Teaching in Milwaukee
Licensure
Qualifications
Application Process
Admission and Enrollment
Your Teaching Position
Training and Resources
Compensation and Benefits
Teaching in Milwaukee
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. 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 university licensure 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 Milwaukee will I be teaching in?
Milwaukee Teaching Fellows will work in high-need schools, typically with records of low academic achievement. 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 of Milwaukee, regardless of neighborhood. 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. 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 Fellow’s licensure 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 Milwaukee Teaching Fellows is to build a network of Milwaukee teachers passionate about educational equity and ready to work actively to achieve results in their classrooms on a daily basis, alongside other MPS teachers with the same focus. 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 Milwaukee, fulfilling our shared mission of closing the achievement gap, for many years to come.
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Why should I become part of Milwaukee Teaching Fellows?
Your knowledge and experience can help ensure that every child in Milwaukee has access to a high quality education. 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. As a Teaching Fellow, you will join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to closing the achievement gap and to making a difference. Click here to learn more.
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Licensure
What does "alternative licensure" 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 at a state-approved university while they teach full time, earning a full time salary. Review the licensure page of this website for more information.
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Will I receive state licensure?
Yes. All Fellows formally commit to working towards and completing their licensure requirements when accepting their offer to join the Teaching Fellows program. While teaching full-time, Fellows will complete alternative licensing coursework and requirements at a state-approved university, meeting performance based standards. Review the licensure section of this website for more information.
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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 exam before the start of the summer Training Institute and before enrollment in the program can be finalized. The appropriate Praxis II exam 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 exam for their candidacy with their invitation to interview, and are urged to register at that time for their exam. 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 or professional experience?
No, all Fellows must take and pass the Praxis II before the start of the Milwaukee Teaching Fellows Summer Training Institute.
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How much will my licensure courses cost?
More detailed information on licensure costs will be provided to Fellows upon acceptance and enrollment into the program. Fellows will be responsible for the cost of tuition. Note that most first year Fellows will likely be eligible to apply for a $4,725 Teaching Fellows AmeriCorps Education Award to help cover these education expenses. Review the licensure section for more information.
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Qualifications
What type of person is a good candidate for Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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. Click here for more information.
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Are individuals who have substituted in Milwaukee eligible for the program?
Anyone who has worked as a full-time, licensed 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 licensed teachers eligible to apply, and what should they do to start teaching in Milwaukee?
The Teaching Fellows program is specifically designed to provide training and alternative licensure to individuals who have had limited or no education coursework or experience. There are other paths to employment for licensed teachers and individuals who have completed teacher education programs. For more information on employment for licensed teachers, visit the district’s website.
Additionally, New Leaders for New Schools is a local organization looking for certified teachers to become principals in urban schools. New Leaders is recruiting the next class of outstanding school leaders. Participants receive rigorous training, coaching, and support, a year-long paid residency, and principal licensure. Click the link below to find out more!
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What if I don't have a 3.0 GPA?
Individuals must have a GPA of 3.0 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 2.75 and 2.99 and who display exceptional past achievement elsewhere. Candidates with less than a 3.0 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 Milwaukee to apply?
No. You do not need to be a resident of Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. However, there is a residency requirement for all teachers employed by Milwaukee Public Schools. Therefore, if you are selected for admission into the Milwaukee Teaching Fellows program you will need to reside in Milwaukee upon successful completion of internship requirements. For more information on living in Milwaukee, visit the Living in Milwaukee 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 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 Milwaukee 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.
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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. 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 Milwaukee’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 the Milwaukee area. 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 Milwaukee?
Yes. We understand that it can be an investment of time and money for our out-of-town candidates to travel here to Milwaukee 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?
The early application deadline is Monday, January 5, 2009.
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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 Milwuakee 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 held in July– August 2009. Click here for more information on summer training. Upon successful completion of training, Teaching Fellows will then start teaching full time in fall of 2009.
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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 subjects where Milwaukee students are currently most in need of strong teachers—science, math, special education, and elementary bilingual 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 or science, you must have a major in the field. To be qualified to teach special education or bilingual education, you must have a bachelor’s degree. 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—often with less resources and 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. 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 high-need Milwaukee Public Schools. . 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 Position to learn more.
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Can I choose where I will teach?
The Milwaukee 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. 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, 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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Training and Resources
Once I become a Fellow, how will I be prepared for the classroom?
In the summer of 2009, Fellows will complete an intensive training program that includes observation and practice teaching in a Milwaukee 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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Will I be paid for training?
During the summer training session, Fellows are provided with a $2,000 pre-tax stipend. The stipend is generally distributed at the end of 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 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 Milwaukee Teaching Fellows?
The starting salary for Fellows is the same as that for all other beginning teachers in the district. Starting teachers in 2007-2008, with no previous classroom experience, typically earn $
34,858 in their first year, depending on their education level and related coursework. Fellows become salaried employees of the 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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