School, Portland, OR
University of Tampere
Capstone project: The Provision of High-Quality Education in Finland: What Teachers of Culturally
and Linguistically Diverse Students in the United States Can Learn from the Finnish Model

2009-2010

Hedrick, Benjamin
Stanford University, CA
University of Tampere, Department of Teacher Education
Capstone Project: Assessment strategy and design in Finnish heterogeneous classrooms

Lahti-Hommeyer, Lynn
Bruce Monroe at Parkview School, Washington D.C.
University of Lapland, Faculty of Education
Capstone Project: The Finnish Primary School: Ten Elements of Educational Excellence (pdf)