Through a 24-month residency program, Inspired Teaching Fellows are prepared for successful and sustainable careers as teachers and changemakers in Washington, DC while earning a DC teaching license and a Master of Arts in Teaching.
The Inspired Teacher Certification Program is rooted in the belief that teachers, as Instigators of Thought, can be changemakers in their classrooms, schools, and society as a whole. Becoming a part of Inspired Teaching means joining a movement to change the way children are educated. Inspired Teaching believes that it will be teachers who ultimately change schools in our country so that they can achieve the promise of ensuring all children reach their full potential.
The Inspired Teaching model for teacher preparation ensures that teachers are well-prepared for effective careers as teachers in urban-environments. Through a year-long residency, Fellows learn the skills and dispositions of an Inspired Teacher under the guidance of a lead teacher, arming them with the knowledge and experience necessary for a smooth transition into their teaching career. In their second year, as teachers of record in District of Columbia public schools, Fellows continue to receive intensive classroom mentoring. During both years of the program, Fellows are enrolled as full-time graduate students at Trinity Washington University, completing coursework that results in a Master of Arts in Teaching.
Key aspects of the program:
- Receive a DC teaching license in early childhood (preK-3rd) or elementary (1st-6th) education.
- Experience a residency year that seamlessly connects theory and practice by training in classrooms of lead teachers and learning professional best practices while immersed in the realities of day-to-day teaching responsibilities.
- Earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity Washington University through a customized program of graduate coursework that prepares new teachers using current practices and research from the field.
- Receive intensive classroom mentoring which provides constructive feedback, instructional coaching, and personal support.
- Serve as a full-time AmeriCorps member, joining a national network of individuals committed to public service, and access benefits including a financial education award, childcare benefits and student loan deferment.
- Join a network of educational changemakers, and influence the education landscape both inside and outside of the classroom. Work to transform education as a means to achieve social justice by hosting classroom visits, writing for blogs, and presenting at local and national conferences.
What Does It Take to Become an Inspired Teaching Fellow?
Inspired Teaching is interested in attracting passionate, hard-working individuals from all walks of life to become outstanding teachers. Admission is highly selective and is open to recent college graduates, mid- career professionals, early retirees, or others with at least a bachelor’s degree and the personal characteristics that will enable them to advance educational reform. Specifically, we are looking for individuals who demonstrate:
- Willingness to embrace teaching the whole child
- Potential for leadership in and beyond the classroom
- Holistic, asset-based approach to problem-solving
- Commitment to self-reflection
- Respect for teaching as a profession
- Fit with Inspired Teaching’s mission and values
- High standards of professionalismMinimum eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree; must be conferred by June 30, 2014.
- US citizenship or permanent resident status
- Minimum GPA
If you are a recent college graduate (less than 5 years of work experience): 3.0 on a 4.0 scale OR 3.25 in the major area.
If you have more than 5 years of work experience: 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Consideration may be given for outstanding personal/professional achievement.
Center for Inspired Teaching is committed to building a teacher workforce that reflects the diversity of DC’s student population. Speakers of languages other than English, and individuals with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to apply; alternative application formats are available upon request.
To apply, visit the Inspired Teacher Certification Program website.