The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation recently announced its 2014 cohort of teaching fellows, one of whom is a Federal Way teacher, Taylor Williams.

Selected from a pool of more than 180 applicants, Williams is one of 32 talented, early-career science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM) teachers to be awarded a fellowship.

This fall, Williams will begin his third year of teaching at Todd Beamer High School. He is committed to teaching mathematics and engineering to high school students.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Bryan and Carol Williams, he graduated from Sycamore High School in 2007. Williams earned his state teaching certification through the University of Washington’s Accelerated Certification for Teaching program. Additionally, he holds a master of science in electrical and computer engineering from Ohio State University. The Teaching Fellows program offers stipends, funds for professional development and grants for teaching materials for early-career STEM teachers through a comprehensive five-year fellowship.

The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation seeks to improve STEM education by building a stable, sustainable cadre of networked leading teachers, who are trained and supported as leaders from the beginning of their careers. The Teaching Fellows Program offers stipends, funds for professional development, grants for teaching materials, and opportunities for leadership development and mentoring for early-career STEM teachers through a comprehensive five-year fellowship.

With an emphasis on inquiry and collaboration, the program empowers participants to advance their teaching practice and student learning, while leading from the classroom.

Applications for 2015 fellowships are now being accepted. For information, visit www.kstf.org/apply.