Below are Frequently Asked Questions for the MƒA Fellowship in New York City. For additional information you can also access transcripts from our past online chats with MƒA staff and Fellows.
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 by June 2012. A minimum of 21 credits in math courses at the calculus level or higher are required.
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 and who would like to make a commitment to teaching math. Our Fellows are both recent college graduates and 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 need to be a math major to apply?
No, applicants do not need to hold a degree in mathematics to apply to the Fellowship. All applicants need 21 math credits in calculus and higher, but these credits may or may not have been earned towards a degree. While many of our applicants have degrees in Math, Physics, or Engineering, all applicants who meet this credit requirement are welcome to apply.
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 mathematically talented people into careers in teaching. To maximize our impact in New York City, we accept applications from candidates who hold teacher certification, but have not yet taught in a classroom. Read more about entering the program with certification.
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. If you already have a master's, you will receive another degree. All Fellows earn a master’s in secondary mathematics education during the first year of the Fellowship, which leads to state certification.
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 MƒA NY Fellowship.
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APPLICATION PROCESS
How do I apply to the MƒA NY Fellowship Program?
Visit the Apply page to submit an online application, which includes your resume, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, classroom scenario, and the mathematics course credits list. In addition, all applicants are required to take two Praxis II Math Exams: Content Knowledge (0061) and Proofs, Models and Problems, Part I (0063). Information on the exams can be found at www.ets.org.
Do I need to apply directly to the MƒA Partner Universities in addition to the MƒA NY Fellowship Program?
Candidates who are accepted into the MƒA Fellowship program do not need to also apply to our Partner University, the City College of New York. MƒA NY will forward all application materials to the Partner University for admission and application fees will be waived.
When is the application deadline?
The MƒA NY Fellowship deadline is Friday, January 20, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Do I need to submit international transcripts?
If your academic credentials are from an institution outside of the United States and Canada, you will need to submit a World Education Services, Inc. (WES) course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary credentials (undergraduate and graduate, if applicable). Forms for evaluation by WES may be downloaded from the WES website at www.wes.org.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Your letters of recommendation should come from professors, supervisors, managers, clients or others who know you through your work and 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 good sources. Recommendations may not be written by current or former MƒA Fellows, MƒA staff, New Teacher Advisors, or board members.
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. 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 for tests taken during this application cycle 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, enter this number when registering for the tests. The last date to take the Praxis Exams is January 14, 2012. The ETS Praxis test dates for the 2012 application cycle are:
9/17/2011
11/12/2011
1/14/2012
Do I have to take the Praxis exams before submitting my online application?
The last date to take the Praxis Exams is January 14, 2012. You must obtain scores for both tests in order to be considered for admission.
Do I need to submit GRE scores?
MƒA NY does not require applicants to submit General Record Exam scores. The standardized tests that MƒA NY requires are the Praxis II Math Content Exams.
May I talk to a current Fellow before applying?
During the application period there are several opportunities to talk to current MƒA NY Fellows about the program. Fellows are available for questions at our Information Sessions and during the interviews. Additionally, MƒA NY Fellows will be available during online chat sessions.
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. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be contacted for an in-person interview.
When and where do interviews take place?
Finalists will be invited for an interview on one of the following days: March 3rd, 4th, 10th or 11th of 2012. Interviews take place at the Math for America offices in New York City. All finalists must be available on one of those weekends for an interview in New York City. MƒA NY provides a travel stipend and shared accommodations 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 the status of my application?
Finalists will receive notification for an interview by the end of February. You will be notified in late-March if you are selected for the Fellowship.
Is the application binding? Do I have to accept the Fellowship?
Candidates 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?
Please 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.
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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, MƒA NY 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 closely 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 recommendation?
If you have been out of college or graduate school for many years, your letters of recommendation should come from supervisors, managers, clients, or others who know you through your work and 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. Letters of Recommendation may not be written by current or former MƒA staff, New Teacher Advisors, or board members.
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TRAINING
When does the program begin? Can I start later?
The MƒA NY Fellowship Program begins in late June 2012. There are no exceptions to the start date.
I am moving from out of state. Is there housing assistance?
