The Wipro Science Education Fellowship (Wipro SEF) is a partnership between the University of Massachusetts Boston, Montclair State University, Mercy College, University of North Texas Dallas, Stanford University, University of Missouri and the University of South Florida, with funding from Wipro, to foster teacher leadership and science teaching excellence among teachers in partnering school districts from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, California, Missouri and Florida.
The program grew out of the success of the Boston Science Partnership’s Science Education Fellowship, a grant initiative funded by the National Science Foundation from 2009-2012. The Wipro Science Education Fellowship professional development model emphasizes: thinking about teaching, leadership to peers, and individual growth opportunities.
As part of the Wipro Science Education Fellowship program, Fellows engage in two years of professional development opportunities that include individual work as well as collaboration with other Fellows. Year one of the program focuses on science instruction, reflective practice, adult learning and leadership. In year two, Fellows design and implement an individualized professional growth plan to improve instruction and leadership within their school and/or district. The Wipro Science Education Fellowship model includes a comprehensive set of activities designed to improve teaching practices in participating school districts with the ultimate aim of improved science learning for all students.
The program strives to create skilled cadres of science educators that lead from the classroom to help promote positive change in their districts. The program goals are:
This year the program was notably interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic which caused disruptions at all of the Wipro SEF program sites. Government mandates forced closures at all of the school districts and Institutes of Higher Education (IHE) involved, and all moved to an online model of instructional delivery beginning in March 2020. The Wipro SEF program leaders at each site made adjustments to the program to meet the needs of their Fellows. The evaluation this year was able to capture a snapshot of the impact the pandemic was having on districts, schools, Fellows, and the IHEs and to explore the various ways that program leaders adapted to the program disruptions.
Teacher-Level Outcomes
District-Level Outcomes
Student-Level Outcomes
Wipro Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) entity of Wipro Limited. Going back over two decades, we focus on social initiatives in the domains of Education, Primary Healthcare, Ecology, Disaster Response, and Cities & Public Spaces.
Samir Gadgil is the Head HR for the Chief Growth Office and all Corporate Functions at Wipro. He is also Wipro Cares’ Pune Location Head.
Previously, Samir has worked as Head – HR for Digital Operations & Platforms and managed multiple initiatives under HR and People Supply Chain Functions, including Talent Acquisition, Talent Transformation, Workforce Management, Facilities & Transport.
A seasoned professional, Samir has also served as the Global Head- Compensation, and Benefits at Wipro and worked with best-in-class Manufacturing, Consulting, Financial, and IT Service Companies in a career spanning over two decades.
