Teaching in Washington, DC

What is the DC Teaching Fellows Program?
Why join?

What are the benefits of the program?

What is DCPS like?
How long is the school day?
How safe are the schools?
Where can I find more information about DCPS?
What is the average class size?
What is the salary?

Qualifications and Eligibility

Who are we looking for?
What qualifications should an applicant possess?

Do I have to be a US citizen to apply?
What previous undergraduate coursework do I need?
What if I live out of state?
What are the required tests?
Do I need to pass the required tests before I apply?

Application Process

How do I apply?
What do I address in my application questions?
What are the benefits of applying early?
What are the application deadlines?
Why can't I log back onto the online application?
What should I do if I get an error on the online application?
Can I apply by mail?
What do I do if my transcripts are from out of the country?
What happens after I apply?
Why haven't I heard back about my application?
What is the Interview Day like?
Who will be interviewing me?

Licensure and Testing
What is the PRAXIS?
Where should I have my scores sent?
How long are my scores valid?
What does "alternative certification" mean?
How will I earn my teaching credential?
Will I receive a master's degree?

Your Teaching Job

What will I teach?
Where will I teach?
Do I get to choose where I teach?
When do I find out where I will be teaching?
Will I interview with a principal?
Will I be teaching with other Fellows?
Can I change my teaching placement after I have started teaching?

The DC Teaching Fellows program is looking for people from all backgrounds to commit to becoming teachers in the DC Public School system's most challenged schools.

This highly selective program offers a fast-track application process, specialized training, a network of support, and an opportunity to effect student achievement for professionals transitioning into new careers.

Why join?

The DC Teaching Fellows is committed to bringing the best minds to teach in our city's classrooms. We are selecting the city's most outstanding individuals - from all backgrounds - to commit to improving the education of students in DCPS. You don't need a background in education to apply, but you do need dedication to ensuring the academic success of your students and their schools.

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What are the benefits of the program?

The Teaching Fellows program was specifically created to bring talented, energetic teachers to DC's most challenged schools.

In return for teaching where you are urgently needed, DC Teaching Fellows participate in an intensive pre-service training program and pursue a teaching credential while teaching.

Fellows also benefit from:

· A fast track application process

· Ongoing resources at the school and district levels

· A regular teacher's salary and benefits

· A network of like-minded professionals committed to educational excellence for the students of DC

What is DCPS like?

Composed of nearly 130 schools, the District of Columbia Public School System serves between 45,000 - 50,000 students in the heart of the nation's capital. Like many other urban school districts, DCPS is faced with educating students from a range of socio-economic backgrounds. Approximately 20% of the families in DC live below the poverty level. 

The District has been going through many changes to make it a more accountable and efficient institution. However, there are still many challenges a new teacher will face. The DC Teaching Fellows program staff will try to offer assistance with some of the delays and roadblocks you may face. Fellows must understand that patience and flexibility are essential in dealing with a large school district.

How long is the school day?

The official school day for teachers is about six-and-a-half hours long and usually begins by 7:30 or 8:00 a.m., although exact times vary by school site.

However, teachers typically spend much more time planning lessons, gathering materials, and grading papers. A teacher's first year is incredibly intense, regardless of background or preparation; as with any new endeavor or challenge, Fellows should be prepared to work long hours.

How safe are the schools?

Many people find that, once they begin teaching in a community and spending time there, there is no reason to feel unsafe. The school community, in terms of both people and location, becomes a familiar and comfortable environment for most teachers. Still, when in any new environment, it is important to exercise good judgment and take common-sense precautions. We encourage concerned candidates to visit the schools in order to determine their own level of comfort regarding safety issues.

Where can I find more information about DCPS?

Please visit the following link for information about DCPS:

http://www.k12.dc.us

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What is the average class size?

Average class size differs depending on the grade level. For primary grades (K-3), there are usually no more than 25 students in each class. For grades 4 and 5, the usual limit is 32 students per class. In middle and high school classes, the number of students varies depending on the school.

What is the salary?

The starting salary for Fellows is the same as all other DC School District teachers in alternative certification programs. The starting salary for DCPS teachers with a bachelor's degree and no other coursework is $42,370 plus full health benefits and insurance coverage. For a full range of compensation please visit the DCPS salary schedule. 

A (taxed) living stipend will be provided to each Fellow to cover transitional expenses during the Institute, pending District approval. Your participation in the program may also qualify you for certain loan deferments or loan forgiveness and mortgage assistance programs open to DCPS teachers.

Because the time between the start of training and a Fellow's first paycheck may be lengthy (in most cases, a couple of months), we encourage Fellows to take appropriate measures to ensure their financial well being during this time.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals from all professional and academic backgrounds to teach where they are urgently needed. We are seeking candidates of all ages, backgrounds, talents and skills. We want people with a record of academic and professional success. Previous coursework or experience in education is not required. We are looking for people who succeed in their endeavors. We value career achievement and look for individuals who show a track record of professional success.

