Teaching in Memphis

This is an exciting time to join the Memphis City Schools (MCS) education team and be a part of the district's "Every Child. Every Day. College Bound." mission. With the MCS mission in mind, we are looking for passionate math, English as a Second Language (ESL), Spanish, and special education teachers who will ensure that all of their students have the opportunity to achieve success – not only in the classroom, but also well into the future. Fellows will offer students an experience that, without them, may not be possible.

Memphis City Schools is the largest school district in the state of Tennessee, with approximately 119,000 students, 8,000 teachers, and 192 schools. The schools are governed by Interim Superintendent Dan Ward and the MCS Board of Education.

The diversity of the MCS student populations reflects that of Memphis as a whole. Approximately 87% of the student population is African-American, 9% is Caucasian, and 4% of the student population is of other ethnicities. Approximately 14% of the MCS student population is enrolled in special education services, including the gifted program.

All Fellows will teach in critical teacher shortage areas. MCS has defined these critical shortage areas as secondary mathematics and grades kindergarten-12th Spanish, ESL, and special education (modified and comprehensive settings). Fellows will teach these subject areas in high-need schools throughout the city. Teachers in these schools are especially committed to overcoming the challenges they face in helping their students achieve. The first year for any new teacher is challenging, and Fellows should anticipate an intense effort, especially at the beginning of the year.

A Typical School Day

A full day teaching in MCS is approximately seven hours long. A typical school day runs from 7:15am to 2:15pm or 8:30am to 3:15pm. In addition to teaching in their own classrooms, Fellows will attend University of Memphis certification courses as they pursue their Tennessee teaching license. Beyond the formal school day, Fellows should expect to spend time out of class preparing lessons, grading student work, communicating with parents and guardians, and completing their coursework towards licensure. Fellows may also have after-school meetings with school staff, the Memphis Teaching Fellows program, or students’ family members.

Teaching math, ESL, or Spanish in Memphis City Schools

MCS has made significant strides in their math, ESL, and Spanish education, though there is still a great need for additional teachers in these areas who can use their prior knowledge of these subjects to raise student achievement. As a math, ESL, or Spanish Fellow, you will be able to give your students opportunities for success that, without the knowledge, experience, and skills you bring to the classroom, might not otherwise be possible.

Memphis Teaching Fellows will be able to teach Spanish and ESL in grades kindergarten-12th and math at the secondary level. A math Fellow might teach Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Intro to College Math, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, or Statistics. Spanish teachers could instruct students in those subjects ranging from the beginning to the advanced levels, depending on the needs of the school. ESL teachers assist students from non-English language backgrounds by offering instruction on the individual, small group, or class basis. On the elementary level ESL students are placed in general education courses and pulled out for ESL instruction. On the secondary level, students take ESL courses in addtion to their general educaton coursework.

Teaching Special Education in Memphis City Schools

Individuals of all academic and professional backgrounds can apply to become a Memphis Teaching Fellow in special education.

While teaching special education comes with challenges, the rewards are endless. Special education teachers often instruct a smaller number of students and therefore have the chance to get to know their students and their families at a much more personal level. One of the strongest advantages of teaching special education is the opportunity to help students, who might not realize their true ability, reach and exceed academic goals. Most importantly, special education Fellows will join a civil rights movement to ensure that all children – even those with special needs – have access to an outstanding education.

One of the most exciting aspects of teaching students with special needs is the opportunity to be both advocate and teacher. While teachers are first and foremost responsible for academic goals, they also work to develop a positive school environment for students with special needs. Teachers encourage students to participate in all aspects of school life and to ensure they receive the same opportunities as students taking a mainstream course load. As a case manager, special education teachers monitor students’ progress and report to families and other teachers, while at the same time relying on organizational skills to develop individualized tracking systems and manage case-related paperwork.

Special education Fellows will teach students in grades kindergarten-12th in either the modified or comprehensive setting. In a modified special education classroom, teachers educate students with mild to moderate disabilities. These students typically receive instruction in a regular classroom for the majority of the school day and visit a resource room to be taught by their special education teacher for only part of the school day. In a comprehensive special education classroom, teachers educate students with severe to profound disabilities. These students and teachers typically spend the entire school day in a special education setting. Most special education Fellows will be placed in teaching assignments in a modified special education setting. Only in cases of Fellow preference and in consideration of MCS staffing needs will a Fellow be placed in a comprehensive special education classroom.

For More Information

Regardless of the subject area, Fellows will be expected to ensure their students master the content knowledge for their particular grade level and acquire the skills necessary to succeed in school and life. Fellows will hold their students to highest standards.

For information the Memphis City Schools Spanish and Mathematics please visit the MCS Curriculum and Instruction website. Please note, Spanish information is located under the “World Languages” heading.

For more information on Memphis City Schools Spanish program please visit the World Languages website

For more information on Memphis City Schools ESL program please visit the MCS English as Second Language website

For more information on teaching special education please visit the website for the MCS Division of Exceptional Children and Health Services

For more information on the history of special education and the movement to provide all children with a free and appropriate education (FAPE), visit the website for the Council for Exceptional Children.

For more information on teaching math, visit the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics website.