What is a typical class size?
What does a typical day look like?
Once I am a full-time teacher, will I teach over the summer?
What part of Phoenix will I be teaching in?
How safe are the schools?
I am interested in teaching special education but nervous about that type of job. What does it really mean to teach special education?
How long is the commitment?
Why should I become part of Phoenix Teaching Fellows?
What does "alternative certification" mean?
Will I receive state certification?
Do I need to pass a background and/or citizenship check?
What exams will I need to take?
Can I receive a waiver or exemption from the subject area exam, based on my undergraduate coursework or professional experience?
How much will my university courses cost?
What type of person is a good candidate for Phoenix Teaching Fellows?
How do I know if I am eligible for Phoenix Teaching Fellows?
Am I eligible if I have no prior teaching experience or prior coursework in education?
Are individuals who have substituted in Phoenix eligible for the program?
Why aren't certified teachers eligible to apply, and what should they do to start teaching in Phoenix?
What if I don't have a 2.75 GPA?
Do I need to be a resident of Phoenix to apply?
How do I apply to become a Teaching Fellow?
Can I include letters of recommendation with my application?
Do I need to send transcripts with my application?
What happens after I submit my application?
What happens during an interview event?
When and where do interviews take place?
Do I have to interview in Phoenix?
What is the application deadline?
How can I get more information?
I applied to PTF but wasn't accepted. Can I appeal the decision on my application?
Can I defer acceptance into the program?
Can I re-apply to the program next year if I am not accepted?
I meet all of the Teaching Fellows eligibility requirements. Why wasn't I accepted?
When does the program actually begin?
What will I be teaching?
How do I know what subject I am qualified to teach?
Where will I be teaching?
How does the process of securing a school placement work?
Can I choose where I will teach?
When will I know where I will be teaching?
Can I change my teaching placement after I have started teaching?
Will there be other Fellows teaching at my school?
Once I become a Fellow, how will I be prepared for the classroom?
How intensive is summer training?
How long is summer training?
Do I pay for summer training?
What kind of ongoing resources and connections are available to Teaching Fellows?
What is the starting salary for Phoenix Teaching Fellows?
What employment benefits do Fellows receive?
Teaching in Phoenix
What is a typical class size?
Typical elementary school classes range from 20 to 35 students. However, exact class enrollment will of course vary from school to school.
What does a typical day look like?
Schools days are typically about seven and a half hours long. An example of a typical schedule might run from 8:05 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.; however, class schedules and sizes as well as the length of the school day and school year may vary from school to school. Teachers also spend time outside the classroom preparing lessons and grading schoolwork. Fellows will attend professional development sessions or faculty meetings after school hours, in addition to certification coursework. A teacher's first year is incredibly intense, regardless of his or her background or preparation. Fellows should be prepared to work long hours.
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Once I am a full-time teacher, will I teach over the summer?
Fellows will participate in an intensive summer training program before entering their classrooms for the first time. Review the Training & Resources section for more details. However, once you are a full-time teacher, you would not be required to teach over the summer. Many teachers elect to teach summer school, although the number of positions is limited.
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What part of Phoenix will I be teaching in?
Phoenix Teaching Fellows will work in high-need schools, typically with records of low academic achievement, in one of our partner districts: Murphy Elementary School District and Phoenix Elementary School District. While the program staff considers a candidate’s geographic and school preferences when possible, the needs of the school and the candidate’s subject area eligibility are given priority during the placement process. Ultimately, we want to place teachers where they are needed most within the city, regardless of neighborhood. For more information, review the Securing Your Teaching Job page of this website.
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How safe are the schools?
We believe our schools are safe. We encourage concerned candidates to visit the areas in which they may teach during a regular school day to determine their own level of comfort with the environment.
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I am interested in teaching special education but nervous about that type of job. What does it really mean to teach special education?
Special education is designed around the concept of individualized curriculum to provide greater support for certain students. One of the most exciting aspects of a placement in special education 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.
