The Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellowship

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Q: What is the Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellowship?

A: The Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellowship offers recent graduates and career changers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) a stipend of $30,000 to complete a specially-designed, cutting-edge master's degree program, in exchange for a commitment to teach for three years in high-need secondary urban or rural schools. The program provides Fellows with this stipend to help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses during a full-time year of master's study and to help support Fellows in their preparation for teaching, including in-depth classroom experience in one of several universities and their Ohio teacher education programs. Fellows attend classes and complete their clinical year as a cohort with other STEM-oriented Teaching Fellows.

Successful Fellows are eligible for teacher certification at the end of the second summer of full-time master's coursework. Once certified teachers, Fellows are able to seek employment in a high-need school or school district. University partners provide mentoring and support throughout the three-year Teaching Fellowship period. The Fellowship is administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation and is funded with the support of the State of Ohio through the Office of the Board of Regents of Higher Education. Additional support comes from the George Gund Foundation, Cleveland Foundation, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, GAR Foundation, The Battelle Fund at the Columbus Foundation, and Battelle Memorial Institute. Leadership from the Governor's office is also a key part of the program.

Q: What makes the Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellowship different from other teacher certification programs?

A: The WW Ohio Teaching Fellowship combines several best practices in teacher preparation by bringing together:

  • Immediate impact and ongoing support. Fellows teach in schools with high-need student populations as soon as they begin their master's study year. As soon as Fellows begin teaching, they receive mentoring from their universities and experienced teachers and teacher leaders in their schools and school districts.
  • Highly selective admission. The WW Ohio Teaching Fellowship seeks to increase the quality of teaching candidates, not just the quantity. As a prestigious pathway to teaching for gifted undergraduates and accomplished career changers, the Fellowship will bring new talent into teaching, elevate the profession, and provide the preparation and ongoing support needed for success in the classroom.
  • Excellent, paid teacher preparation. The Ohio Teaching Fellowship offers Fellows a $30,000 stipend to pursue a high-quality master's degree in teaching. In Ohio, the stipend is paid directly to the Fellow and the Fellow may use it as he/she wishes. Ideally, the stipend will allow Fellows to offset the cost of tuition, attendance, and living costs.
  • Preparation to hit the ground running. By the time Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellows enter their own classrooms as full-time teachers of record, they have already been in classrooms for one full year. Fellows are learning, observing and teaching during their year of master's study and, by and large, the hallmark of being a Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellow is the preparation to hit the ground running it offers Fellows.
  • A launch pad for a lifetime teaching career. While the Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellows make a three-year commitment to teach in high-need schools, we believe that the high-quality preparation and support the Fellowship provides positions Fellows for a sustained and successful career in teaching. The Fellowship is not intended to be a short-term Peace Corps-like experience. Rather, it is designed as a launch pad for teacher development and professional growth that will help shape a new generation of outstanding educators and teacher leaders in Ohio classrooms.
  • A new approach to teacher education.The Fellowship is more than a scholarship program. It seeks to transform teacher education while preparing future leaders in the teaching profession. The program provides participating universities with new resources to develop model programs that prepare teachers in math- and science-related fields. While there is not one Woodrow Wilson teacher education model, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation is working with hand-selected universities in a broad range of areas: redesigning curricula to improve teacher preparation; creating clinical classroom teaching experiences in schools to help teacher candidates succeed; and assessing teacher candidates' performances in the classroom. In the long term, this approach may lead to the adoption of more rigorous teacher education standards nationwide.

Q: Which Ohio institutions are participating?

A: The Woodrow Wilson Foundation has partnered with seven Ohio universities with high-quality teacher education preparation programs. These universities have demonstrated their willingness to put in place bold, innovative approaches that can prepare teachers for a time in which our schools are undergoing dramatic changes. The seven institutions are John Carroll University, The Ohio State University, OHIO University, University of Akron, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, and University of Toledo.

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Eligibility

Q: Who is eligible for the Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellowship?

A: The Fellowship is open to college seniors, graduates, and career changers who:

  • demonstrate a commitment to the program and its goals;
  • have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency;
  • have attained, or expect to attain by June 30, 2013, a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university;
  • have majored in and/or have a strong professional background in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or math);
  • a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale is preferred (comparable for applicants from institutions that do not employ a 4.0 GPA scale)

Q: Do I need to have completed my undergraduate education in Ohio?

