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Application Process

Interested in applying? Keep reading for more information about how the process works and what is required in order to join our efforts. There are eight steps:

1. Read this website.

Before you do anything else, read through the material on this website carefully. Familiarize yourself with the details of the program. We also hold regular information sessions for individuals interested in applying to the program. Check "Announcements and Events" on the home page to find out about and register for any currently scheduled Information Sessions.

2. Check your eligibility status.

Applicants must meet a number of eligibility requirements in order to be considered. Make sure that you're eligible – click here!

3. Apply*.

Applying is easy via our online application. You can complete your application form and submit your resume and Application Questions electronically. On the application form, candidates are asked to provide contact information, demographic information, eligibility information, subject preferences, academic and professional backgrounds, and other valuable data. For each of the three Application Questions, applicants must respond in 200 - 400 words:

  • Nearly all Fellows are hired to teach in 'high-need' schools that are located in low-income communities. Why do you want to teach specifically in a high-need school in Philadelphia? What challenges do you expect, and what experiences have prepared you for the challenges of teaching in a high-need school in our community? (Response must be 200-400 words)

  • You are a first year teacher in a high-needs school, with two months left until the end of the academic year. You implement fun and engaging activities in class and offer tutoring 3-4 times a week; however, one third of your students failed the last grading period.  Several of these students consistently break established classroom rules by listening to their iPods, not turning in work, or engaging in off-topic conversation.  Many of your students worry that because of all of these distractions in class, they will not be prepared to pass the end-of-year standardized exam, which is required to move to the next grade level.

    You reach out to your principal for help. The principal states that other teachers with the same level of experience are more effective and you assure her that you already reached out to them, as well as more experienced teachers, for advice. She asks you what is going on in your class and what you plan to do about it.

    • What are the likely causes of the challenges in your classroom?
    • Explain your top two priorities for addressing these challenges, including why you chose these priorities.
    • What is the likelihood you could ensure high academic achievement for all of your students, and why?

(Response must be 200-400 words)

  • Briefly describe a time when you achieved a goal in the face of challenges (or while balancing multiple responsibilities). What specific steps did you take to ensure you would meet your goal, and how did you know you were successful? How will you apply that experience to set goals and measure your success in the classroom? (Response must be 200-400 words)

The Application Questions provide us with information not captured elsewhere in the application. We use the questions to evaluate your writing and critical thinking skills, and more importantly, to gain a sense of your commitment to teaching students in high-needs schools in the SDP.

Applicants are also asked to upload a current resume. Starting with your most recent position, we request that you list your positions of employment and include a description of your responsibilities in each position. You should include self-employment, internships, part-time jobs and other paid positions. Your resume must also include 3 professional references.

*All applicants receive a notification within 14 calendar days from the date they submit their application letting them know if they are/are not invited to an Interview Event.

4. Register for the Praxis.

In order to be fully admitted into the program, candidates must take and pass the Praxis I and Praxis II exams. For details about the test and specific requirements, see the section of this website entitled Testing Requirements. You may also visit the ETS website for Pennsylvania requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to register and take the Praxis tests as soon as possible, though passing scores will not be required until the start of the Training Institute.

Praxis I Registration
Please register for all three portions of the computer-based Praxis I as soon as possible. The computerized test and is given on a daily basis.

Praxis II registration deadlines*

 

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
11-13-10 10-14-10 10-21-10
1-15-11 12-16-10 12-23-10
3-12-11 2-10-11 2-17-11
4-30-11 3-31-11 4-7-11

 

*These are the Praxis II test dates and registration dates applicants can sign up for and still be eligible for our Summer program.

Special Education applicants must take three Praxis II exams and can only take two exams on one date. See our Praxis Requirements page for details on the required tests.

If you have additional questions, visit our FAQ page for more information.

5. Request your transcripts.

If selected for an interview, candidates will be required to bring at least one transcript, official or unofficial, from every college and university attended as part of their interview materials. Photocopies are acceptable at this point. Please do not send or fax transcripts to our office before this interview date.*

If you are accepted to the program, you must submit an additional two official (sealed) copies of your transcripts from each institution before the Training Institute begins. Because it often takes colleges and universities several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we recommend that you request transcripts at the time of your application submission. Please also request that the college/university print your name on the outside of the envelopes of all sealed transcripts for our identification purposes.

*We are unable to return transcripts once they have been submitted – even if an applicant is not admitted to the program.

6. Attend an interview event*.

(Invited applicants only)

Applicants whose materials demonstrate their strong potential to be an excellent new teacher will be invited to participate in an interview event. We will closely review all resumes and personal statements from eligible applicants. Applicants will be notified of their interview status within two weeks of receipt of the complete application.

The interview event will include a teaching sample, a discussion group with other candidates, a writing exercise, and a personal interview. Applicants who are invited to interview will be provided with additional information at the time of invitation. Interviews are group events where candidates will be allowed to choose from pre-determined dates and times. Once a candidate signs up for an interview date, the expectation is that the candidate will show up for that interview day. Unfortunately, individual requests for other times cannot be accommodated.

*All applicants who participate in an Interview Event receive an update on their admission status within 21 calendar days from the date of their Interview Event.

7. Wait for a decision*.

The decision to extend an offer to join the PTF is based on the strengths of the submitted application materials and the applicants performance at the interview event. 

We understand that being denied admission can be a disappointment, and it is natural to want to know the reasons behind the district’s decision. However, because of the large number of applications we anticipate receiving; we cannot accommodate requests for personalized feedback on individual applications.

*All applicants who participate in an Interview Event receive an update on their admission status within 21 calendar days from the date of their Interview Event.

 

8. Complete School District Processing Requirements.

(Applicants invited to join the program only)

Before Fellows can be fully admitted into the program, they must provide the following documentation – required by the School District of Philadelphia:

  • School District of Philadelphia Medical Examination Form (completed by your physician)
  • Pennsylvania Criminal Record Clearance
  • Child Abuse History Clearance
  • FBI Criminal Check
  • One form of photo ID (Driver’s license or passport)
  • Original Social Security card
  • PSERS – Nomination of Beneficiaries
  • PSERS – Enrollment Application
  • Certification Application with $100 Money Order (for all applicants)

Selected Fellows will receive more information about these requirements with their admittance package following the interview event.