On our online community, the Small World Network, Fellows can meet and talk with each other and find roommates or other information on housing. MƒA does not provide a moving allowance.
How is my tuition paid?
Your tuition is paid by MƒA NY.
How long is the training?
MƒA Fellows attend a full-time accelerated master's in education program for one year beginning in June 2012. After successful completion of the Partner University program, MƒA NY Fellows begin teaching in New York City schools for the remaining four years of the Fellowship.
What colleges and universities does MƒA NY work with?
MƒA NY is proud to be partnering with the City College of New York, the flagship college of the City University of New York (CUNY) to provide a graduate program specifically tailored to the needs of the MƒA Fellowship cohort. The three semester program is a model of best practices in mathematics teacher education, provides a rich clinical training program and grounds MƒA NY Fellows in the teaching of mathematics in New York City.
What type of master's degree will I earn?
MƒA NY Fellows earn master's degrees in secondary mathematics 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 five years?
The program by design is a five-year Fellowship, which signals a dedication to developing highly qualified teachers. In year one, MƒA NY Fellows prepare to become a public secondary school math teacher at the MƒA Partner University and during years two through five, MƒA NY Fellows teach at a public secondary school in New York City. During the five years, MƒA invests in its Fellows through ongoing Professional Development opportunities and advising to ensure success.
What is the typical course of study?
MƒA NY Fellows will receive a full-tuition scholarship for a master’s degree in mathematics education at the City College of New York. Course of study includes grounding in the social foundations of education, methods of teaching secondary mathematics, teaching mathematics in New York City, mathematics courses, and extensive field work as a classroom observer and student teacher.
Will I do fieldwork and student teaching?
Yes. All Fellows who enter the Fellowship with or without certification must complete the 100 hours of classroom observations and at least 40 days of student teaching at both the middle and high school level.
How is the program different for candidates who have already earned their certification?
MƒA NY has partnered with the City College of New York to create a specialized graduate training program. As part of the MƒA Fellowship, all Fellows must complete the requirements of this program, regardless of prior certification or experience with student teaching.
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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 1,700 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 job search for MƒA Fellows is an interactive process with Math for America staff. MƒA works with Fellows to identify schools that will be a good match, assists with reviewing and preparing Fellows’ resumes, offers training in interview skills and designing and giving demonstration lessons, and provides job opportunity postings via the MƒA online community. MƒA Fellows are responsible for applying to and making a final decision to accept a particular job in a New York City public school.
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 are assigned ninth grade math (a common assignment for new teachers), but this depends on the school. MƒA NY has Fellows teaching in all secondary grades across New York City. 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. Throughout the Fellowship, MƒA provides generous stipends, in addition to your regular teacher's salary.
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. During the pre-service year while attending the MƒA partner university, MƒA NY Fellows attend monthly cohort meetings that support their work as classroom observers and student teachers and that prepare them for their job search and for life as a professional teacher. MƒA supports Fellows as they begin their first year of teaching through a “survival camp,” facilitated by MƒA staff, which focuses on building relationships with students, establishing classroom routines and planning for the school year. MƒA NY Fellows work with New Teacher Advisors who provide one-on-one mentoring during the first two years of teaching in the program, visit them on a regular basis in the classroom and offer instructional support. Throughout the program, MƒA Fellows are offered a range of professional development opportunities, including Professional Learning Team Meetings and mini-courses, and they attend cohort meetings to preserve community bonds of the group. The goal of the activities is to help Fellows develop into successful, effective career mathematics teachers who are competitive candidates for the MƒA Master Teacher Fellowship.
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 expects Fellows to make a commitment to remain in the program for the full five years. If extenuating circumstances require a Fellow to leave the program early, the Fellow is required to repay the tuition that was paid by MƒA to the Partner University.
If I am re-applying to MƒA NY, will I need to take the Praxis Exam again?
MƒA NY keeps Praxis score information on file for five years after you apply to the program. Typical Praxis scores for MƒA NY Fellows range from 150 to 180 on the Mathematics Content Knowledge test and from 175 to 190 on the Proofs, Models and Problems test. These are guidelines and Praxis scores are one of many components considered in your application. If you are satisfied with your scores, you do not need to take the test again.
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