The best way to get a sense of what it means to teach in a special education class is to talk to a teacher or visit a classroom. Applicants should also familiarize themselves with the basic information available in the Teaching Special Education section of the website. More information about and training on supporting students with special needs will be available during the summer training and through the certification program.
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How long is the commitment?
We hope that Fellows will commit to a lifetime career in education. The goal of the Phoenix Teaching Fellows is to add to the existing network of dedicated teachers in Phoenix who are passionate about educational equity and ready to work actively to achieve results in their classrooms on a daily basis. We expect all Teaching Fellows to teach for a minimum of three years. We also hope that outstanding individuals who enter the teaching profession through the Fellows program will continue their careers as educators in Phoenix for years to come.
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Why should I become part of Phoenix Teaching Fellows?
Your knowledge and experience can help ensure that every child in Phoenix has access to a high quality education. Become part of a movement that has a direct and immediate impact on the lives of students in our city. We know that there is an achievement gap in this city and in our nation, and we know that high-quality teachers are the single most important factor in raising student achievement.
Through this program, Teaching Fellows have the unique opportunity to train over the summer, and earn their teaching certification and Masters degree while teaching full-time.As a Teaching Fellow, you will join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to improving public schools. This is your opportunity to take action. Click here to learn more.
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Certification
What does "alternative certification" mean?
As an alternate route program, the Teaching Fellows program accelerates the process of bringing new teachers to the classrooms that need them the most. Rather than completing a traditional teacher education program prior to entering the classroom, Fellows engage in a short but intensive summer training program and complete further academic requirements through Arizona State University's InMAC (Induction, Master of Education, and Arizona Certification) program while they teach full-time, earning a full-time salary. Review the Certification page of this website for more information.
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Will I receive state certification?
Yes. Fellows will begin teaching under the Arizona Teaching Intern Certificate. In order to receive this certificate, Fellows will need to enroll in Arizona State University's InMAC (Induction, Master of Education, and Arizona Certification) program, prove that they have passed the Subject Knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA), and complete additional enrollment processing steps (such as securing fingerprinting clearance and submitting official transcripts).
While teaching full-time, Fellows will complete all required certification coursework, progressing from the Teaching Intern Certificate to the Provisional Teaching Certificate. Fellows have the added benefit of earning an advanced degree through their certification coursework. The Teaching Fellows office will provide accepted candidates with additional detailed information and resources for enrolling in Arizona State University. Review the Certification section for more information.
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Do I need to pass a background and/or citizenship check?
Yes; Fellows are first required to complete the Arizona fingerprint clearance process. As the fingerprint clearance process often takes six to eight weeks to complete for a person without a state or federal criminal record, it is essential to apply as early as possible. Fellows will not be able to begin practice teaching during the summer institute without a valid clearance card. Visit the Apply Now page for more details.
In addition, Phoenix Elementary and Murphy Elementary School Districts perform background and citizenship checks on employees prior to hiring. Please refer to the Contact Us section if you would like to contact the Fellows office with questions regarding background check and/or citizenship issues.
What exams will I need to take?
All candidates invited to interview with the Fellows program must register for, study for, and pass the Subject Knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) before the start of the Training Institute and before enrollment in the program can be finalized. Note that this AEPA is the first exam of several exams (typically first exam of three exams) that Fellows must pass during their first two years teaching. Candidates who are invited to interview with the Teaching Fellows program will receive individualized instruction at that time as to the specific AEPA Subject Knowledge portion that they must register for and take. The appropriate AEPA exam will vary for each candidate, depending on a candidate’s eligibility and the subject he/she may teach in the fall. Review the Testing Requirements section for more information.
Can I receive a waiver or exemption from the Subject Knowledge exam, based on undergraduate coursework or professional experience?
No, all Fellows must register to take the AEPA, or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment, as soon as they receive detailed instructions from the program office with their invitation to interview.
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How much will my certification courses cost?
Arizona State University's InMAC (Induction, Master of Education, and Arizona Certification) costs $3,214 per semester. The InMAC program will require four semesters of coursework, totaling $12,856 over two years. Fellows will be responsible for the cost of tuition. Note that Fellows will be eligible for a $4,725 Teaching Fellows AmeriCorps Education Award to help cover these education expenses. Review the Certification section for more information.
