On August 2, I moderated a live Twitter chat with Andi Webb and Michelle Ellis, awardees of the Career Award for Math and Science Teachers (CASMT). The five-year, $175,000 award is granted by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund to outstanding science and math teachers in North Carolina. For more information on the CASMT grant and to see the perspectives of awardees Webb and Ellis, see a recap of highlights of the #BWFCASMTchat below:

Welcome to the #BWFCASMTchat where I hope you’ll be able to learn
more about the Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Career Awards for Science
and Math Teachers (CASMT)! @BWFUND #NCed pic.twitter.com/obsgcu0Z4p

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 2, 2018

To start off, I have 6 Qs for @andiwebb1 and @totalstemteach who are both CASMT awardees. Then, we’ll leave the floor open to your questions! #BWFCASMTchat#nced pic.twitter.com/r1xF5mxpTn

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 2, 2018

Q1: @andiwebb1 and @totalstemteach Tell us about yourselves! Where do you teach? How many years have you been teaching? #BWFCASMTchat #NCed #science #math pic.twitter.com/cVjYeVPJr6

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 2, 2018

A1: #BWFCASMTChat
Hello, all! I’m Andi Webb. I teach in Fayetteville at Alderman Rd Elem & just finished my 19th year teaching. Cont.

— Andi Webb (@AndiWebb1) August 2, 2018

A1: I am a 16 year teaching veteran of Gaston County Schools. I currently teach high school science but have taught elementary and middle. #BWFCASMTChat

— Michelle Ellis (@totalstemteach) August 2, 2018

Q2: @andiwebb1 and @totalstemteach What years were you awarded the CASMT grant and to what extent do awardees collaborate and network? #BWFCASMTchat #nced pic.twitter.com/KYs2ee114s

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 2, 2018

A2: #BWFCASMTChat
I was awarded the CASMT in spring of 2015. It was my second attempt so please do not give up! Cont.

— Andi Webb (@AndiWebb1) August 2, 2018

A2: 2013. @amays_bwfund has set up a BaseCamp for us to collaborate. We meet face to face 1-2 times a year for events. As we get to know each other throughout our time, we make connections to others ideas. 1/2 #BWFCASMTChat

— Michelle Ellis (@totalstemteach) August 2, 2018

Q3: @andiwebb1 and @totalstemteach How did you personally and professionally grow from receiving the CASMT award? Any examples of your being a teacher leader (locally, regional, statewide, or globally) as a result of the award? #BWFCASMTchat #nced #science #math pic.twitter.com/WPWKobXvOe

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 2, 2018

A3: The Award allowed me to become a stronger teacher leader. I was able to create a monthly district wide PLC for STEM teachers. I was able to help fund other teachers PD as well as collaborative cross curricular unit planning. #BWFCASMTChat 1/3

— Michelle Ellis (@totalstemteach) August 2, 2018

A3: I am in Singapore now continuing my work with @FundforTeachers that began with @FulbrightTeach that began w CASMT. #BWFCASMTChat Cont.

— Andi Webb (@AndiWebb1) August 2, 2018

Q4: @AndiWebb1and @totalstemteach You’ve each mentioned some amazing accomplishments! What has been your GREATEST highlight or experience as a result of the CASMT Award? If you can pick ;) #BWFCASMTchat #nced #science #math pic.twitter.com/qz0030aTL7

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 2, 2018

A4: I have had nothing but multiple wonderful experiences. My absolute favorite has been my @GoGlobalNC trip to India with the #BWFScholars. I had never been out of the country, and my world has never been the same. #BWFCASMTChat

— Michelle Ellis (@totalstemteach) August 2, 2018

A4: #BWFCASMTChat The ongoing support, no doubt. Unparalleled pd, support for our kids! The Fulbright and Einstein Programs, definitely.

