Who We Want

“The best aspect of being a Fellow is the diversity of people in the cohort there is a diversity of knowledge, talent, and experience." -- 2010 Rhode Island Teaching Fellow

Working as a Rhode Island Teaching Fellow is more than a job, it’s a commitment to students who are counting on your help to beat the odds and achieve their full potential. Each day will bring unexpected challenges and immeasurable rewards.

There is no one profile of an ideal candidate. You could be a high-achieving recent college graduate who majored in economics or physics and now wants to share your passion for these subjects with Rhode Island students. You may have built a successful career in business or engineering, and now wish to give back as a teacher working with high-need students. You may have experience working with young people as a social worker or tutor, and now wish to make a career in education. Whatever your background, you share a commitment to improving student achievement and changing the lives of students in Rhode Island’s traditionally underserved communities.

Because we know that great teachers are the key to student success, our program is highly selective—admitting only 6% of applicants in 2011. We look for highly-motivated individuals with diverse personal and professional backgrounds who have the capacity to be successful teaching in one of the districts’ critical-need subjects; these change annually, but typically include math, science, and special education. We review every application carefully, looking for candidates with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to thrive in some of our city’s most-challenging classrooms. These include:

• A commitment to raising achievement among high-need students, including students with disabilities and those who are performing below grade level;
• Success in past endeavors;
• Perseverance in the face of challenges;
• Ability to think critically and analytically;
• Desire to grow professionally and seek out new opportunities to learn; and
• Integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions.

If you have what it takes to inspire, motivate, and get results for students, we strongly encourage you to apply. We are now accepting applications for Cohort 2012.