Hear from Wright Fellows

Changing Lives, One Educator at a Time

The Wright Fellowship program is a prestigious and innovative program that enables Idaho’s best and brightest teachers to achieve their greatest potential. In addition to completing courses and specialized curriculum, fellows also develop and manage an individual research project. Last year’s recipients focused on a number of innovative topics, such as studying how writing in the area of science can affect academic language and the understanding of science. Another recipient’s topic, for example, focuses on how writing can influence math instruction and learning.

Melissa Mueller
Wright Fellow 2008-2009
Fourth-Grade Teacher Moscow, Idaho
“The focus of my research is the impact writing can have in math instruction. My involvement with the Wright Fellows has had a very positive influence on my teaching. The articles I have read and the discussions we’ve had in class have really helped me make positive changes to the way I teach. . .

"Thank you so very much for your continued support of educators in Idaho. The hardest part of being a teacher, for me, is the negative public perception of teachers. It really warms my heart to know that there are people like you in the world who see the importance of education. Your contribution to my education will be something I cherish always. The chance to work for a master’s degree without student loans is the greatest gift someone could give me!”

Shelly I. Blank
Wright Fellow 2008-2009
Second-Grade Teacher Borah Elementary, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for the Wright Fellowship program you have generously provided for professional educators. It is such a worthwhile process that I would not have otherwise been able to afford as a teacher and mother of three growing children at home. It’s also an opportunity for growth and challenge in my career as an educator that I look forward to tremendously."

Misty Fridley
Wright Fellow 2008-2009
“I am writing to thank you for your generous scholarship that has allowed me to pursue my master’s degree. . . Being a part of this group of Wright Fellows has been a wonderful opportunity. I feel like I’ve gained a strong support group that includes the best teachers in the state. The conversations and sharing of ideas have given me new ideas to take back that into my classroom. I set out on this journey to become a better educator, and I feel that having fellow teachers on the journey with me has really helped in many ways. . .  My goal is to continue learning and experiment with new methods that make me better at what I do, enabling me to reach more and more students.”

Klaire Vogt
Wright Fellow 2008-2009
Moscow, Idaho
“I am truly honored to be a recipient of the Thomas C. Wright Fellowship scholarship award at the University of Idaho. Your generous support has helped me pursue my educational goals. This scholarship has provided me the opportunity to enhance my education, open doors to new learning, inspire my own children, encourage colleagues, and seed the young minds of students in my class to pursue their educational interests. With this new opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction, I will be able to enhance the lives of my students, administration and community. This goal had seemed out of reach until now. I thank you for making it a reality.”