How to Apply
Application Process
1. Read This Website
Before you do anything else, read this website in its entirety very carefully.
Each page contains unique and important information about the program and its requirements. If you have questions about any of the information, please do not hesitate to contact our office at info@IndianapolisTeachingFellows.org. Also, remember you can register to attend one of our Information Sessions that occur regularly from November - March.
2. Check Eligibility Status
Applicants must meet a number of eligibility requirements in order to be considered for the program. Make sure that you’ve read and understand our Program Eligibility requirements thoroughly. Please note that your application will not be reviewed if you are ineligible.
3. Apply Now
Applying is easy via our online application. You can complete an application form and submit your resume and responses to the application questions electronically. A complete application includes the online application form, resume and responses to the application questions. If all three elements are not included, your application will not be reviewed.
The application form asks candidates to provide contact information, demographic information, eligibility information, teaching preferences, information about academic and professional backgrounds, and other important information in support of your candidacy.
4. Application Questions and Resume
Responses to the three application questions should be 200 - 400 words per question:
- Nearly all Fellows are hired to teach in high-need schools that are located in low-income communities. Why do you want to teach in a high-need school in Indianapolis? What challenges do you expect, and what experiences have prepared you to teach in a high-need school?
- The most important responsibility of a teacher is to ensure high academic achievement for all students. Explain how a skill or ability that you possess will help you ensure high academic achievement for all students and provide an example of how you have effectively demonstrated this skill or ability in the past.
- Briefly describe a time when you achieved a goal in the face of challenges or while balancing multiple responsibilities. What steps did you take to ensure you would meet your goal, and how will that experience contribute to your ability to be successful with your students?
Responses to the application questions provide us with information not captured elsewhere in the application. We use your responses to the application questions to evaluate your writing and critical thinking skills, and more importantly, to gain a sense of your commitment to teaching students in Indianapolis Public Schools.
Application Questions Guidelines:
- Include your name and “Indianapolis Teaching Fellows” at the beginning of your response.
- Answer the questions in the order provided.
- Number each question.
Your resume should clearly outline your work history in chronological order, including dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities and accomplishments. In addition to providing employment information, your resume can be used to highlight previous achievements – both academic and professional – along with any community involvement or volunteer experience. It should also highlight any teaching experience or student-related activities and should, ideally, be no more than one page in length.
Please note: Both your resume and responses to the application questions must be uploaded at the time of application. Only documents in Microsoft Word (.doc) can be accepted and uploaded.
5. Register for the Praxis Tests
Fellows must pass the Praxis I and Praxis II tests administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in order to start the summer institute. You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting the Testing Requirements section of this website. You may also visit the Praxis website to learn more. Candidates are strongly encouraged to register and take the Praxis tests as soon as possible.
6. Request Your Transcripts
If selected for an interview, candidates will be required to bring at least one official (sealed) transcript from every college or university attended. Please do not send or fax transcripts to our office before the interview date.
If you are accepted to the program, you will be required to submit two additional official (sealed) copies of your transcripts from each college or university attended no later than May 26, 2011. This means that we will need a total of three sets of official transcripts. Because it often takes several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we recommend that you request all three transcript copies from each college or university attended at the time of your application submission.
Graduates of foreign universities must have their transcripts evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation agency. Please visit the Eligibility Requirements section for more information on foreign transcript evaluation agencies.
Please note: we will not accept foreign transcripts. We will only accept transcripts evaluated by an approved transcript evaluation agency.
7. Attend an Interview Event
(Invited candidates only)Candidates whose applications demonstrate their strong potential to be an excellent new teacher will be invited to participate in an Interview Event. We will closely review all resumes and responses to application questions that are received from eligible candidates. Candidates will be notified of their application status within two weeks of our receipt of a complete application.
8. Wait for a Decision
Admissions decision to the Indianapolis Teaching Fellows will be based on the strengths of the submitted application materials and successful participation in an Interview Event.
All interviewees will be notified of their status within two weeks of when they interview.
We understand that being denied admission can be a disappointment, and it is natural to want to know the reasons behind the decision. However, because of the large number of applications we receive, we cannot accommodate requests for personalized feedback on individual applications.