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Qualifications
What type of person is a good candidate for Phoenix Teaching Fellows?
There is no one profile for an ideal Teaching Fellows candidate; Fellows come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring to the program a diverse set of talents and skills. Strong candidates are those who are committed to having a positive effect on student achievement, who display excellence in their previous endeavors, and who are dedicated to reaching and influencing students—especially those in under-resourced areas—on a daily basis.
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How do I know if I am eligible for Phoenix Teaching Fellows?
Applicants to the Fellows program should review the strict requirements laid out on the website to check if they meet Eligibility for the Phoenix Teaching Fellows.
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Am I eligible if I have no prior teaching experience or prior coursework in education?
Yes. Individuals without prior teaching experience or coursework in education are eligible for the program and encouraged to apply. The Fellows program is specifically designed to attract high-quality applicants from diverse backgrounds into the teaching profession. Click here for more information.
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Are individuals who have been substitute teachers eligible for the program?
Anyone who has worked as a full-time, certified teacher is not eligible for this program. However, individuals who hold or have worked under occasional per diem (day-to-day substitute) certification are eligible to apply. For more details, visit the Eligibility section of this website.
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Why aren't certified teachers eligible to apply, and what should they do to start teaching in Phoenix?
The Teaching Fellows program is specifically designed to provide training and alternative certification to individuals who have had limited or no education coursework or experience. There are other paths to employment for certified teachers and individuals who have completed teacher education programs. For more information on employment in Phoenix for certified teachers, visit the districts’ websites.
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What if I don't have a 2.75 GPA?
Individuals must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher from an accredited college or university to be eligible to apply to this program. However, the Fellows program acknowledges that GPA is one factor among many in judging an applicant, and, in some instances, consideration may be given for individuals whose GPA falls between a 2.5 and 2.75 and who display exceptional past achievement elsewhere. Candidates with less than a 2.75 GPA will have the opportunity in the online application to address any issues that may be relevant to their academic performance. Please review the Eligibility section for more information on our eligibility requirements before applying.
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Do I need to be a resident of Phoenix to apply?
No. You do not need to be a resident of Phoenix to apply. This program is open to all qualified, determined candidates with the skills and ambitions to make a difference in the lives of students who live in Phoenix. Visit the Living in Phoenix section of this website for more information on the area.
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Application Process
How do I apply to become a Teaching Fellow?
An application consists of a complete online application form, a resume, and responses to application questions. After reading through this website thoroughly to learn more about the program requirements and benefits, visit the Apply Now section of the website for details and to apply today.
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Can I include letters of recommendation with my application?
No. Because of the sheer number of applications we receive, we are unable to consider documents or materials other than those required for a complete application (application form, resume, and application questions). Materials that are not required will be discarded. However, we do ask for references on the application, which we may contact to receive further insight on our applicants.
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Do I need to send transcripts with my application?
Although official transcripts are not required with the initial application for the Phoenix Teaching Fellows, acceptance into the Teaching Fellows program is contingent upon our receipt of an official, sealed transcript from each institution attended, and, Fellows who enroll in the program will eventually need a total of three official transcripts from each institution. Fellows cannot begin training until these transcripts have been received. Please click here for more information. Please note that transcripts submitted to the Fellows office are non-returnable.
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What happens after I submit my application?
All applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility, and then for content. Those applicants who demonstrate potential for success as Fellows are invited to interview. (You will also be notified if you are not invited to interview.) You should receive interview notification within approximately two weeks of our receipt of your application. Click here for more information.
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What happens during an interview event?
The interview represents one of the most important elements of the application process, offering candidates a chance to demonstrate their strengths and commitment to making a difference in Phoenix’s neediest schools. Candidates will be placed in groups of up to ten, along with one to two Phoenix Teaching Fellows interviewers. An interview event consists of both a group session and an individual interview. Each candidate will be asked to teach a five-minute lesson to the larger group, participate in a group discussion, write about a specific educational scenario, and engage in a one-on-one interview with a Fellows interviewer. At the event, candidates have the chance to meet other potential Fellows and to gain a deeper perspective on the program. More information about the interview event will be provided in advance to those invited to interview.
