MTF is no longer accepting applications for the Summer 2011 Cohort. We will accept applications for the following subjects in October 2011:

• Math
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Physics
• Spanish and other world languages
• English
• ESL
• History
• Special Education
• Middle School

Teaching in Memphis

There's never been a more exciting time to become a highly effective teacher with Memphis City Schools. As one of only three districts in the nation and a coalition of charter schools awarded a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Intensive Partnership grant for its Teacher Effectiveness Initiative, Memphis City Schools has an unprecedented opportunity to close the achievement gap by ensuring that every student is taught by an effective teacher every day, every year.   With this in mind, we are looking for passionate math, middle school (language arts, social studies, science and math), Spanish and other foreign language, chemistry, 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 in life.

Memphis City Schools is the largest school district in the state of Tennessee, with approximately 100,000 students, 7,000 teachers, and 200 schools. The schools are governed by Superintendent Kriner Cash 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 education program.

All Fellows will teach in critical teacher shortage areas. MCS has defined these critical shortage areas as secondary mathematics, middle school (mathematics, language arts, social studies and science), chemistry, Spanish and other foreign languages K-12, 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 their students face and helping them learn and grow academically. The first year for any new teacher is challenging, and Fellows should anticipate an intense effort, especially at the beginning of the year.

Once in the classroom, you are responsible for achieving significant academic growth with all of your students. You will hold yourself accountable by measuring student outcomes in your classroom and making changes to your teaching practice in order to achieve measurable progress in student performance. In turn, you will be required to demonstrate academic growth with your students in order to complete the program successfully and be recommended for certification. Fellows are empowered to make a difference – and they are making a dramatic impact on the students and their academic potential in Memphis.

 

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 enroll in the Tennessee Practitioner Teacher Program (TNPTP – Memphis) to pursue their Tennessee teaching license over 12-16 months. 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 toward licensure. Fellows may also have after-school meetings with school staff, the Memphis Teaching Fellows program, or students’ family members.

Teaching Math, Foreign Languages, Middle School or Chemistry in Memphis City Schools

MCS has made significant strides in math, middle school, foreign languages and chemistry 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, middle school, chemistry or foreign language 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 other foreign languages for grades kindergarten-12th and math and chemistry 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. Foreign language teachers could instruct students in those subjects ranging from the beginning to the advanced levels, depending on the needs of the school. Middle School teachers will pursue positions as middle school math, science, social studies or language arts.

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 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 may visit a resource room to be taught by their special education teacher for part of the school day. In this setting, special education teachers provide services to their students in the regular classroom along with the regular classroom teacher.  In addition, the special education teacher may offer supplementary services through the resource room.   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 about the Memphis City Schools Chemistry and Mathematics departments, please visit the MCS Curriculum and Professional Development website.

For more information on Memphis City Schools Foreign Languages programs please visit the World Languages 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.