Overview+of+Fellows+Program

The Chinquapin Urban Teaching Fellows Program offers the opportunity to novice teachers for intense immersion in a novel educational environment. Fellows experience the joys and challenges of teaching in the 21st century, while they also learn in day-to-day practice what it means to be educators. A year-long mentoring program, beginning with a curriculum design workshop in late July/early August and continuing throughout the academic year with face-to-face meetings, online interaction, individual reasearch, and presentations, and detailed feedback, provides Fellows with key instruction and support in educational best practices and 21st century learning. Fellows experience every aspect of school life as they work with students who want to learn and succeed academically, but who lack the advantages of some students who come from more privileged backgrounds. Working as a team in a community of teacher-learners, Fellows work alongside master teachers, coach or lead student activities, and implement curricula designed in conjunction with program mentors. Fellows also gain valuable experience in professional interactions that will help them build a solid foundation for a career in education.

Elements of Program:

 * Pre-service training and professional development*
 * Weekly instructional meetings and assignments focusing on best practices (reading, research, observations, projects, etc.
 * Regular online reflection, sharing, discussion of professional concerns
 * Quarterly observations, feedback, and self-review
 * One-on-one guidance in course development
 * Guidance in building a professional network and conducting a job search
 * One or more course assignments in area of interest or expertise
 * Mentoring in subject area instruction
 * One or more “training and observation” courses with a mentor teacher
 * Coaching, Physical Education, or Student Activity assignments
 * Residence Life assignments
 * Individual project in school administration
 * Opportunities for certification through local programs are being explored. Other professional development programs are encouraged and may be supported financially upon approval by the Administration.

Chinquapin Urban Teaching Fellows have access to:

 * Guidance in building a professional network
 * Open discussion of professional best practices
 * Experienced teacher-mentors in various subject areas
 * Critique and review by peers and supervisors
 * Instruction and practice in course design and delivery
 * Practical experience in and advice about classroom management

Topics addressed:

 * Philosophies of teaching
 * 21st-century learning
 * Best practices in education
 * Professional disposition
 * Job search strategies