Graduate student, Manhattan elementary teacher receives Fulbright to Singapore
Friday, Dec. 10, 2015
MANHATTAN — A Kansas State University student has received a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching grant to Singapore.
Katie Sibbitt, master's degree student in curriculum and instruction in the College of Education and sixth-grade teacher at Marlatt Elementary School in Manhattan, will conduct an inquiry project about math teaching practices of Singapore teachers to understand successes in math education as part of the Fulbright program. She will leave for the five-month trip in January 2016.
"I will study how Singapore teachers and students' beliefs about math teaching and learning compare to U.S. teachers and students' beliefs and how that relates to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommendations about productive and unproductive beliefs," Sibbitt said.
The U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board award the grants to individuals who have demonstrated academic and professional achievement and leadership potential. Sibbitt is one of 49 U.S. citizens to receive the grant for the 2015-2016 school year.
"I am most looking forward to experiencing a different culture and school climate," Sibbitt said. "I don't know what it feels like to be completely out of my comfort zone in this way, and I think the experience will help me better relate to my students who face this challenge every day. I am also excited to work with Singapore primary teachers and students and learn about their school system."
In addition to her research, Sibbitt will foster international relations, conduct professional development for Singapore teachers and study at Singapore's National Institute of Education.
"This international experience will help me better prepare students to be globally competitive and culturally aware," Sibbitt said.
Sibbitt received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Fort Hays State University in 2010. She is a 2006 graduate of Osawatomie High School and is the daughter of Dave and Tracy Bueker, Osawatomie. She is married to John Paul Sibbitt, Manhattan.