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When and where do interviews take place?
All interviews are conducted in person in the Phoenix area. Most interview events are held on Saturdays or Sundays, and each candidate will be given the opportunity to sign up for a specific interview event. We encourage candidates to apply early, as this may allow more opportunities to select a convenient interview event date.
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Do I have to interview in Phoenix?
Yes. We understand that it can be an investment of time and money for our out-of-town candidates to travel here to Phoenix to interview; however, candidates invited to interview must attend one of our interview events in order to continue the application process. Interview events are comprehensive and designed to enable you to demonstrate your commitment to closing the achievement gap and your potential to become an excellent teacher through a variety of methods. They are also your chance to meet other potential Teaching Fellows. Therefore, this is not something that we can re-create by telephone or by other means.
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What is the application deadline?
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year. Please click here to be notified when we begin accepting applications this fall for the 2009 cohort.
How can I get more information?
We regularly hold information sessions for anyone interested in learning more about the program. Please refer to the Contact Us section if you would like to contact the Fellows office with other specific questions.
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Admission and Enrollment
I applied to Phoenix Teaching Fellows but wasn't accepted. Can I appeal the decision on my application?
No. All applications are thoroughly reviewed during our rigorous application process, and admissions decisions are final. Because we receive an exceptional number of applications each year, we are unable to re-evaluate individual applications or provide personalized feedback to applicants who have not been accepted to the program.
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Can I defer acceptance into the program?
Candidates may not defer acceptance into the Teaching Fellows program; however, they may re-apply to begin teaching in fall 2009.
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Can I re-apply to the program next year if I am not accepted?
Yes, but in order to be considered, you must be able to demonstrate improvements in your candidacy since your previous application. The process for applicants who are re-applying is no different than that for applicants applying for the first time. Because the needs of the school system change from year to year, even those applicants who were admitted to the program in a previous year and declined our offer of admission or withdrew from the program must re-apply to begin teaching the following year.
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I meet all of the Teaching Fellows eligibility requirements. Why wasn't I accepted?
The Phoenix Teaching Fellows is a highly selective program. Each year, we have many more eligible applicants than we have positions available in the program. Our eligibility requirements are only the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the program, and meeting them in no way guarantees an applicant acceptance. Neither is an achievement or experience, including prior teaching experience, sufficient to guarantee acceptance.
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When does the program actually begin?
The Training Institute is tentatively scheduled to begin in June and will last for six weeks. Click here for more information on summer training. Upon successful completion of training, Teaching Fellows will then start teaching full-time in fall of 2008.
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Your Teaching Position
What will I be teaching?
Candidates to the Phoenix Teaching Fellows program are accepted to teach specific subjects. The subject that you are accepted to teach is based on the staffing needs of the schools, your eligibility, and, where possible, your subject area preferences. Your eligibility is determined according to strict district and state regulations. Fellows are needed to teach in subjects where Phoenix students are currently most in need of strong teachers—science, math, and special education. In addition, a very limited number of language arts/reading positions may become available.
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How do I know what subject I am qualified to teach?
What you are qualified to teach largely depends on your academic history and your successful passing of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) Subject Knowledge exam. Generally speaking, to be qualified to teach a subject in math, science, or language arts/reading, you must have a strong academic background in those fields, and you must pass the corresponding AEPA Subject Knowledge exam. To teach in a special education class, you need a bachelor’s degree and you must pass the relevant AEPA Subject Knowledge exam. Please visit the Eligibility section for more detailed information. Candidates will receive more specific direction on what tests they are required to take with their invitation to interview.
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Where will I be teaching?
Fellows will teach in high-need schools—often with less resources and greater need for strong teachers—in one of our partner districts: Murphy Elementary and Phoenix Elementary School Districts. Click here for more details.
