Memphis Teaching Fellows :: How will you change Memphis? Teach.

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We are no longer accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year.

Please visit our site in October 2008 to view opportunities for the 2009-2010 school year.

If you would like to be informed when we reopen our application, please click here

There are five steps to applying to Memphis Teaching Fellows.

STEP 1: READ THIS WEBSITE

We encourage you to read through the material on this website carefully. The site will help you familiarize yourself with the details of the program. If you want more information, please feel free to contact us for more information. You also may want to attend an information session.

STEP 2: CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILTY

Please be sure to thoroughly read the section on Eligibility for Memphis Teaching Fellows. Determining your eligibility and preparing for the Praxis exams are a critical piece of the application process. Only applications of eligible candidates will be reviewed. If you still have questions about your specific situation, please email us at info@memphisteachingfellows.org.

STEP 3: APPLY

Applying is easy with our online application. The online application form itself, as well as your resume and responses to the Application Questions, can be submitted electronically. Click here to start your online application today.

A complete application includes the following:

* Responses to Application Questions
* Resume
* Online Application Form

Application Questions

You should address these three Application Questions in 200-400 words each. Please attach your responses in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Your responses to the Application Questions provide us with the information not captured elsewhere in the application. We use your responses to evaluate your writing and critical thinking skills, and more importantly to gain a sense of your commitment to teaching students in Memphis City Schools.

***Please note that only responses to the Application Questions will be considered (i.e. generic personal statements will not be considered). We recommend that you carefully review the guidelines below before responding to the Application Questions.

Application Questions (200-400 words each):

1. Nearly all Fellows are placed in "high-need" schools that are located in low-income communities. Why do you want to teach in a high-need school?

2. The most important responsibility of a teacher is to ensure high academic achievement for all students. Describe a skill or ability that will help you fulfill this responsibility and provide an example of how you have effectively demonstrated this skill or ability in the past.

3. Teaching Fellows will face new and significant challenges during their first year of teaching. Describe a professional, personal, or academic challenge you have overcome, and how that experience will contribute to your success as a Teaching Fellow.

Application Question Guidelines:

1. Include your name and Memphis Teaching Fellows at the beginning of your response.

2. Answer the questions in the order provided.

3. Number each question.

4. Answer each question in 200-400 words.

Resume

Your resume should include the following informations, where applicable:

1. Work history in chronological order- including dates of employment and description of responsibilities and accomplishments.

2. Any previous achievements- academic, professional or personal.

3. Any community involvement or volunteer experience.

4. Any teaching, tutoring or volunteer experience with children.

Only documents in Microsoft Word or PDF format can be accepted.

Online Application Form

The completed online application form requires your undergraduate GPA, as well as information about undergraduate coursework. If you are granted an interview, it is based on material you provide in this application. Therefore, it is extremely important that all information is correct; all grades and coursework will be verified upon receipt of your transcripts at the Interview Event.

Note that candidates with a cumulative GPA below 2.75(but above 2.50) will have the opportunity to address any issues pertaining to their academic performance in the online application. For your reference, the prompt on the application reads as follows:

If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75 please enter a statement addressing any issues that may be relevant to your academic performance (300 words max).

It is possible to begin an online application, save your work, and return at a later time to complete and submit your materials.

STEP 4: REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS

If you are invited to interview, at the Interview Event you will be required to submit at least one unofficial or official copy of the transcripts from each college or university you have attended. However, if you are accepted into the program, you must submit a total of three official (sealed) copies of transcripts from each institution you attended no later than May 30, 2008. Your acceptance in MTF is contingent upon receipt of official transcripts.

Because it often takes universities several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we recommend that you request these transcripts now. Please note that we cannot return transcripts after they have been submitted, even if you are not admitted to the program.

If you attended a foreign university, please review the Eligibility section for information specific to candidates with foreign transcripts.

STEP 5: INTERVIEW (if invited)

Outstanding candidates will be invited to participate in one of Memphis Teaching Fellows Interview Events. Candidates will receive an interview invitation, if applicable, approximately two weeks after applying to the program. If invited to an interview, you will be provided with additional information on which subject areas you are eligible to teach. After receiving your subject assignment should you register for the Praxis II exam, if applicable. All applicants must pass the Praxis I and Praxis II exams prior to acceptance into MTF; therefore, the Praxis I exams may be completed prior to being invited to an interview. Visit the Testing Requirements page for more information in the Praxis exams.

The Interview Event will include a teaching sample in a subject chosen by the candidate, a written response to a classroom scenario, a dialogue with other candidates about an issue in education, and a one-on-one interview. Please note that not all candidates will be invited to an interview. Please visit the Interview Events page for more information.

Due to the competitive nature of Memphis Teaching Fellows, we encourage all candidates to apply early.

Memphis City Schools does not discriminate in its programs or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap/disability, sex or age. For more information, please contact the Office of Equity Compliance at (901) 416-6670.