ITF Program Eligibility

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• How do I know if I am eligible for ITF?

  Applicants to the Fellows program should review all requirements laid out in the Eligibility section of this website.

• What type of person is a good candidate for ITF?

  There is no one profile for an ideal Fellows candidate.  Fellows come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring a diverse set of talents and skills to the program. Strong candidates are those who are committed to having a positive effect on student achievement, who display excellence in their previous endeavors, and who are dedicated to reaching and influencing students—especially those in under-resourced areas—on a daily basis.

• Am I eligible if I have no prior teaching experience or prior coursework in education?

  Yes. Individuals without prior teaching experience or coursework in education are eligible for the program and encouraged to apply. The Fellows program is specifically designed to attract high-quality applicants from diverse backgrounds into the teaching profession. All Fellows will go through an intensive summer Pre-Service Training before entering the classroom.

• I have been a substitute teacher; am I eligible for this program?

  Yes, individuals who hold or have worked under substitute certification are eligible to apply.

• I don't have a 2.70 GPA, but I'm very eager to become a teacher. Can I still be considered?

  Individuals must have earned a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.70* or higher from an accredited college or university to be eligible to apply to this program. ITF cannot make exceptions to this requirement, as these are state and university enrollment guidelines.

  If your GPA is between 2.50 and 2.70, we encourage you to research other alternate route certification providers in the State of Indiana.

  * PLEASE NOTE that candidates with an undergraduate GPA between 2.70 and 2.99 must also verify five (5) years of professional experience in the subject or a related area that the applicant intends to teach or a master's degree (for candidates at the secondary teaching level only).

• Do I need to be a resident of Indiana to apply?

  No, you do not need to be a resident of Indiana to apply. This program is open to all qualified, determined candidates with the skills and ambitions to make a difference in the lives of students who live in Indianapolis and Northwest Indiana.

The Application Process

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• How do I apply to become a Fellow?

  Complete the online application form; submit your resume; and respond to the three Application Questions. After reading through this website thoroughly to learn more about the program requirements and benefits, visit the How to Apply section of the website for details on starting your application for the summer 2013 cohort. We will begin accepting applications on Monday, October 29th!

• How long should my responses to the Application Questions be?

  Your responses to the Application Questions should be 200-400 words each. The Application Questions provide us with information not captured elsewhere in the application. We use these responses to evaluate a candidate’s writing and critical thinking skills and, more importantly, to gain a sense of the candidate's commitment to teaching students in one of Indianapolis or Northwest Indiana's public schools. To preview this year's application questions, visit the Application Process page of this website.

• What should I include in my resume?

  Your resume should provide details about your education and professional experience, highlighting those jobs, activities, and awards that display your excellence and reflect achievements and concrete results.

• Can I include letters of recommendation with my application?

  Because of the sheer number of applications we receive, we are unable to consider supplementary documents or materials. Materials that are not required will be discarded. However, we do ask for the names of references on the application, whom we may contact to gain a fuller understanding of our applicants.

• Do I need to send transcripts with my application?

  No, you are not required to submit transcripts with the initial application.  All applicants invited to interview will be required to bring an official, sealed transcript from each institution attended to the Interview Event. Fellows who officially enroll in the program will need a total of three (3) official transcripts from each institution Because it often takes colleges and universities several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we highly recommend that you request at least one set of official transcripts now and have them mailed to you. Please do not have them mailed to us unless instructed to do so.

• 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 an initial phone interview. If potential is shown in the phone interview, select candidates will attend an in-person Interview Event where they will deliver a 5-minute teaching sample and engage in a one-on-one interview. 

  All applicants should receive interview notification within two (2) weeks of our receipt of your complete and submitted application. You will also be notified if you are not invited to interview. Due to the high volume of applications, all communication will be emailed through our TeacherTrack system.

  Participants selected for the program will be trained during a comprehensive Pre-Service Training and will become part of an established professional network of Fellows to help ensure their success in the classroom.  

Admission and Enrollment Decisions

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• How long do I have to accept or decline the program's enrollment offer?

  After receiving an offer, prospective Fellows will have two (2) weeks to accept or decline the enrollment offer. During this time we encourage candidates to fully review the enrollment guide (provided by the program) and reach out to program staff with clarifying questions. Candidates who fail to make a decision or communicate with the program office within two (2) weeks will be withdrawn from consideration.

• Can I defer acceptance into the program?

  Candidates may not defer acceptance into the Teaching Fellows program; however, they may re-apply for the next cohort year.  Because the needs of the school systems change from year to year, applicants who were admitted to the program in a previous year and declined our offer of admission or withdrew from the program must re-apply by submitting a full application and participating in the in-person interview.   A second offer of enrollment is not guaranteed as our selection criteria may change from year to year in partnership with Indiana schools and districts.

