SANTA FE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FELLOWS PROGRAM 2015-2016 GENERAL INFORMATION

GOAL Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) has developed this partnership to recruit and select individuals who are interested in becoming teachers and with the academic expertise to teach in critical shortage subjects. The goal is to build on deep content knowledge that the applicants already possess and provide the educational component that is needed to successfully teach in our schools. SFPS is creating an interest in teaching and building a pipeline of qualified local candidates to fill positions in Special Education, Math, Science and Bilingual education. In partnership with St. John’s College, the Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and the Academy for the Love of Learning, we are dedicated to developing a high-quality cohort-based alternative certification program. This will include foundational skills training, practice, feedback and mentoring that supports success. Through this program and partnership, the district anticipates the development of local leaders who will remain in education and over time serve as master teachers and administrators. PROGRAM The program will commence in the summer of 2015 with a cohort of ideally 10-15 Fellows. The Santa Fe Community College, through its Alternative Licensure Program (ALP) will provide training to this group as a cohort specifically for SFPS, and St. John’s College and the Academy for the Love of Learning will provide additional professional development to support new teacher development. In addition every Fellow will have an onsite mentor. During the summer, prior to employment for the 2015-2016 school year, SFCC and the Academy for the Love of Learning will provide an intensive “jump-start” 1

training program that will include summer school field work with the SFPS. A stipend will be paid to students for this training. The ALP program consists of 1828 credits (based upon selected program) and is accomplished in 12-18 months. Fellows’ teacher placement, will be based upon district needs and the individual’s interests, to the extent possible. Salary and benefits will be the same as a new Level–I licensed teacher. As with all new Level-I teachers, Fellows will participate in a district mentoring program, in addition to having a site mentor at the school where you are assigned. APPLICATION PROCESS Interested individuals will apply online through the SFPS website www.sfps.info. Once on the website: • Click on Jobs • In the drop down menu select Job Openings • Select SFPS Fellows on the left side of the screen. • Under External Applications, select start application. • Follow the directions to complete your application. • Write a cover letter telling about yourself and your interest in education. Then upload it to the application system. • A resume may also be uploaded. • Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded. Official transcripts for SFPS will need to be provided no later than June 15, 2015. Please note that SFCC and PED will also need official transcripts for a total of three sets. • Professional references and contact information is required in the applicable section of the application. Please do not list friends or family . • The SFPS application deadline is January 18, 2015 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS • • • •

Academic excellence – minimum of a 3.0 GPA Bachelor’s Degree U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status A local connection to Santa Fe

APPLICATION REVIEW • • •

All applications will be reviewed. All applicants will be notified whether or not they have been selected for an interview. The application review shall consider the following factors: 2

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Potential for excellence in teaching through references, and school, volunteer or community activities Educational interests Bilingual – English/Spanish Relevant work experience Writing skills Information about experience working with children in classrooms, voluntary work, summer camps etc.

INTERVIEW PROCESS Individual interviews will be scheduled and take place in February. There will be a committee of individuals consisting of teachers, principals and administration staff from SFPS and the Academy for the Love of Learning for the first interview. Successful candidates will advance to a second interview. A third interview may occur. Following these interviews: • The committee will determine which candidates will receive offers. • All candidates will be notified whether or not an offer will be made. • Offer letters will be sent out in late March or early April with the deadline by which to accept. SANTA FE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Once a candidate accepts an offer: • SFCC will be notified so that their application for admission to the college and Alternative Licensure Program (ALP) may be completed. • The SFCC application for admission to their program needs to be completed no later than May 15, 2015. The SFCC site for the application is: http://www.sfcc.edu/programs/teacher_education/teacher_certification.

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At the time you apply to SFCC, you need to indicate what type of license (elementary or secondary) you will seek, plus any endorsements (such as science, bilingual, math). If you want to become a Special Education teacher, this is a separate license. Your acceptance letter from SFCC will state what licensure you have been accepted for. PED uses this letter (part of the application process for your intern license) to determine what license to issue to you. Candidates will know by May 22, 2015 of their acceptance to SFCC and ALP. Please note that the references provided to SFPS will also be used by SFCC. You will not need to provide them separately to SFCC. The cost of transcripts is the responsibility of the Fellow. 3

Licensure: • While attending the ALP you will need to apply for an Intern License issued by the Public Education Department (PED). SFPS will pay for the licensure fee and advise you when to complete this application. The website for the application is: www.ped.state.nm.us/licensure/2010/forms.html. • SFPS will pay for and assist you in registering for your background check once you are accepted by SFCC. Once you have completed the ALP, you will apply for a Level I license from PED. The website for this license, when you are ready to apply for it, is the same as the site above for the Intern License. There is no additional charge for this license. TUITION, BOOKS, TESTING AND AGREEMENT • •

Tuition, books and testing fees will be paid for by SFPS. In exchange for this, the Fellow will sign an Agreement to work for SFPS for at least three (3) years, including the time spent in the ALP, dependent upon satisfactory performance and adequate state funding during this time frame. Should a Fellow resign prior to the completion of the three (3) years, such individual will be required to reimburse SFPS for tuition expenses, pro-rated based upon the time worked.

OTHER IMPORTANT STEPS Once accepted by SFCC: • Take the Basic Skills Teacher Test on June 6, 2015. You will be notified of the date by which to register. • Official transcripts for SFPS are required no later than June 15, 2015. • Completion of some forms for SFPS will be handled in an orientation session prior to the start of the summer program. SUMMER “JUMP START” PROGRAM This program is designed to prepare you to begin teaching in August. It will include: • Three foundational classes at SFCC in educational theory, lesson planning, reflective critical teaching, classroom management and introduction to cultural sensitivity. • Effective teaching practices, SFPS expectations and teacher administrative responsibilities will be explained, as well providing you with student teaching experiences in the summer programs for SFPS students. 4

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Support and professional development at the Academy for the Love of Learning (may include some Saturdays) and St. John’s College. The program starts on June 8, 2015 and ends on July 31, 2015. A full time commitment is required and you will not be able to be employed during the summer. During the Jump Start Program you will be paid a stipend for your personal expenses. The schedule for the summer will be forthcoming.

AFTER THE SUMMER JUMP START PROGRAM Upon satisfactory completion of the summer program: • An employment offer will be made for a specific teaching assignment. • A regular new hire orientation will be required to complete additional employment forms and to sign up for health and other benefits. • The start day of your teaching contract will be August 10, 2015 • Teachers have 2 days to set up their classrooms and 2 days of professional development prior to student arrival on August 17, 2015. • You will continue to attend classes in the ALP, while teaching, and will also continue to receive support from the Academy for the Love of Learning and St. John’s college throughout the school year. • Your first teacher paycheck will be paid on August 15, 2014. We pay midmonth and the last business day of the month. STUDENT LOANS Teaching in this program may qualify you for student loan forgiveness. QUESTIONS? If you have questions, please contact Tracie J. Oliver, Executive Director of Human Resources for SFPS at either 467-2018 or [email protected].

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