At the same time, we know that achievement goes beyond a resume. Achievers could have put themselves through college or could be single parents who work and raise children. Achievers may have risen up the corporate ladder or established their own businesses. While we are not looking for a specific background, we are looking for people who want to succeed in whatever they undertake.

We are looking for people who persevere and succeed during challenging situations - be it teaching students who are multiple grades behind or schools that are understaffed. While we will provide you with access to support, we are looking for people who bear down and draw on their resolve to get their students to learn. We are looking for people who are dedicated to reaching and influencing students every day.

What qualifications should an applicant possess?

In order to be eligible for the DC Teaching Fellows, an applicant must possess:

- Bachelor's Degree
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- United States citizen or permanent resident
- No more than 15 credits in education coursework

Secondary candidates must have coursework demonstrating an Academic major or minor, which is considered a minimum of 36 credit hours of course work from the department of the subject field of application (math or science). A major in the subject field is preferred.

Do I have to be a US citizen to apply?

Not necessarily. However, you must be FULLY eligible to work in the United States and have a permanent work visa. Neither DC Teaching Fellows nor the District of Columbia Public Schools will provide sponsorship for employment.

What previous undergraduate coursework do I need?

Your previous coursework should enable you to pass the PRAXIS I and II exams for basic educational skills.

What if I live out of state?

We certainly welcome all applications. If you currently live out of state, and you are invited to an Interview Day, please be aware you will need to make travel arrangements to the DC area as soon as you receive interview notification. Additional travel to take required tests may also be necessary. Upon acceptance into the Fellows program, we recommend moving to the DC area by May in order to attend the summer training institute.

Before being accepted into the program, Fellows must take and PASS Praxis I and II. Click here for required testing.

We will accept applications from prospective Fellows who have not yet completed all required tests; however, all passing Praxis I and II scores must be submitted to DCTF by June 1, 2010 for candidates accepted into our Summer 2010 cohort.  Candidates must take the relevant Praxis II exam by April 24, 2010, in order to receive scores by our summer cohort testing deadline. 

How do I apply?

1) Complete the online application
2) Upload your application question responses addressing the prompts
3) Upload a current resume
4) Send an official or unofficial undergraduate transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. At least one unofficial transcript from each school must be submitted at an Interview Day.

Every application is reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and potential for success as a Fellow. You will receive notification of your application status three weeks after a complete application is submitted.

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What do I address in my application questions?

The personal statement should address these three short answer questions in 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.  Explain how a skill or ability that you possess will help you ensure high academic achievement for all students 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.  Briefly describe a professional, personal or academic challenge you have overcome.  What steps did you take to address the challenge, and how will that experience contribute to your success as a Teaching Fellow?
 

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The final application deadline for our summer cohort is March 17, 2010. 

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We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as these applicants may know their matriculation status earlier than those that apply at the final deadline.

Please make sure you are using the same email address that you created your account with. If you have forgotten which email account you originally used or cannot remember your password, please DO NOT create a new account. Please contact our offices at 202-442-5022 and we will assist you.

If the system is unresponsive or you receive and error page when you attempt to submit information, please try the following:

Log off the system and re-enter it.

Complete the beginning of your application with only the required fields, press "Submit", and then re-enter the system to add more information. The system can be time sensitive; therefore, it may be helpful to complete each step within 15 minutes throughout the entire submission process.

We have also found that applicants with older computers sometimes have difficulty using the online system. If you are using an older computer system, it may be easier to submit your online application from a different computer.

If you continue to experience difficulties, please send an e-mail to info@dcteachingfellows.org for technical support and verification of receipt of documents.

We only accept applications online. If you have other extenuating circumstances that prevent you from applying online, please contact our office at 202-442-5022.

If you attended a university outside of the United States, you will need to have your transcripts evaluated by a licensed, U.S. based agency BEFORE you apply.

Two reliable, licensed agencies are:

American Education Research Corporation
http://www.aerc-eval.com/

International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
Credentials Evaluation Service
www.ierf.org

Applicants will be contacted regarding their application status according to the published deadlines dependent on when DCTF receives their COMPLETE application. The most outstanding candidates will be invited to participate in a DC Teaching Fellows Interview Day. You will participate in a 6-hour sessions with approximately 8-10 other candidates and two DCTF interviewers.

Applicants will be asked to:

- Teach a five-minute lesson to the larger group
- Discuss previously distributed articles on an urban education issue
- Respond to a specific classroom scenario
- Participate in a one-on-one interview with an interviewer from the Fellows

Please ensure that you have submitted a COMPLETE application.