• I applied to ITF but was not accepted. Can I appeal the decision on my application?

  Because we receive an exceptional number of applications each year, we are unable to re-evaluate individual applications or provide personalized feedback to applicants who have not been accepted to the program. All applications are thoroughly reviewed during our rigorous application process and admissions decisions are final.

• Can I re-apply to the program next year if I am not accepted?

  Yes, but in order to be considered, you must be able to demonstrate improvements in your candidacy since your previous application.  While we are unable to provide candidates specific feedback as to why they were not accepted into the program, we encourage an applicant seeking to re-apply to thoroughly review our website and then reflect on areas to potentially strengthen his or her application and interview performance.

• I meet all of the Fellows eligibility requirements. Why wasn't I accepted?

  ITF is a highly-selective program. Each year, we have many more eligible applicants than we have positions available in the program. Our eligibility requirements are only the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the program, and meeting them in no way guarantees an applicant acceptance. Neither is any particular past achievement or experience, including prior teaching experience, sufficient to guarantee acceptance.

Licensing & Master of Arts in Teaching

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• Which program will I attend to earn teaching certification?

  Fellows complete certification through Marian University's Master of Arts in Teaching program and start teaching on a Transition to Teaching permit while they are completing coursework to earn professional teacher certification in Indiana.  Learn more about this certification pathway.

• What is a Transition to Teaching (T2T) permit?

  A Transition to Teaching (T2T) permit allows select individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree to obtain teacher certification by completing master-level coursework while working full-time in the classroom. T2T programs provide hands-on, direct training to career changers and recent college graduates in a shorter time span than that of a traditional program. All Fellows enroll in coursework through Marian University's Master of Arts in Teaching, a state-approved Transition to Teaching program.

• Will I receive state certification?

  Yes. During the first two years of teaching, Fellows hold a Transition to Teaching permit, which allows them to teach full-time, earning salary and benefits, while also completing the required coursework to become fully licensed teachers.

  Fellows who successfully meet all coursework and program requirements will earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from Marian University at the end of their second year of teaching and be eligible to apply for a professional teaching license in Indiana.

• How long will it take to complete the certification program?

  Fellows can expect to complete the certification program within 2 years; however, successful completion of the ITF program and Master of Arts in Teaching through Marian Unviersity is contingent upon your remaining in good standing with your employer and demonstrating positive development towards becoming an effective teacher.

  Fellows attend classes during the school year, usually one evening a week and one Saturday each month.

• How much does the licensing process cost?

  The full scope of licensing costs includes Praxis tests (~$150), a background check ($~30), T2T permit application fee ($35), and tuition for the two-year MAT program ($7,500). Fellows are responsible for all costs associated with licensing and the MAT program, but financial assistance -- including potential eligibility for a $5,500 AmeriCorps Education Award -- is available.

  Visit the Master of Arts in Teaching page of this website and click to expand "Loan Forgiveness and Financial Aid" to learn about some financial assistance options.

• What exams will I need to take?

  All Fellow candidates must register for, study for, and pass the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam(s) corresponding to the area of their undergraduate major and the subject area they intend to teach (if the two content areas differ). All prospective Fellows must also demonstrate mastery of basic skills via the Praxis I or an approved alternate. We recommend that candidates register for the Praxis exam(s) as soon as possible  to ensure that passing scores are received by the May 31, 2013 deadline. Visit the Testing Requirements section of this website to learn more.

Teaching in Indiana

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• How long is the commitment to ITF?

  ITF is dedicated to systemic change in Indianapolis and Northwest Indiana schools and works to close the achievement gap by ensuring that all students consistently - year after year - have high-quality, effective teachers in their classrooms.  We know that this work relies on the dedication and commitment of individuals who share our passion and who are eager to be life-long educators.  By joining ITF, you are signaling that you are serious about making a commitment to teach in Indianapolis or Northwest Indiana, beginning with three years of employment in your school of initial hire, and, hopefully for many years to come.

• What subject and grade levels will I teach through this program?

  Fellows teach math, biology, chemistry, Spanish, and special education (elementary, English, social studies). Math, biology, chemistry, English, and social studies are typically taught at the secondary level (grades 5-12), while Spanish and special education positions could be secured across K-12.

  ITF may identify opportunities for Fellows to also teach art, reading, ENL, or general education (elementary, English, social studies), depending on school needs in 2013. Fellows interested in teaching these content areas must first meet all subject area proficiency requirements to teach math,biology, chemistry , special education (elementary, English, Social Studies) or Spanish.

• What does it mean to teach special education?

  One of the most exciting aspects of a position in special education is the opportunity to be both advocate and teacher. While teachers are first and foremost responsible for academic goals, they also work to develop a positive school environment for students with special needs.

