The Summer Teaching Fellowship with Uncommon Charter Schools

Purpose
The Summer Teaching Fellowship (STF) is a highly competitive, unique teacher preparation program designed to introduce college students passionate about student success and social justice to teaching and urban education reform. Fellows develop the skills necessary for leading high-achieving urban classrooms across Uncommon’s networks through the mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on experience STF provides.

Program Description
STF is based in New York City. Fellows come from college campuses across the US. As a fellow, you will work and teach in one of Uncommon’s schools with the support of a mentor teacher and STF staff. You will also engage in professional development sessions 3-4 evenings per week. To build cohort community, fellows also take part in a range of fun social and cultural events together.

The program begins in early June and concludes in late July. For the seven week cycle, fellows receive a stipend of $3,500 and unlimited access to public transportation. Housing is also provided.

Program Highlights
Fellows…
Report to host schools Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 4pm. Fellows observe classrooms, teach, and tutor small groups of students with the support of a mentor teacher.
Attend professional development sessions 3-4 evenings per week. These sessions are led by leaders and master teachers within both Uncommon’s network and the larger education reform landscape.
Have fun! Past cycles have included Broadway shows, visits to city landmarks, and a range of team-building activities.

Results
STF is a unique experience that past fellows have described as invigorating, challenging, and rewarding. Program alum have gone on to full-time teaching positions at STF host schools, become leaders in the field of education reform, and have seen their teaching, organizational, and leadership skills grow in unanticipated ways.

Application
The summer 2011 application will open December 10, 2010, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 1, 2011.
A high priority of STF is to promote the diversity of the teaching staff at Uncommon, and thus we are committed to recruiting fellows from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. We aim to recruit a group of individuals who exhibit perseverance, optimism, a passion for teaching, and a deep interest in learning what it takes to work effectively in racially and ethnically diverse urban school communities.
The minimum program requirements are as follows:
College student expected to graduate in fall 2011 or spring 2012
Eligible to work in the United States
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Available in the months of June and July
The application to the Summer Teaching Fellowship is available through Uncommon’s job board. Please click here to register for Uncommon’s job board and access the STF application. (http://uncommonschools.force.com/careers)

FAQs
Are fellows only placed in New York City schools?
We are currently exploring opportunities to extend the program to include schools within our North Star, Preparatory, and True North networks (Newark, Boston, and Upstate New York respectively). Candidates can indicate their choice of location on the application and will be notified of specific STF placement sites in the spring.
How many fellows are accepted into the program?
STF will accept 20-30 fellows for the 2011 cycle.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes. Fellows receive a stipend of $3,500 for the seven-week cycle.
Will housing be provided?
Yes.
Do I need to be an Education Major?
No. A major in education or prior teaching experience is not required for admittance into the program, though the strongest candidates exhibit a demonstrated passion for working with students and an interest in pursuing teaching as a profession.
What grade level will I be teaching?
Fellows may be placed in any classroom at the K-12 level. You will be able to indicate your grade level interest on the application.
Can graduate students apply for STF?
STF is only open to college undergraduates. For admittance in the summer 2011 cycle you must be graduating in fall 2011 or spring 2012.

Additional Information
Uncommon has a range of other positions that would be suitable for recent graduates and graduate students. Please visit our job board to view current openings.
Please also view the Uncommon Schools generals FAQs.
For more information on The Summer Teaching Fellowship, contact stf@uncommonschools.org.