Frequently Asked Questions
Teaching in Indianapolis Public Schools
Licensure Program with Marian College
Program Eligibility
Application Process
Admission and Enrollment
Compensation and Benefits
Teaching in Indianapolis Public Schools
What subject and grade levels do I teach through this program?
All Fellows will teach math, science, special education, or Spanish – math and science at the secondary level (which includes middle and high school) and Spanish or special education at any grade level.
When do I start teaching?
All Fellows who successfully complete Summer Institute and secure full-time positions will officially start teaching on the date that all new district teachers are required to report to school.
Where will I teach?
Fellows are eligible to teach in any Indianapolis Public School. For more information on schools, please visit www.ips.k12.in.us or the Teaching in Indianapolis section of the website. Please note that Fellows will teach in the schools where they are most needed and not necessarily the school of their choice.
How long is the commitment?
We hope that Fellows will commit to a lifetime career in education. The ambitious goal of the Indianapolis Teaching Fellows is to build a network of Indianapolis teachers passionate about educational equity and ready to work actively to achieve results in their classrooms on a daily basis, alongside other Indianapolis 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 inIndianapolis, fulfilling our shared mission of closing the achievement gap, for many years to come.
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.
What should I expect as a teacher in Indianapolis?
You should expect to work with diverse groups of students and teachers in an urban school district. To learn more specifics about IPS please visit the Teaching in Indianapolis section.
Licensure Program with Marian University
Will I receive a state teaching license?
During the two year licensure program, Fellows will work under an Transition to Teaching permit. After successfully completing the licensure program, each Fellow will receive an initial teaching license that is valid for two years. At the end of two years with an initial license, Fellows will be eligible to apply to the State of Indiana for a permanent teaching license.
Does this program award a master’s degree?
Yes, you will earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from Marian University.
How much does the licensure program cost?
The licensure program costs $6,000 for individuals teaching math, science, Spanish, and special education at the secondary level.
The program costs $7,000 for individuals teaching elementary special education.
Is financial aid available for the licensure program?
First year Teaching Fellows may be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award after successfully completing their first year of teaching. The award, which is valid for seven years after issuance, may be used to pay for certification or future education costs, including the repayment of eligible student loans.
Which universities work with the program?
The exclusive university partner of the Indianapolis Teaching Fellows program is Marian University.
How is the coursework scheduled with Marian?
As this is a cohort program, typically, all Fellows take courses together throughout the two year licensure program. Classes are usually scheduled two nights a week for 2-3 hour sessions.
Program Eligibility
What exams will I need to take?
To participate in the program, candidates will need to take and pass the Praxis I basic skills exam and the Praxis II content area exam that
corresponds with the subject that they are eligible to teach before the start of institute.
Am I eligible if I have no previous teaching experience or prior coursework in education?
Indianapolis Teaching Fellows is designed for mid-career professionals and recent college graduates from all fields who demonstrate leadership, achievement, and a commitment to urban education. Previous coursework or experience in education is not necessary.
Are individuals who have worked as substitute teachers eligible for the program?
Yes, substitute teachers may apply, provided they meet our eligibility requirements.
Why aren't certified teachers eligible to apply, and what should they do to start teaching?
The Teaching Fellows program is specifically designed to provide training and support to individuals who have had no education coursework. For more information on employment in IPS for certified teachers, visit the IPS employment website.
What if I don't have a 3.0 GPA?
Consideration may be given for Individuals with an average GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 with five years of professional experience or a Master's degree with a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated exceptional achievement in some other area. It is the responsibility of the applicant to explain exactly why his or her achievement should be considered exceptional on the application. Indianapolis Teaching Fellows cannot consider applications with average undergraduate GPAs below 2.75 due to district requirement.
Do I need to be a resident of Indianapolis to apply?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Indianapolis to apply.
What subject areas am I eligible to teach through this program?
The Indianapolis Teaching Fellows program is charged with recruiting teachers to fill vacancies in the critical shortage subject areas of math, science, special education, and Spanish. If you are eligible to teach one of these subject areas, you should definitely apply.
Application Process
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 responses to application questions). Materials that are not required will be discarded. However, we do ask for references on the application, who we may contact to receive further insight on our applicants.
Do I need to send transcripts with my application?
No, you do not need to send transcripts with your application. However, all individuals invited to an interview will be asked to submit one official set of transcripts from every college/university they have attended and two additional copies will be needed later in the enrollment process. Because it often takes universities several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we highly recommend that you request your three official transcripts now. We also recommend requesting three copies sealed in separate envelopes in order to expedite program enrollment and district processing needs upon acceptance to the program.
What happens after I submit my application?
All applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility. 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 two weeks of our receipt of your complete application.
When will I know if I am accepted into the program?
Notice will be sent from our office two weeks after your Interview Event.
What should I do if I have not received a response from the program?
In general, if you are not receiving emails from the program, you should provide us with a different email address.
If you have not received a response via email from the program within 2 weeks after submitting your application, you should contact the program by email at info@indianapolisteachingfellows.org.
Where can I learn more about the Praxis exams?
ETS is the organization responsible for administering the Praxis exams. Visit www.ets.org and select Praxis for additional information.
Admission and Enrollment
When does the program actually begin?
All Fellows will start the Summer Institute in June. In the months before Summer Institute, Fellows will be required to complete a series of pre-training assignments and school observations designed to lay the foundation upon which training will build.
What do I need to enroll in the program?
If you are accepted, the Indianapolis Teaching Fellows program will guide you through the enrollment process. The program will require that you submit:
- Three sets of official transcripts from every college/university you have attended,
- A copy of your official Praxis I and II score reports,
- A signed program Commitment Form,
- A copy of your CPR certification card, and
- Proof of eligibility that you can work in the United States
The program will also guide you through the enrollment process for Marian University and the new hire process for Indianapolis Public Schools or a charter partner. Please note that you will need a $35 application fee in the form of a check or money order for Marian University and a $35 money order for your Transition to Teaching permit application to the State of Indiana.
Compensation and Benefits
What is the starting salary for the Indianapolis Teaching Fellows?
The starting salary for Fellows who teach in IPS is the same as that for all other beginning teachers in the IPS system; for the 2007-2008 school year, a first-year teacher made approximately $34,600 annually. Beginning teachers with a master’s degree directly related to their teaching assignment received an additional $1,400 in pay. Fellows who successfully complete the Training Institute and secure a full-time teaching position in either an IPS will become salaried employees in August. Teachers normally receive their first paycheck at the end of the first month of teaching.
What employment benefits do Fellows receive?
Fellows are eligible for the same comprehensive benefits as all new IPS teachers, which may include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage. For more information on teacher benefits, visit the IPS Benefits Department.
Will I be paid over the summer?
At the end of the Summer Institute, each Fellow will receive a taxable $2000 stipend.
When do benefits start?
All Fellows placed in an IPS school will be eligible for benefits 30 days after their official start date.
