What is Texas Teaching Fellows?
Information for Districts
Getting the best teachers into your classrooms doesn’t have to be a dream. TTF can help make it a reality.
Your Need for Quality Teachers
Research has also shown that students who have at least three consecutive years of highly effective teachers outperform their counterparts who have three consecutive years of less effective teachers by up to 50 percentile points (Sanders & Rivers, 1996). That is the difference between scoring in the 75th percentile and the 25th percentile on standardized tests – a life-altering difference for most students. Texas Teaching Fellows is ready to work with you to meet the needs of your students by placing high-quality teachers in your classrooms.
What TTF Can Do for You
TTF recruits and trains individuals to become highly qualified teachers in shortage areas, such as math, science, special education, bilingual education, ESL, and generalist 4-8. Prior to acceptance, Fellows participate in a rigorous application and interview process that evaluates candidates on their leadership and achievement, critical thinking skills, and their commitment to teaching in the communities where they are needed the most. The upcoming school year represents an opportune time to bring these teachers to your school. In 2010, 96% of principals who had Fellows in their school said that their Fellows were effective at raising student achievement. 96% of the principals also said they would hire a Teaching Fellow again. Texas Teaching Fellows can be your resource for drawing qualified and dedicated teachers to your school.
Fellow Preparedness
All Fellows participate in an intensive six-week summer training Institute. During the Institute, Fellows gain hands on experience through a practice teaching component working in summer school classrooms alongside veteran teachers. Fellows also participate in research driven courses led by Fellow Advisors. These courses are designed to ensure success in the classroom by focusing on Classroom Management and Culture and Instructional Design and Delivery.
During the school year, Fellows continue to receive professional development by participating in the Teaching for Results seminar series which is designed to translate their content knowledge into effective classroom practice. These sessions are led by Seminar Leaders who are veteran teachers and receive rigorous training on conducting the sessions and serving as a resource for Fellows. Fellows are also observed by a TTF Field Observer during their first year. The Field Observer provides Fellows with feedback regarding their progress at different points during the school year.
How Do I Hire a Fellow?
Begin by contacting the TTF office in your area. Each TTF site has staff who will work with you to hire Fellows. Once we know which positions are available in your district, we will send you resumes for Fellows who are pursuing certification that meet your needs. We can also assist in arranging interviews with Fellows. Contact the TTF office in your area today!
TTF Site Based Staff
TTF full-time staff are available to help with individual district needs.
Want to join our advisory board? Have a program-related question?
Austin - Brian Riley, Site Director
Dallas - Marisa Wolf, Site Director
Have questions, concerns or kudos about a Fellow’s training or performance in the classroom?
Austin – Amber Burks, Training and Instruction Manager
Dallas – Jodi Miller, Training and Instruction Manager
Have a question about a Fellow’s status in our program? Interested in hiring a Fellow?
Austin - Kelly Weatherby, Senior Program Operations Manager
Dallas - Melanie Rock, Senior Program Operations Manager
Want to refer someone to become a Teaching Fellow?
Paul Duchene, Senior Recruiter
TTF Support Staff
TTF is committed to supporting the Fellows throughout their time in the program, and hire part time staff who to provide the Fellows with additional support throughout the year.
- Fellow Advisors (FAs): During the Summer Training Institute FAs lead the daily framework sessions and work closely with the Fellow’s Cooperating Teachers to ensure Fellows are receiving the tools they need to begin teaching in their own classroom.
- Seminar Leaders (SLs): During the school year SLs lead the Teaching for Results seminars that Fellows attend as part of their ongoing professional development. SLs work closely with Fellows and serve as an added resource.
- Fellow Observers (FOs): FOs observe Fellows multiple times during the school year and provide Fellows with feedback regarding their progress in the classroom.
How Do We Become a District Partner?
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a TTF Partner District, please contact the Site Director at the location nearest your district.