Frequently Asked Questions
Teaching in Rhode Island
Certification
Qualifications
Application Process
Admission and Enrollment
Your Teaching Position
Training and Resources
Compensation and Benefits
Teaching in Rhode Island
What does a typical day look like?
School days are typically about seven hours long; however, class schedules, length of the school day and school year may vary from school to school and district to district. 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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What part of Rhode Island will I be teaching in?
Rhode Island Teaching Fellows will teach high-need subject areas in public schools across Rhode Island. While the program staff considers a candidate’s preferences when possible, the needs of urban schools and the candidate’s subject area eligibility are given priority during the placement process. For more information, review the Securing Your Teaching Position 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. More information and training on supporting students with special needs will be available during the summer training and through the Fellow’s certification program.
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How long is the commitment?
We hope that Fellows will commit to a lifetime career in education. The ambitious goal of the Rhode Island Teaching Fellows is to build a network of teachers passionate about educational equity and ready to work actively to achieve results in their classrooms on a daily basis, alongside our veteran public school 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 Rhode Island, fulfilling our shared mission of closing the achievement gap, for many years to come.
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Why should I become part of Rhode Island Teaching Fellows?
Your knowledge and experience can help ensure that every child in our state has access to a high-quality education. We know that there is an achievement gap between our urban and suburban schools, and we know that high-quality teachers are the single most important factor in raising student achievement. As a Teaching Fellow, you will join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to closing the achievement gap in our urban district schools and to making a difference in the lives of our students. Learn more on the Program Overview page.
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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 most need them. 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 while they teach full time, earning a full time salary. Review the Certification section of this website for more information.
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Will I receive state certification?
Yes. All Fellows formally commit to working towards and completing their certification requirements when accepting their offer to join the Teaching Fellows program. While teaching full-time, Fellows will complete alternative certification coursework and requirements. Review the Certification section of this website for more information. Upon completion of all required coursework and passing scores on all required tests, Fellows will receive a Rhode Island Professional Certificate.
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What exams will I need to take?
Fellows must register for, study for, and pass the Praxis I and appropriate Praxis II exams before the start of the summer Training Institute and before enrollment in the program can be finalized. The appropriate Praxis II exam(s) will vary for each candidate, depending on a candidate’s eligibility and the subject he/she may teach in the fall. Candidates invited to interview with the Teaching Fellows program will receive individualized guidance on the appropriate exams for their candidacy with their invitation to interview, and are urged to register at that time for their exam. Fellows must also take a second Praxis II exam during their first year of teaching. Review the Testing Requirements section of this website for more details on the content and deadlines for these exams.
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Can I receive a waiver or exemption from the subject area exam, based on undergraduate coursework, GRE scores or professional experience?
No, all Fellows must take and pass the Praxis II before the start of the Rhode Island Teaching Fellows summer Training Institute.
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How much will my certification courses cost?
Tuition for certification for 2009 Fellows was $6,000. Fellows will be responsible for the cost of tuition to be paid in full during the 2010-2011 school year. Review the Certification section for more information.
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Qualifications
What type of person is a good candidate for Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Teaching Fellows program.
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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. For more details, visit the Eligibility section of this website.
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Are individuals who have substituted in public schools in Rhode Island 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 substitute licenses 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 Rhode Island?
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 for certified teachers, visit the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.
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What if I don't have a 3.0 GPA?
Individuals must possess an average undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. The candidate will also be eligible if he/she has completed 24 semester hours of graduate level courses and received a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in graduate coursework. GPAs are not rounded up; the cumulative GPA on the candidate’s transcript must be at least a 3.0 in order to be eligible. If a candidate has a GPA of 2.9 or lower and does not have 24 semester hours of graduate level courses with a GPA of at least 3.0, the candidate will not eligible and will not be invited to interview. Please note that candidates invited to interview are required to bring copies of all transcripts to the interview event. Please review the Eligibility section for more information before applying.
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Do I need to be a resident of Rhode Island to apply?
No. You do not need to be a resident of Rhode Island 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 our state. For more information on living in Rhode Island, visit the Living in Rhode Island section of this website.
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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 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 Rhode Island 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. Review the Apply Now section for more information.
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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 completed application. Review the Apply Now section 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 Rhode Island’s neediest schools. Candidates will be placed in groups of up to ten, along with one to two 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.
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When and where do interviews take place?
All interviews are conducted in person in Rhode Island. Most interview events are held on weekends, and each candidate will be given the opportunity to sign up for an interview event that is most convenient for him/her. 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 Rhode Island?
Yes. We understand that it can be an investment of time and money for our out-of-town candidates to travel here Rhode Island; 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?
Based on our partner districts’ needs, we have extended our final deadline for 2010 applications to March 22, 2010. Since RITF invites candidates to enroll on a rolling basis, we strongly encourage you to apply as early as possible in order for your application to be given full consideration.
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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 Rhode Island 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 next fall.
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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 Teaching Fellows program is highly selective, with 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 be begin in early July 2010 and conclude in August 2010. Review the Summer Training Institute section for more information on summer training. Upon successful completion of training, Teaching Fellows will then start teaching full time in fall of 2010.
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Your Teaching Position
What will I be teaching?
Candidates to the 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 critical shortage subject areas where Rhode Island students are most in need of strong teachers such as math, science and secondary special education.
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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 appropriate Praxis II content exam. Generally speaking, to be qualified to teach math and science you must have majored in a related field or have at least 30 credits in that subject area. All candidates must also pass the corresponding Praxis II exam. Please visit the Eligibility section for more detailed information. Candidates will receive more specific direction on what test 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 within one of Rhode Island’s urban districts that often have fewer resources and a greater need for strong teachers. It is the mission of the Teaching Fellows program 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. Review the Securing your Teaching Position section 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 high-need Rhode Island Public Schools. This process generally includes interactions with both principals and district hiring personnel. 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 the Securing Your Teaching Position section to learn more.
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Can I choose where I will teach?
The Rhode Island 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. Fellows may secure their teaching positions through job fairs, individual on-site interviews with principals and assistant principals, or often through direct assignment by district personnel. Teaching Fellows will receive more detailed information on the placement process once they have been accepted to and have enrolled in the program. For more information about where Fellows teach, review the Securing Your Teaching Position section.
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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 that school.
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Training and Resources
Once I become a Fellow, how will I be prepared for the classroom?
In the summer of 2010, Fellows will complete an intensive training program that includes observation and practice teaching, 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 review the Summer Training Institute section of this website 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. Fellows will be held to very high expectations during summer training in order to ensure that they are prepared for the rigorous demands they will face during their first year of teaching. Fellows who do not meet program expectations during summer training will not be able to continue with the program. Please review the Summer Training Institute 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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Will I be paid for training?
Upon successful completion of the summer training session, Fellows are provided with a $2,000 pre-tax stipend. The stipend is generally distributed after the summer training. 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 participating 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 and from their cohort of Teaching Fellows. 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. Moreover, summer training events facilitate connections among Fellows who often teach the same subjects areas. Fellows may take advantage of district and school-sponsored professional development programs. The 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 with other Fellows and district teachers 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 Rhode Island Teaching Fellows?
The starting salary for Fellows is the same as that for all other beginning teachers in the participating districts. Fellows become salaried employees of the participating district when all teachers report back to work at the start of the school year; teachers normally receive their first pay check during the first month of teaching. 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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