Memphis Teaching Fellows FAQs

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• What subject and grade levels do I teach through this program?

  Fellows have the opportunity to teach biology, chemistry, math, middle school, Spanish and other foreign languages, or Special Education; specific grade level placement is based on the needs of MCS at the time of hiring.

• When do I start teaching?

  All Fellows who successfully complete Pre-Service Training and secure full-time positions will officially start teaching on the date that all new teachers are required to report to that district or school.

• Where will I teach?

  Fellows are eligible to teach in Memphis City Schools. For more information on schools, please visit Memphis City Schools or the Teaching in Memphis section of our website. Please note that Fellows will teach in the schools where they are most needed and not necessarily the school of their choice.

• How long is the commitment?

  We hope that Fellows will commit to a lifetime career in education. The ambitious goal of the Memphis Teaching Fellows is to build a network of Memphis teachers passionate about educational equity and ready to work actively to achieve results in their classrooms on a daily basis, alongside other Memphis teachers with the same focus. We also hope that outstanding individuals who enter the teaching profession through the Fellows program will continue their careers as educators in Memphis, fulfilling our shared mission of closing the achievement gap, for many years to come.

• 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.

• What should I expect as a teacher in Memphis?

  You should expect to work with diverse groups of students and teachers in an urban school district. You should also expect to work hard and learn a lot in your first few years of teaching, and feel accomplished and rewarded when your students succeed.

• Will I receive a state teaching license?

  While completing our one-year licensure program through TNTP Academy, Fellows will work under a Transitional License. After successfully completing the all TNTP Academy requirements, including successful demonstration of classroom effectiveness, Fellows will be eligible for a standard Tennessee Apprentice License.

• Does this program award a master’s degree?

  No, TNTP Academy does not award a master’s degree. However, Fellows do have the option of pursuing a master’s degree after completing the TNTP Academy.  Currently, the TNTP Academy has a partnership with Christian Brother’s University that awards Fellows 9 credit hours for their TNTP Academy coursework as well as a 20% discount on registration fees.

• How much does the licensure program cost?

  The licensure program costs $5,000.

• Is financial aid available for the licensure program?

  No, financial aid is not available for the TNTP Academy. Fellows are able to pay their tuition in full or have the option of starting a payment plan.   

• What exams will I need to take?

  To participate in the program, candidates will need to take and pass the Praxis II content area exam(s) that corresponds with the subject that they are eligible to teach before the start of Training Institute.

• Am I eligible if I have no previous teaching experience or prior coursework in education?

  Memphis Teaching Fellows is designed for mid-career professionals and recent college graduates from all fields who demonstrate leadership, achievement, and a commitment to urban education. Previous coursework or experience in education is not necessary.

• Are individuals who have worked as substitute teachers eligible for the program?

  Yes, substitute teachers may apply, provided they meet our eligibility requirements.

• Why aren't certified teachers eligible to apply, and what should they do to start teaching?

  The Teaching Fellows program is specifically designed to provide training and support to individuals who have had no education coursework. For more information on opportunities to teach in your area, we encourage you to visit your local district's website.

• What if I don't have a 2.75 GPA?

  The GPA requirement of 2.75 recognizes the challenging nature of many undergraduate programs of study, and the Fellows program acknowledges that GPA is one factor among many in judging an applicant. However, no candidate will be admitted with a GPA below the minimum of 2.75, as verified by official university transcripts.

• Do I need to be a resident of Memphis to apply?

  No, you do not need to be a resident of Memphis to apply.

• Can I include letters of recommendation with my application?

  No. Due to 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 responses to application questions). Materials that are not required will be discarded. However, we do ask for references on the application, who we may contact to receive further insight on our applicants.

• Do I need to send transcripts with my application?

  No, you do not need to send transcripts with your application. However, all individuals invited to an interview will be asked to submit on unofficial transcript from every college/university they have attended and three additional official copies will be needed later in the enrollment process. Because it often takes universities several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we highly recommend that you request your three official transcripts now. If you are unable to attend a document drop-off day, we recommend waiting to send your official transcripts until you have 3 copies from every college/university you have attended. Then send them all together in a manila envelope, in order to expedite program enrollment and district processing needs upon acceptance to the program.

• What happens after I submit my application?

  All applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility. 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 two weeks of our receipt of your complete application. Due to the high volume of applications, all communication will be emailed through our Teacher Track 2 system.

• When will I know if I am accepted into the program?

  Notice will be sent from our office via email two weeks after your Interview Event. Due to the high volume of applications we are unable to give candidates specific feedback and all decisions are final.

• What should I do if I have not received a response from the program?

  In general, if you are not receiving emails from the program, check your junk folder in the original email you provided and if you are still not receiving emails, you should provide us with a different email address. Additionally, all messages are saved on your Teacher Track 2 account so you can view correspondences through that portal. If you have not received a response via email from the program within 2 weeks after submitting your application, you should contact the program by email at info@memphisteachingfellows.org.

• Where can I learn more about the Praxis exams?

  ETS is the organization responsible for administering the Praxis exams. Visit www.ets.org and select Praxis for additional information.

• When does the program actually begin?

  While all Fellows start the Pre-Service Training in person in June, there are program requirements in the months leading up to Pre-Service Training. Once accepted to the program Fellows will be required to complete a series of pre-training assignments designed to lay the foundation upon which training will build. If accepted, anticipate spending a few hours on program-related work each week in order to successfully prepare for Pre-Service Training.

• What do I need to enroll in the program?

  If you are accepted, the Memphis Teaching Fellows program will guide you through the enrollment process. The program will require that you submit:

  • Three sets of official transcripts from every college/university you have attended
  • A copy of your official Praxis II score reports
  • A signed program Commitment Form
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the United States

  The program will also guide you through the new hire process for Memphis City Schools. Additionally, please plan on spending a few hours of program related assignments and requirements each week leading up to Training Institute in order to better prepare you to be successful during Training Institute.

• What is the starting salary for the Memphis Teaching Fellows?

  For the 2011-2012 school year, first-year teachers with a Bachelor’s degree typically earned $41,000 annually; Fellows with advanced degrees may be eligible for a higher base salary.

• What employment benefits do Fellows receive?

  Fellows are eligible for the same comprehensive benefits as all new teachers, which may include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.

• When do benefits start?

  All Fellows are typically eligible for benefits either immediately or 30 days after their official start date.