Read responses from our Fellows to many Frequently Asked Questions from our live chat.
ELIGIBILITY
APPLICATION PROCESS
CAREER CHANGER
TRAINING
TEACHING IN NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MISCELLANEOUS
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ELIGIBILITY
What are the eligibility requirements?
Candidates must be able to make a five year commitment to the MƒA NY Fellowship Program and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. In order to meet certification requirements, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with substantial coursework in mathematics. A minimum of 18 credits in math courses at the calculus level or higher are required. Qualifying candidates typically have more than 21 credits in mathematics, including single and multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and advanced statistics.
What type of person is a good candidate for an MƒA NY Fellowship?
MƒA NY seeks individuals who know and love mathematics. We recruit individuals who are mathematically talented and enjoy working with young people. There is no set profile in terms of background or experience. Our Fellows are both recent college graduates career changers. See the Career Changer FAQ for special information.
I am a career changer. Is there any specific information for me?
Yes. Please read the Career Changer FAQ section for information on special considerations in your application.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?
All candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents due to the certification requirements for New York State.
If I am certified or have completed certification requirements in another state, can I apply?
The MƒA NY Fellowship Program’s primary focus is to bring new people into careers in teaching. To maximize our impact in New York City, we are now accepting applications from candidates who hold teacher certification but have not yet taught in a classroom.
Can I apply if my undergraduate degree was in both math and math education?
Yes. If you have a math and math education dual degree, then you are eligible to apply.
What if I already have a master's degree in math, science or engineering?
Individuals with master's degrees are welcome to apply for the Fellowship. Fellows earn a master’s in teaching during the first year of the Fellowship, which leads to state certification to teach. If you already have a master's, you will receive a second master's degree in teaching.
What if I am interested in teaching science?
The MƒA NY Fellowship offers a certification program in mathematics. Once Fellows are certified to teach mathematics, they can apply for certification in another field. New York State requires adequate coursework and a content knowledge test for certification in any field.
If I am a substitute teacher, am I still eligible to apply to the program?
Yes. Candidates with substitute teaching experience are eligible to apply to the NYC Program.
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APPLICATION PROCESS
How do I apply to the MƒA NY Fellowship Program?
Click on the Apply button and follow the directions. You will need to submit the online application form, a resume, transcripts, and personal statement. In addition, you are required to take the Praxis II Math Content Exams. Information on the exams can be found at www.ets.org.
Do I need to apply to Bard College, New York University or Teachers College in addition to the MƒA NY Fellowship Program?
Candidates who are accepted into the program do not need to also apply to our partner universities. MƒA NY will forward all application materials to the universities for admission and admission fees will be waived.
What is the Praxis math exam and why do I need to take it?
MƒA NY is dedicated to ensuring that all Fellows have the mathematics skills needed for success in the secondary school classroom. To determine mathematical ability, the Selection Committee reviews all application materials, including Praxis scores.
How do I sign up for and take the Praxis exams?
Applicants must sign up for the ETS Praxis II Math Content Exams directly through ETS at ets.org. You must indicate which test date you will be signing up for on the online application. Your test fees ($160) and registration fee ($50) will be reimbursed after you submit a completed MƒA Fellowship online application and your test score report is received by MƒA. MƒA's institution code is 7779. To ensure that your score report is sent to MƒA NY, enter this number when registering for the tests. MƒA NY has a limited number of fee waivers for applicant's who are unable to cover the cost of the tests upfront.
May I talk to a current Fellow before applying?
During the application period there are several opportunities to talk to current Fellows about the program. Fellows are available for questions at our Information Sessions and during the interviews. Additionally, MƒA Fellows will be available during online chat sessions.
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What happens after I submit my application?
When your application is complete, including receipt of all letters of recommendation and transcripts, it will be reviewed to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and then forwarded to members of the Selection Committee for evaluation. The Selection Committee evaluates candidates for mathematical talent and strong potential for teaching. MƒA NY’s program is selective. Applicants do not compete against other applicants for a fixed number of positions.
When and where do interviews take place?
Interviews take place at Math for America's offices in New York City on the weekends of March 7 - 8 and 14 - 15. All finalists must be available on one of those weekends for an interview in New York City. MƒA NY provides reimbursement for travel expenses for finalists traveling from out of town. Information on traveling to NYC will be provided in your finalist packet.
When will I be notified about acceptance to the Fellowship Program?
Applicants will receive notification of acceptance as a finalist by the end of February. Finalists who take the Praxis II Math Exams in November or January and attend an interview in March will be notified in late March regarding acceptance to the Fellowship. Finalists who take the Praxis II Math Exams in March will be notified in early to mid-April. Official test scores must be received before any Fellowship offer can be made.
Is the application binding? Do I have to accept the Fellowship?
Cndidates who are interviewed and offered a Fellowship have the right of refusal. MƒA NY recognizes that candidates may decide that they are no longer interested in the program.
Can I defer acceptance into the program?
Applicants who are accepted into the program may not defer acceptance. Applicants must reapply for the program the following year.
How can I get more information?
First, review the Math for America website and these FAQs. The MƒA NY Fellowship section and Apply section of the site offer a wealth of information. If you have unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 212-701-9457.
