Stories

Riverdale’s first two Teaching Fellows graduate from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

Riverdale’s Teaching Fellowship program works in concert with the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Each year Riverdale hires two teaching fellows to work in various disciplines. The disciplines shift from year to year depending on the school’s needs.

In the first year of the fellowship, fellows teach one section of a class on their own, work with a mentor teacher in a corresponding class in the Middle School and Upper School, serve as a home-base or advisory teacher, and participate in school life as assigned.

In the second year, fellows typically teach three classes in addition to other responsibilities. While they continue to have an assigned mentor, they are not be asked to co-teach a class unless circumstances warrant it.

To apply, candidates must provide a transcript, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Applications are being accepted for the 2020-2021 year.

Fellows will earn their master’s degree in education (M.S. Ed) over the course of two years. They receive a salary as well as a modest housing stipend.

More information on Penn’s curriculum is available through its website. Some highlights:

  • A blended learning curriculum
  • A peer group of fellows at other day schools
  • Four in-person meetings a year
  • Hotel and transportation costs shared by the sending school and the University of Pennsylvania
  • Penn’s tuition shared by the fellow and the sending school: fellow pays 20% and sending school pays 80%