Out of the Classroom and Into the World

Alum Influences Education in D.C. as Einstein Fellow

Anytime a teacher receives a national award with “Einstein” in its title, there is a good chance you’re dealing with a rather bright individual. And when the same person, Kelly Day (’09), also was the youngest teacher ever to receive a particular Fulbright teaching award, you know you’re dealing with teaching royalty.

Kelly Day ‘09

“Teaching is what God created me to do,” said Day, a 2009 Indiana Wesleyan alumna. “The word ‘teacher’ defines my identity, purpose, and the sincerest desires of my heart.”

After graduating from IWU with a degree in Mathematics Education, Day began teaching seventh grade math at Westfield Middle School in Westfield, Indiana—a position she still holds to this day.

“It is a privilege to impart information, wisdom, passion, and knowledge to my students,” said Day. “I love seeing my students transform into the young men and women they are destined to become.”

Day’s passion for education has taken her beyond the classroom and around the world. She has traveled to over 40 countries in the last 10 years alone.

In 2013, Day was awarded the Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Award in Teaching. The grant provided Day the opportunity to spend two months researching Asian education systems in China, Korea, Singapore and Japan.

In 2015, Day was the recipient of the Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching. As the youngest U.S. teacher to receive this honor, Day traveled to Finland to conduct research on the country’s female achievement in math.

“I have taken my Finnish and Asian research in mathematics education and have used it to help promote educational reform at my local and state level,” said Day. “I hope to continually develop myself as a leader and advocate for STEM education and research.”

Day received yet another opportunity to do just that when she was selected as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow in 2020. She was one of 15 K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the country to be given the honor.

As a Fellow, Day is working in the heart of Washington D.C. with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

“This year has been different than I expected; however, in many ways it has gone better than I could have imagined,” said Day. “I have loved working for the DOE.”

One of her biggest responsibilities is working for the National Science Bowl®, a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in science and math. Day’s responsibilities include developing resources for and helping organize the various elements of the Science Bowl regionals across the country. Because the National Science Bowl® has shifted to an online format due to COVID restrictions, Day has also helped create the digital resources for 100+ regionals across the country.

“I feel really proud of the work I am doing for the National Science Bowl®,” said Day. “It provides students gifted in science a space to showcase their unique skills and be part of a competitive team. This work is important to encourage future generations of STEM professionals.”

After completing her work with the DOE, Day will leave D.C. with an even better understanding of the possibilities in STEM education and equipped with access to a national network of education leaders to make an even bigger difference at her local school level.

Whether she is in D.C., her classroom, or halfway across the world, Day’s mission remains focused on her students.

“The most important and enjoyable part of my job is making my students feel safe, loved and appreciated when they walk into my classroom,” said Day. “Each year I pray that God uses me to love and serve the students He has entrusted to me, to the best of my ability.”

Written by Ashley Witkowski ‘14