STEP 1: READ THIS WEBSITE
This website provides a detailed description of the program and may answer many of your questions about applying.

For more information, we encourage you to attend one of our regularly scheduled information sessions.

STEP 2: CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Please be sure to thoroughly read the section on Eligibility for the Chicago Teaching Fellows program. This is a critical piece of the application process. Only the applications of eligible candidates will be reviewed. If you still have questions about your specific situation, please e-mail us at info@chicagoteachingfellows.org.

STEP 3: APPLY
Applying is easy with our online application. The online application form – as well as your resume and response to the Application Questions – can be submitted electronically.

A complete application includes the following:

· Responses to the Application Questions
· Resume
· Online Application Form

Please note that all applications, including the resume and response to Application Questions, must be submitted online.  Chicago Teaching Fellows is not able to accept paper applications.

Application Questions
Candidates are required to submit responses to three Application Questions as part of the application. Candidates should address these three short answer questions in 200-400 words each.

 

1. Nearly all Fellows are placed in 'high-need' schools that are located in low-income communities. Why do you want to teach in a high-need school?   

2. 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.

3. Teaching Fellows will face new and significant challenges during their first year of teaching.  Briefly describe a professional, personal or academic challenge you have overcome.  What steps did you take to address the challenge, and how will that experience contribute to your success as a Teaching Fellow?

Your responses to the Application Questions provide us with information not captured elsewhere in the application.  We use your responses to evaluate your writing and critical thinking skills, and more importantly, to gain a sense of your commitment to teaching students in Chicago Public Schools.

Please note that only responses to the Applications Questions will be considered (i.e. generic personal statements will not be considered).

Candidates should answer the Application Questions in a separate word processing document and upload it when completing the online application form. Please note: All documents (resume & application questions) must be saved in Microsoft Word 2003 (or earlier Word version) or PDF format. We cannot accept documents in Microsoft Word 2007, Microsoft Works, etc.

Resume
The resume should clearly outline a candidate’s work history in chronological order, including dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities and accomplishments. In addition to providing employment information, the resume is the best way for candidates to highlight previous achievements – both academic and professional – along with any community involvement or volunteer experience. The resume should also highlight any teaching experience or student-related activities and should, ideally, be no more than one page in length.

The resume document should be created prior to applying online and uploaded when completing the online application form.

Please note: All documents (resume & application questions) must be saved in Microsoft Word 2003 (or earlier Word version) or PDF format. We cannot accept documents in Microsoft Word 2007, Microsoft Works, etc.

Online Application Form
The completed online application form requires the candidate’s undergraduate GPA, as well as information about undergraduate coursework. The offer of an interview will be based on the material that the candidate provides in this application. Therefore, it is extremely important that all information is correct; all grades and coursework will be verified upon receipt of candidate transcripts on interview day.

It is possible for the candidate to begin an online application, save the initial information entered, and return at a later time to complete and submit full materials.

Substitute Teacher Statement
Candidates who are currently Chicago Public Schools Substitute teachers are also required to submit an additional document that specifically addresses their work as a substitute and interest in becoming a certified teacher.  Candidates should address this additional short answer question in 200-400 words.

Why have you decided, at this point in your substitute career, to pursue teacher certification?

Your responses to the Substitute Teacher question provide us with information not captured elsewhere in the application.  We use your response to gain a sense of your commitment to teaching students in Chicago Public Schools. Please note that this statement will not be submitted with the initial application. Only candidates who are granted an interview will be asked to submit this additional statement later in the process. 

STEP 4: REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS
If you are invited to interview, you will be required to submit one official transcript from each college/university attended, including official foreign transcript evaluations (if applicable). However, if you are accepted into the program, you must submit an additional copy of transcripts to the Chicago Teaching Fellows program, to CPS when you officially enroll as an employee and two official copies to your university when you officially enroll as a student. Please note that the Chicago Teaching Fellows office will not take transcripts and submit them to the university or to CPS on your behalf. 

Because it often takes universities several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we recommend that you request these transcripts now.  Please note that we cannot return transcripts after they have been submitted – even if you are not admitted to the program.

If you attended a foreign college or university, please review the Eligibility section for detailed information specific to candidates with foreign transcripts.

STEP 5: INTERVIEW (If invited)
Outstanding candidates will be invited to participate in one of the Chicago Teaching Fellows Interview Events. Candidates will receive an interview invitation, if applicable, within two weeks of applying to the program. If invited to an interview, you will be provided with additional information on which subject area you are eligible to teach, given your academic background and interests.

The interview event will include a teaching sample in a subject chosen by the candidate, a written response to a classroom scenario, a dialogue with other candidates about an issue in education, and a personal interview. Please note that not all candidates will be invited to interview.

Due to the competitive nature of our program and limited space, we encourage all candidates to apply early. Candidates who receive offers may not defer acceptance into the program.

© 2005-2006 The New Teacher Project :: www.Chicago Teaching Fellows.org