— Andi Webb (@AndiWebb1) August 2, 2018

Q5: @andiwebb1 and @totalstemteach We have a few science and math teachers on the chat who may appreciate some advice on applying for a CASMT grant! Can you tell us about your experience in filling out the application and your interview process with @BWFund? #BWFCASMTchat #NCed pic.twitter.com/hhJzLhvh2j

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 2, 2018

A5: I practiced right up until 5 mins before they called me in the room. Also, know your audience. Everyone in the interview is not a teacher. Be prepared to talk about your perspective in laymans terms. #BWFCASMTChat

— Michelle Ellis (@totalstemteach) August 2, 2018

A5: #BWFCASMTChat I put a lot of research into it and honestly, I spoke from my heart. I prepared a lot. Cont.

— Andi Webb (@AndiWebb1) August 2, 2018

Q6: @andiwebb1 and @totalstemteach You’ve just received some really GREAT questions about the application process! Do you have any final tips for teachers who might be interested in applying to the CASMT? Or any final words of encouragement? #BWFCASMTchat#nced #science #math pic.twitter.com/TJFyQd4dGf

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 2, 2018

A6: “With great power comes great responsibility.” 1) Consider the needs of your students and your school. 2) Take it one step at a time. 3) Do your homework and research. 4) Be sure to meet with your principal and superintendent during the process. #BWFCASMTChat

— Michelle Ellis (@totalstemteach) August 3, 2018

A6: #bwfcasmtchat cont.
Try not to be overwhelmed. Take the app step by step, do your research, and know what you need. Our data supported our dire need for help with math instruction.

— Andi Webb (@AndiWebb1) August 2, 2018

Q7: By the way, it’s officially open Q time! Do you have any other questions about the CASMT grant for @andiwebb1 and @totalstemteach? Reply/comment with “A7” and your response to be part of the conversation! And don’t forget to use #BWFCASMTchat pic.twitter.com/iukk5PlIvY

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 3, 2018

A7) Where was your main focus during your first year of the award? Classroom or district? #BWFCASMTChat

— Jessie Enlow (@JEnlow12) August 3, 2018

The students I interact with and those in my school were always my primary focus. I started the District plan because I wanted to maximize resources. Sticking to your school the first year could be your best option though. #BWFCASMTChat

— Michelle Ellis (@totalstemteach) August 3, 2018

A7 #BWFCASMTChat How did your work evolve over the time you had the award compared to your initial proposal?

— Sallie Senseney (@Sallie_Senseney) August 3, 2018

There are things you don’t know when you apply. @BWFUND and @amays_bwfund could not be more willing to work with CASMT recipients and allow it to evolve. #bwfcasmtchat

— Andi Webb (@AndiWebb1) August 3, 2018

Thanks everyone for your time tonight, especially @andiwebb1 and totalstemteach! If you’re interested in applying or learning more about the CASMT award (applications open through Sept 24) you can also reach out to @amays_bwfund or visit https://t.co/UbDVKHP2ro#BWFCASMTchat

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 3, 2018

Also thanks to @BWFUND for allowing me to moderate and meet all of you! If you’re interested, I have science ed stories that run with @EducationNC every Tuesday :) Thanks again for joining us and I hope this was a helpful conversation! #BWFCASMTchat

— Yasmin Bendaas (@yasminbendaas) August 3, 2018

Yasmin Bendaas

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Yasmin Bendaas is a Science writer.  A North Carolina native, she received her master’s degree in Science & Medical Journalism at UNC Chapel Hill, where she was a Park Fellow. She received her Bachelor of Arts in anthropology in 2013 from Wake Forest University, where she double-minored in journalism and Middle East and South Asia studies. As an undergraduate student, Bendaas gained insight into public health when she interned at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, a statewide grantmaker focused on rural health, including access to primary care, diabetes, community-centered prevention, and mental health and substance abuse. 

As a journalist, Bendaas has been funded twice by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting for fieldwork in Algeria — first to cover a disappearing indigenous tattoo tradition, and again to look at how climate change affects rural sheepherding practices.