  Special education is a legal definition for programs that provide targeted support for students with disabilities. There is no single concept or approach to special education; rather it encompasses a broad set of services ranging from smaller, more individualized learning environments, to assistive technology, to a modified curriculum that capitalizes on a student's particular strengths.

  Special education is designed to tailor instruction to meet individual student needs. In general, the pupil-teacher ratio in special education settings is smaller, allowing teachers to get to know students and their families on a much more personal level. The teacher's job is to meet educational goals that have been established for each specific student and write new goals for each student at the end of the year in collaboration with a team that assesses the child's progress and determines next steps in the student's education.

  Fellows teaching special education will likely have the opportunity to team teach with general education teachers or use other teachers as a resource, building relationships throughout the school to support students' learning. Teachers in a special education setting have the potential to see significant growth in students' abilities and be part of a movement to ensure that students with disabilities have access to an outstanding education that meets their needs.  

• When do I start teaching?

  All Fellows who successfully complete Pre-Service Training and secure full-time positions will officially start teaching at the beginning of the 2013-2014 academic year, on the date that all new teachers are required to report to that district or school. Most schools in Indiana start the academic year in July or August.

• Where will I teach?

  Fellows work in schools where they are most needed in Indianapolis or Northwest Indiana partner schools. Candidates will note their geographical preference on the application and be assigned accordingly, but the specific school at which a Fellow will teach is finalized during the school hiring process.  For more information on schools, please visit the Teaching Positions section of the website and click to expand the "Partner Schools" list featured on that page.

• Do I get to choose where I teach?

  While it is our goal to accommodate your teaching preferences, all Teaching Fellow candidates should be prepared to teach wherever they are needed most. Fellows have the opportunity to focus their independent job search on their personal school preferences. However, available vacancies may be limited and Fellows will ultimately secure positions where they are needed the most and where there are available teaching positions.

• What is the process of securing a teaching job?

  The School Hiring process is typically experienced in phases and, therefore, is likely to look different before, during and after summer Pre-Service Training. While some Fellows may secure a job in late spring, most Fellows will find teaching positions during and after Pre-Service Training. Admission to ITF is not a job guarantee, but historically all candidates have successfully secured positions since the program launched in 2007. Ultimately, however, Fellows are responsible for doing the work required to secure a teaching positions.

  We realize that the job search process can be both exciting and challenging, so we work hard to make the process as smooth as possible.

  • Program staff work with HR and individual principals to identify vacancies and facilitate opportunities for Fellows to interview for specific positions or attend school hiring events. 
  • We provide key guidance along the way to prepare Fellows for job search success, vacancy updates, workshops, resume review and mock interviews.

• Where there be other Fellows teaching at my school?

  ITF now has a network of 200+ teachers teaching across partner schools in Indianapolis and Indiana, increasing the likelihood that new Fellows will teach alongside veteran Fellows in the same building. In 2012-2013, 72% of all Fellows are teaching in a school where there is at least 1 other Fellow employed. Whenever we can, we work to ensure that Fellows are considered for and secure positions at schools with other Fellows. However, since school-based vacancies can be unpredictable at times, this is not always possible.

• Can I change my teaching position after I have started teaching?

  Unless there are extenuating circumstances, we expect Fellows to teach in the school of their initial employment for at least 3 years for a few key reasons:

  1. Effective teachers can significantly boost student learning. We know that considerable development and improvements occur within the first three years of teaching which can lead to even higher academic outcomes of your students. Our Teaching Fellows commit to teaching at least three years in the school of initial employment to provide a foundation and ensure they are developing into highly-effective teachers.

  2. Staff turnover costs schools thousands of dollars each year and produces instability for students.

     We seek to eliminate the revolving door of teachers many of our students experience, particularly in urban schools where our Fellows teach.

  3. Partner schools make a significant investment in the development of beginning Teaching Fellows. Making a three year commitment to their school allows Fellows to maximize their contribution to school culture and student outcomes.

• What is a typical class size?

  Typical elementary school classes range from 20-35 students and typical high school classes range from 20-40 students. However, exact class size will vary from school to school based on student enrollment.

• What is a typical school day like for Teaching Fellows?

  Instructional days are typically about seven and a half hours long.  An example of a typical teaching schedule might run from 8:05 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.; however, class schedules and sizes as well as the length of the school day and school year will vary from school to school. Teachers also spend a significant amount of time outside the classroom preparing lessons and grading schoolwork. Fellows will also be expected to attend professional development sessions or faculty meetings after school hours, in addition to completing certification coursework. A teacher's first year is incredibly intense, regardless of his or her background or preparation. Fellows should be prepared to work long hours. For more information view the Your Teaching Career section of this website.

• How do I know what subject I am qualified to teach?

  What you are qualified to teach largely depends on your academic history and your successful passing of the Praxis exam(s). Candidates will receive their subject area assignment if and when they are invited to interview, along with more specific direction on what tests would be required.