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CAREER CHANGERS
The Fellowship appears to be geared toward younger people - particularly those right out of college. Is this program really appropriate for a career changer?
We strongly encourage career changers to apply for an MƒA NY Fellowship. NYC needs teachers with life experience as well as mathematics skills.
The salary seems low in the first year while I am in training. How does this compare to an alternative certification program where I enter the classroom immediately and begin earning a teaching salary?
The first year stipend is $30,000, similar to what a graduate student might earn as a graduate assistant. During this time, Math for America also pays for your tuition and health care benefits.
What are you looking for in an application from a career changer?
Career changers, like all applicants, must have strong math skills and appropriate coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level. The Selection Committee looks at personal statements and other information to understand the motivation of applicants and seeks evidence that the applicant is prepared for the experience of working with young people.
Who should write my letters of reference?
If you have been out of college or graduate school for many years, your references should come from supervisors, managers, clients, or others who know you through your work, professional activities. Choose people who can speak to your potential and interest in becoming a secondary school math teacher. If possible, find at least one person who can write about your mathematical or quantitative abilities. Professors from undergraduate, graduate or continuing education programs are also good sources. References may not be written by current MƒA NY Fellows or Master Teachers.
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TRAINING
When does the program begin? Can I start later?
The MƒA Fellowship Program begins in early June 2009. There are no exceptions to the start date.
I am moving from out of state. Is there housing assistance?
MƒA Fellows are eligible to receive on-campus housing at our partner universities during the year of full time graduate study. Bard College works with individual Fellows to arrange housing. In addition, we have a Fellows community website where new Fellows can meet and talk with each other. Fellows can find roommates or other information on housing through this site. We recommend that you review the NYU and Teachers College websites to learn more about housing options and prices. MƒA does not provide a moving allowance.
How is my tuition paid?
Your tuition is paid by MƒA and its partner universities.
How long is the training?
Fellows attend a full-time master's in education program for one year beginning in June 2009.
What colleges and universities does MƒA work with?
MƒA has three partner universities: Bard College, New York University and Teachers College, Columbia University.
Which college or university will I attend?
MƒA places Fellows at the partner universities. Fellows rank the options in the online application. These preferences are taken into consideration when Fellows are placed. Fellows are also subject to the partner university admissions requirements.
What type of master's degree will I earn?
Fellows earn master's degrees in secondary math education. New York State requires all teachers to hold a master's degree within five years of becoming a teacher. This degree allows Fellows to meet requirements for certification.
Why is the commitment 5 years?
The program by design is a five-year Fellowship, which signals a dedication to developing highly qualified teachers. During the five years, MƒA invests in its Fellows through a variety of Professional Development opportunities and advising to ensure success.
What is the typical course of study?
The master's programs typically consist of 36 - 65 credits. Course of study includes math content, student teaching, and mathematics pedagogy. Please visit the universities’ websites for additional information.
Will I do fieldwork and student teaching?
Yes. All Fellows complete the requirements for New York State Initial Certification which includes 100 hours of classroom observations and at least 40 days of student teaching at both the middle and high school level.
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TEACHING IN NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
What are secondary schools like in NYC?
The New York City public school system is the largest public school system in the country. There are 1.1 million students in more than 1,200 schools located throughout the five boroughs. NYC boasts the most culturally diverse students in the world. Secondary schools in NYC are also diverse with small, theme based secondary schools, specialized secondary schools, large comprehensive schools, gifted and talented programs, charter schools and more. Class sizes typically range from 15 to 30 students.
Can I choose where I teach or will I be placed in a school?
The MƒA Fellows’ job search is an interactive process with Math for America staff. MƒA works with Fellows to identify schools that will be a good match. The final decision to accept a particular job in a New York City public school is the responsibility of the Fellow.
What will I teach? Can I teach science in addition to math?
What you teach will depend on the needs of your school. Many fellows working in high schools have been assigned ninth grade math. This is a common assignment for new teachers. If your school is small and needs a teacher for a science class, MƒA NY will allow Fellows to teach science in a limited capacity. A Fellow's main assignment must be mathematics courses.
What is the salary of a beginning teacher in NYC?
Beginning teachers with master's degrees start with an annual salary around $50,000.
What support does MƒA NY provide to Fellows when they enter the classroom?
A key feature of the MƒA NY Fellowship Program is the MƒA NY Corps activities. New teachers need the opportunity to share strategies, develop lessons and learn specific classroom management techniques. MƒA NY provides one on one mentoring with an experienced math teacher and monthly professional development sessions with topics including classroom management, lesson planning and technology. The goal of the activities is to help Fellows develop into successful, effective teachers.
What mentoring and support do NYC schools provide to new teachers?
Each school offers specific mentoring and professional development services. Every new teacher in New York City is assigned a mentor during the first year. Schools provide additional mentoring or coaching where available and needed. In addition, each school has professional development time that is required.
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MISCELLANEOUS
What happens if I need to leave the program early?
MƒA asks Fellows to make a good faith commitment to remain in the program for the full five years. We recognize that life circumstances change, and a Fellow may need to leave the program early. MƒA reviews each situation on a case-by-case basis. Fellows who leave the program may be asked to pay back some or all of the stipends or tuition they have received.
