The need for educators with deep math and science content knowledge is great. Academic achievement in the fields of mathematics and science is an urgent concern both nationally and here in the Saint Paul community. Saint Paul students performed slightly above the national average in math in 2006-2007; nationally, only 51% of fourth grade students are at or above proficiency in mathematics in 2007, compared to 56% in Saint Paul. However, this is far below the Minnesota state average of 79%. And, by 11th grade, only 21% of Saint Paul students are meeting proficient levels in mathematics – below the already low 32% state average. In addition, the academic achievement gap remains between students of color and white students. Positive change is happening in Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS), but there is more work to be done.

In joining this selective network, Teaching Fellows teaching math and science are charged with ensuring their students master the content knowledge for their particular grade level, acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in school and in life. Fellows who meet the eligibility requirements to teach math or science bring a strong academic background and/or career experience that allow them to become successful first-year teachers. Fellows deliver exciting, hands-on lessons that tie theories and concepts to real-world applications and professions.

Fellows who teach math and science bring a strong foundation in their subject area and the ability to impact the lives of the students that they teach. American students are consistently outperformed by their international peers when it comes to math and science.  Out of 24 participating countries in a 2003 study, U.S. fourth-grade students ranked 11th in mathematics and 8th in science. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, students need these skills now more than ever to be successful in their careers and lives. By becoming a Saint Paul Teaching Fellow, you have the opportunity to work to close the achievement gap by setting high expectations for the students in your classroom. Saint Paul schools need your expertise and dedication to open opportunities for the students in your classroom by holding yourself accountable to their academic success.

Teaching Fellows benefit from a streamlined application process, a network of like-minded professionals and new educators, and a specialized training which focuses on leveraging prior experiences to translate previous successes into future classroom success. Training courses cover teaching pedagogy, and include topics such as lesson planning and delivery, long-term planning, and research-based High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS). In addition, Fellows will learn about specific math and science curricula they will likely use in their fall teaching assignments and how to use resources to successfully communicate concepts while holding student attention.

At their school sites, Fellows may collaborate with other department members and teachers. Fellows will also benefit from a network of other Teaching Fellows - a cohort of colleagues available to share challenges, best practices, and ideas. Becoming a Teaching Fellow is your chance to give back to the Saint Paul community by earning your teaching license while teaching full-time, receiving full salary and benefits.