What is the Education Fellows Pathway?

The Education Fellows Pathway provides opportunities to students who have a desire to make a difference through teaching, leadership, and service.

This exclusive academic track offers a blend of personalized mentorship, community-based learning, and professional development opportunities—setting you apart as a future leader in the education field.

As an Education Fellow, you’ll engage with a supportive community of peers and faculty, participate in meaningful projects inside and outside the classroom, and gain practical experience that prepares you for success in both career settings and graduate study.

Why Join the Education Fellows Pathway?

The Education Fellows experience is built on four pillars.

Mentorship

Partner with an alumnus or alumna mentor currently working in K–12 education.
Receive personalized support from education faculty and advisors.
Build relationships with student mentors and, as a senior Fellow, guide new students entering the pathway.

Professional Development

Take ED 322: Education Field Service Practicum III, where you will shadow professionals such as speech pathologists and reading or math specialists and attend an IEP meeting.
Present teaching strategies at local or regional conferences such as Educators Rising.
Explore substitute teaching and critical thinking in ED 301 (optional).

Service Learning

Volunteer with organizations like the Baker Wetlands Discovery Center, Be Well Baldwin City, and local school STREAM nights.
Lead and support educational events in collaboration with campus and community partners.
Represent the Fellows program at the Majors Fair, BU Preview, and the Kansas Teacher of the Year presentation.
Participate in a study abroad experience with a service-learning component, when available.

Research & Creative Activity

Enroll in ED 361: Research and Data Analysis in Education, where you’ll explore timely topics in education.
Present your findings at the Scholars Symposium, at district professional development workshops, or at external academic conferences.
Work with faculty on independent research projects focused on curriculum design, instructional strategy, or educational equity.

The Fellows Experience: Year by Year

Year 1: Build Your Foundation

Participate in required meetings with your academic advisor and Career Services.
Work with a student peer mentor who provides guidance and support.
Volunteer at least 10 hours in an educational setting, fulfilling your annual community service requirement.

Years 2-4: Deepen Your Experience

Follow a structured academic plan that includes ED 361 and ED 322.
Take on departmental leadership roles at campus events.
Submit work to conferences and present at events.
Serve as a mentor for first-year Education Fellows.

Eligibility & Expectations

To apply:

Earn at least a 3.0 high school GPA.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of education in your application responses.

To maintain your fellowship:

Sustain a 3.2 GPA at Baker University.
Complete all program milestones, including service and academic requirements.
Maintain behavior and academic standards in alignment with the mission of the program.

How to Apply

First: Apply to Baker University.

Next: Apply to a Fellowship Program.

Priority deadline: December 1

Final deadline: March 1

Fellows Application

Launch Your Career in Education

Join a network of devoted students and educators. Build your skills, expand your impact, and graduate ready to lead.

Become an Education Fellow at Baker University.