Selection Process

Great teachers play a vital role in helping students realize their potential—that’s why our program is highly selective. Our rigorous application process will help us—and you—determine if you’re a good fit for the program. There are three parts to the process: The Online Application, Phone Interview, and Selection Day. 

1. Online Application: During this stage of the application process, we are looking for evidence that shows your professionalism, ability to think critically, and commitment to holding high expectations for all students. To ensure tht you are successfully completing all aspects of our application and making the strongest case for your candidacy, use our Application Preparation Guide as you complete and submit your application. The guide will be published on our website when our application is open. 
    
2. Phone Interview: Based on your Online Application, you may be invited to participate in a 30-minute one-on-one phone interview. During the interview, you can expect to answer questions about your interest in teaching and how you would handle scenarios involving typical challenges teachers may face in the classroom. Please note that some candidates may skip the phone interview and move directly to Selection Day if sufficient evidence has been collected through the review of their Online Application.
    
3. Selection Day: Candidates who successfully complete the Phone Interview will be invited to attend an in-person Selection Day event in New York City. At Selection Day, you will be expected to teach a five-minute sample lesson and will have the opportunity to learn and practice a fundamental teaching technique from a member of our Selection Staff. We will be looking for your comfort level and presence in front of the room, your ability to break down complex concepts to your students, and your ability to present content in a clear and engaging way.

Exceptional applicants will be offered acceptance into the Fellows program based on the strength of their application, their interview, their subject area eligibility, and the needs of NYC public schools.

Application Timelines

The NYC Teaching Fellows application is currently closed.  The 2024 cohort application opens in January 2024.

Please note that we have a rolling admissions process and that applications are reviewed in the order that they are received. We encourage applicants to submit as early as possible and meet Priority Deadlines for the best chance of having their application reviewed and receiving their preferred interview time and subject area assignment. 

Please note that applications submitted with missing or incomplete information will experience delays in the selection timeline.