Applications are not considered complete unless they include:

1) DCTF online application form
2) application questions (in a Word document)
3) current resume (in a Word document)
4) e-signature

Please be aware that the majority of our communication is sent via email. You may want to ensure that messages from our office are not being automatically filtered out by your Internet Service Provider as SPAM, bulk mail, etc. We have received many returned emails from individuals with AOL, Hotmail and CompuServe email accounts.

What is the Interview Day like?

Once an application has been reviewed, the most outstanding applicants will be invited to attend an Interview Day. Interview Days are designed to give Teaching Fellows interviewers a strong sense of the many talents an applicant will use in the classroom. Please note that not all applicants will be invited to an interview.

Each Interview Day group brings together eight to ten candidates and two interviewers from the Fellows program. The session consists of a group session, a writing sample, and an individual interview.

Applicants will be asked to:

- Teach a five-minute lesson to the larger group
- Discuss selected readings on an urban education issue
- Respond in writing to a specific classroom scenario
- Participate in a one-on-one interview with an interviewer from the Fellows program

An Interview Day lasts for approximately six hours, with the group session during the first half and individual interviews during the second. More information is included in the Interview Guide, which applicants receive upon being invited to an Interview Day.

Who will be interviewing me?

Selectors include DCTF staff, district staff, principals, and teachers. Selectors for the DCTF program have been trained to identify individuals that are most likely to be successful in the urban classroom.

What is the PRAXIS?

The purpose of the Praxis I and II is to assess and verify acceptable proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics skills. These are basic educational skills that are needed and used by all school practitioners. You can visit the Praxis I and II website for more details by clicking on http://www.ets.org.

DC Teaching Fellows does not currently have an Institution or Program Code for the Praxis tests. Please have your scores sent to your address.  Once you have received a copy of your score report, please mail or fax a copy to the DCTF office.

An exam score must be used for credentialing purposes for a period of five years from the test date.

What does "alternative certification" mean?

As an alternate route program, the DC Teaching Fellows accelerates the process of bringing new teachers to the classrooms that need them most. Rather than completing a traditional teacher education program prior to entering the classroom, Fellows engage in intensive pre-service training and then complete other academic requirements while they teach.

How will I earn my teaching credential?

Following their pre-service training Institute, Fellows who have met all requirements will enroll in the DC Practitioner Teacher Program, the approved certification program for the DC Teaching Fellows program.  Throughout their first full school year of teaching, the Fellows attend a Content Seminar, a series of professional development sessions designed to develop knowledge and ability to teach subject matter while extending the emphasis on student achievement that was established through the student achievement framework sessions in the institute.  Fellows will also participate in a mentoring program through DCPS.  After successfully completing the Content Seminar, participating in the mentor program, and receiving a positive principal evaluation, Fellows will be eligible to take the Praxis II Pedagogy test and apply for a Regular II License.

Will I receive a master's degree?

Fellows are required to pursue a teaching license through a partnership with the DC Practitioner Teacher Program.  After completing the license requirements, Fellows may choose to independently pursue a master's degree. 

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What will I teach?

The DC Teaching Fellows program is seeking teacher candidates for our summer cohort for the following subject areas: Math (high-need), Science (high-need), Early Childhood, ESL, Special Education, English, and Elementary. 

Fellows will teach at the elementary and secondary levels, K-12 in both year-round and traditional calendar schools across the DCPS District, depending upon their subject area. Fellows will teach in the District's most challenged schools. Please note that, approximately 70% of the District’s students qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Specific school, grade level, and subject determinations will be based on the qualifications of each Fellow and the needs of the District, taking into account Fellow preferences whenever possible.

We strive to balance our mission of staffing schools that need teachers most with the realistic knowledge that it is vital to provide both Fellows and schools with choices in the hiring process. Site selections are made through a combination of job fairs and one-on-one interviews where district personnel, school-based staff and Fellows meet to determine if there is a good fit.

It is the mission of the Teaching Fellows program to match talented, energetic individuals with DC's most challenged schools.

The students of these schools require the most dedicated teachers to help them learn and succeed. The vast majority of Fellows teach in schools where students on average score significantly lower on many measures of academic achievement than their counterparts.

While it is our goal to assist you in obtaining your teaching preferences, all DC Teaching Fellow candidates should be prepared to teach wherever they are needed most. As a Fellow, your school site is ultimately based on available teaching positions within the district. Fellows will have an opportunity to express their preferences.

For most Fellows, district hiring will occur during the Training Institute. However, please be aware that delays are possible; final district hiring may extend through the end of the Institute, or, more rarely, into the first weeks of teaching.

After acceptance into the DCTF program, Fellows will interview with principals in order to find the best match for the school and the Fellow.

We will work to ensure that Fellows are clustered in the same schools or neighboring schools.

For the duration of your commitment to the Fellowship, you are expected to teach in a hard-to-staff school and may only change assignments after a release from the school and district. Transferring is an extremely difficult process and it is likely that a transfer will not be honored. DCTF does not handle any part of the transferring process.