Frequently Asked Questions
Teaching in Indianapolis
Licensure Program with Marian College
Program Eligibility
Application Process
Admission and Enrollment
Compensation and Benefits
Teaching in Indianapolis
What subject and grade levels do I teach through this program?
All Fellows will teach math, science, special education, or Spanish. Math and science are typically taught at the secondary level (which includes middle and high school) and Spanish or special education positions include all grade levels.
Please note, ITF may identify opportunities for Fellows to also teach art, general elementary, English/language arts, ESL, and/or social studies depending on school needs in 2011. Fellows interested in teaching these content areas MUST first be accepted into the 2011 cohort to teach math, science, special education or Spanish.
When do I start teaching?
All Fellows who successfully complete Training Institute and secure full-time positions will officially start teaching on the date that all new teachers are required to report to that district or school.
Where will I teach?
Fellows are eligible to teach in districts and charter schools in the Indianapolis area. For more information on schools, please visit www.in.gov/education 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.
What are charter schools?
Charter schools are independently-run public schools that operate according to the terms of a contract, or charter, between a private group and a school district or state. In exchange for greater control of the academic program, management structure, and length of the school day and year, charters are accountable to the state for reaching concrete performance targets. Fellows currently teach in several of the 30+ charter schools in the Indianapolis area.
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 in Indianapolis, 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. You should also expect to work hard and learn a lot in your first few years of teaching, and feel accomplished and rewarded when your students succeed.
Licensure Program with Marian University
Will I receive a state teaching license?
During the two year licensure program, Fellows will work under a 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. While Indianapolis Teaching Fellows is currently a member of AmeriCorps, we cannot guarantee these benefits for the 2011 Fellows cohort given the nature of the AmeriCorps competitive grant process. We anticipate receiving final confirmation on education awards in early summer 2011.
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 one night a week and one Saturday a month 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(s) 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 opportunities to teach in your area, we encourage you to visit your local district's website.
What if I don't have a 3.0 GPA?
Consideration may be given for Individuals with an average GPA between 2.70 and 2.99 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 2.70 due to program requirements.
Do I need to be a resident of Indiana to apply?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Indiana to apply.
Application Process
Can I include letters of recommendation with my application?
No. Due to 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 via email two weeks after your Interview Event. Due to the high volume of applications we are unable to give candidates specific feedback and all decisions are final.
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 Training Institute in June. In the months before 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
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
The program will also guide you through the enrollment process for Marian University and the new hire process for your charter school or district. 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 is the same as that for all other beginning teachers in public district and charter schools; for the 2010-2011 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 additional pay (typically around $1,400).
What employment benefits do Fellows receive?
Fellows are eligible for the same comprehensive benefits as all new teachers in their charter school or district, which may include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
Will I be paid over the summer?
Fellow will receive a taxable $2000 stipend upon the successful completion of Institute. Stipends are typically distributed in late-July.
When do benefits start?
All Fellows are typically eligible for benefits either immediately or 30 days after their official start date.
