Summer Teaching Fellow 2020
The Summer Teaching Fellowship (STF) is a paid 7-10 week teacher preparation program designed for rising college seniors who are committed to pursuing a career in education. Fellows gain the experience and support necessary to develop, grow, and enhance their instructional skills. After spending time observing, learning, and leading instruction, many Fellows receive and accept full-time offers to teach at Uncommon upon graduation.
STF is currently offered in Boston (MA), Newark (NJ), Camden (NJ), Brooklyn (NY), and Troy (NY) and serves students in grades K-12. The Elementary School (K-4) and Middle School (5-8) program is 7 weeks long, while the High School (9-12) program is 9-10 weeks long. Candidates will indicate choice of region and grade level on the application. Please note that positions in preferred geographic locations and grade levels may not always be available due to varied capacity and size of each region.
During the first week, all Fellows across all regions gather for Orientation where they receive professional development from Uncommon leaders, build cohort culture, and connect with peers. Professional development topics include Uncommon 101, Teach Like a Champion techniques, panel discussions on education reform, and much more.
Following Orientation Week, Fellows report to their assigned host schools during the regular school year. There, they meet and check-in with their Mentor Teacher (a current veteran teacher at Uncommon and the Fellow's coach). They will also observe master teachers in action, review lesson plans, continue professional development, and potentially lead individual or small group instruction.
When the regular school year ends and Summer Academy begins, Fellows progress to leading daily instruction for a full class of students in their own classrooms, allowing for direct teaching experience still with the support and guidance of a Mentor. Fellows participate in weekly professional development sessions around teaching taxonomies and receive regular coaching and feedback from their Mentors.
Qualifications
- Current standing as an undergraduate college junior expected to graduate in December 2020 or Spring 2021
- U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the U.S.
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Full availability from May 25th to July 31st, 2020
- Prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities is preferred but not required
- Background or major in education is not required, though candidates should show a demonstrated passion for working with K-12 students
The strongest STF candidates exhibit the following traits:
- Strong interest in pursuing a full-time teaching role with Uncommon upon graduation
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and urban education reform
- Evidence of openness to feedback, grit, and strong work ethic
- High degree of self-reflectiveness, professionalism, and flexibility
- Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy
Additional Information
Compensation
- Stipend of $500 per week (subject to all payroll taxes and fees)
- Transportation stipend (amount varies by region)
- Free dormitory-style housing (or an additional $800 stipend subject to all taxes and fees for Fellows who opt out of housing and find their own accommodation for summer)