The Summer Teaching Fellowship (STF) is a paid teacher preparation program designed for rising college seniors who are committed to pursuing a career in education. Fellows gain experience and support vital to develop, grow, and enhance their instructional skills. After spending time observing, learning, and leading instruction, many Fellows receive and accept full-time offers to teach at Uncommon upon graduation.
STF is currently offered in Boston (MA), Newark (NJ), Camden (NJ), Brooklyn (NYC), and Troy (NY) and serves students in grades K-12. The Elementary School (K-4) and Middle School (5-8) program are 7 weeks long, while the High School (9-12) program is 9-10 weeks long. Candidates will indicate their preference of region and grade level on the application. Please note that positions in preferred geographic locations and grade levels may not always be available due to the varied capacity and size of each region. While our Summer Teaching Fellowship is traditionally done on-site at select schools, the COVID-19 pandemic has moved us to a virtual program. Information about STF 2021 will be announced as we finalize what the program will look like next summer.
During the first week, all Fellows across all regions gather virtually for Orientation where they receive professional development from Uncommon leaders, build cohort culture, and connect with peers.
Following Orientation Week, Fellows meet and check-in with their Mentor Teacher (a current veteran teacher at Uncommon and the Fellow’s coach). They will also observe master teachers in action, review lesson plans, continue professional development, and potentially lead individual or small group instruction.
Fellows progress to leading daily instruction for students in their own classrooms, allowing for direct teaching experience still with the support and guidance of a Mentor. Fellows participate in weekly professional development sessions around teaching taxonomies and receive regular coaching and feedback from their Mentors.
Qualifications
- Current standing as an undergraduate college junior expected to graduate in December 2021 or Spring 2022
- U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the U.S.
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Full availability from May 24th to July 30th, 2021
- Prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities is preferred but not required
- Background or major in education is not required, though candidates should show a demonstrated passion for working with K-12 students
The strongest STF candidates exhibit the following traits:
- Strong interest in pursuing a full-time teaching role with Uncommon upon graduation
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and urban education reform
- Open to feedback and ability to implement it; Grit and a strong work ethic
- High degree of self-reflectiveness, professionalism, and flexibility
- Believe in and aligned with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy