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How does the process of securing a school placement work?
Placement is the process through which teachers find their specific teaching positions in Phoenix. This process generally includes interactions with both principals and district hiring personnel. It is the mission of the Phoenix Teaching Fellows to staff schools in high-need areas, and all candidates should be prepared to teach wherever they are most needed and can have the greatest impact on student achievement. Although candidates will have the opportunity to express their subject area and geographical preferences, these assignments are driven primarily by school needs and by each Fellow’s eligibility. Fellows must be extremely flexible about their teaching positions. Review Securing Your Teaching Job to learn more.
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Can I choose where I will teach?
The Phoenix Teaching Fellows program facilitates parts of the Fellows’ placement process, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the Fellow to present him/herself as a compelling candidate for hire and the decision of the school and district to hire a Fellow to teach at a particular school. For more information about where Fellows teach, click here.
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When will I know where I will be teaching?
Fellows will be actively engaged in the placement process from spring through the beginning of the school year. Identifying and finalizing a specific teaching job is a challenging process, as there are many variables involved in predicting job openings at the school level. You will receive more information about this process if you are accepted into the Teaching Fellows program.
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Can I change my teaching placement after I have started teaching?
You are expected to teach at the school where you are originally hired and commit to positive change in your school.
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Will there be other Fellows teaching at my school?
The Fellows program works with schools to cluster teachers in the same school or neighborhood where possible. However, placement is due in large part to district need and the location of un-staffed positions; for this reason, we ask Fellows to be extremely flexible about their teaching assignment.
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Training & Resources
Once I become a Fellow, how will I be prepared for the classroom?
In the summer of 2008, Fellows will complete an intensive training program that includes observation and practice teaching in a Phoenix summer school classroom, daily sessions led by experienced teachers focused on the practical aspects of teaching and issues faced by teachers in high-need schools, and additional coursework related to the foundation of strong teaching practices. Attendance at all components of training is mandatory. Please click here for more information.
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How intensive is summer training?
The Teaching Fellows training program concentrates a great deal of training into only a few weeks; thus, training is extremely demanding. Due to the critical part that training plays in preparing Fellows to be successful in the classroom, Fellows cannot miss any portion of the training. Please review the Training & Resources section of this website for more information.
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How long is summer training?
The training program for Fellows is a full-time, six-week commitment over the summer.
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Do I pay for summer training?
Fellows benefit from an intensive summer training, free of cost. In addition, Fellows will receive a $2,000 pre-tax stipend upon successful completion of Institute. Because the time between the start of training and a Fellow’s first paycheck may be lengthy (possibly June to September), we encourage Fellows to take appropriate measures to ensure their financial well-being during this time. Participants go on the district payroll when they begin teaching. Please review the Salary and Benefits section of this website for more information.
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What kind of ongoing resources and connections are available to Teaching Fellows?
Fellows often look to develop their most basic, ongoing support network at their schools. Although every situation is different, Fellows may collaborate with and access resources from other teachers at their school, district instructional specialists, assistant principals, principals, or a grade- or subject-level team. Fellows may take advantage of district and school-sponsored professional development programs. The Phoenix Teaching Fellows program office also makes Fellows aware of professional development and networking opportunities throughout the year and publishes a regular newsletter. New Teaching Fellows can draw on their connections within their Teaching Fellows cohort as a resource for planning, reflection, and shared encouragement as they strive for excellence in their individual classrooms.
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Compensation and Benefits
What is the starting salary for Phoenix Teaching Fellows?
The starting salary for Fellows is the same as that for all other beginning teachers. Starting teachers in 2007-2008, with no previous classroom experience, typically earn between $31,300 and $34,665 in their first year. New teachers’ salaries will vary, and may have the potential to earn more than this, depending on district placement, performance pay, and the teacher’s education level. Candidates should refer to the Salary & Benefits section of this website for more information.
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What employment benefits do Fellows receive?
Fellows are eligible for the same benefits as all other district teachers, including health insurance and a pension plan. For more information about benefits, refer to the Salary & Benefits section of this website.
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