A: No, but the master's degree must be completed at one of the seven Ohio institutions that are participating in the Fellowship program, and the three-year teaching commitment must be fulfilled at a designated Ohio high-need secondary school.

Q: I already have some teaching experience (full-time, substitute, para-professional, private school, etc.). May I apply for the Fellowship?

A: Ideally, Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellows have an undergraduate major in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline or substantial work experience in a STEM-related field, and are seeking a master's degree in STEM education and clinical (classroom) teaching experience in an Ohio public secondary school. Prior teaching experience does not exclude a candidate from eligibility. All applications are considered in their entirety and selection is based on merit.

Q: Do I need to be an education major or have taken education classes to apply? What academic preparation should I have?

A: The Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellowship program is looking primarily for applicants with an undergraduate major in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) field. Others who may not have majored in a STEM field, but who have significant work experience in one of these fields, are also encouraged to apply. Those applicants with significant credit hours in a STEM-related field are also welcome to apply. These applications will be judged on their merits.

Q: If my field is one of the professions that draws heavily on science and math (such as physical therapy or accounting), or perhaps a social science with major STEM components (such as economics), may I apply?

A: You are welcome to apply. In the course of Fellowship selection, we will review all applicants' transcripts to clarify the work each candidate has already completed in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Some additional undergraduate courses may be required by a partner institution if a candidate's previous experience does not yet meet the institution's minimum standard for content knowledge in a given area.

Q: I graduated from college a few years ago. Can I still apply?

A: Yes, absolutely. Career changers of all ages are welcome to apply, and can use professional accomplishments (for example, awards, professional certifications, service records) to demonstrate their potential. Partner institutions will work individually with candidates to certify that career changers selected as Fellows satisfy the requirements for demonstrated content knowledge.

Q: I am interested in the Fellowship program, but I don't want to teach in Ohio. Do you have programs in other states?

A: The Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellowship requires that recipients teach in Ohio schools. The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship is currently being offered in Indiana, Michigan, and-coming soon-New Jersey. Other states are expected to launch Woodrow Wilson state teaching fellowship programs in the future.

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Application Process

Q: What is the process for applying? Can I apply online? Do I need to apply separately to each institution in which I might be interested? When will I find out if I am accepted?

A: Applicants will apply to the Woodrow Wilson Foundation for the WW Ohio Teaching Fellowship. Applications for the next competition are currently available on the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship website. Fellows will be selected by early spring 2013, and will begin graduate studies in summer 2013. All applications will be accepted online only, and only through the Woodrow Wilson Foundation.

Q: Is there an application fee?

A: Application for the WW Ohio Teaching Fellowship is free. Partner institutions have chosen to waive their application fees. Please be aware that there may be fees associated with enrollment at the university if you are accepted as a Fellow.

Q: Will I need to pay tuition?

A: Yes. Each campus will have its own tuition and financial aid arrangements for Teaching Fellows. Click here for Ohio tuition information.

Q: Which schools qualify as high-need?

A: For a list of schools that qualify as high-need, please visit the Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits.

The Annual Directory is updated in the fall of each year. For a comprehensive listing of high-need secondary schools, you may check the previous year's directory or periodically check the directory for the latest updates.

Q: When would I receive my Fellowship stipend?

A: Fellows will receive their stipends in two or three equal payments and may select the payment option that works best for them. Fellows will choose the payment schedule once they have been selected and have accepted a Fellowship award.

Q: How many Fellowships will be awarded annually?

A: In the second year of the program, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation expects to award a total of 105 WW Ohio Teaching Fellowships—15 at each of the seven participating institutions. In addition, the Foundation will select a number of alternates who may be offered the Fellowship if those originally selected choose to decline for any reason.

Q: What is the application process?

A: All potential candidates will complete the online application, which was crafted in collaboration with the seven partner universities. In addition to the online application, applicants will provide three letters of recommendation, a resume, and transcripts from all institutions attended. Candidates who are selected as finalists will also have an interview with a team of Woodrow Wilson selectors who are veteran teachers and teacher leaders.

Q: What if I have a transcript from a foreign university/college?

A: Follow these steps to have your foreign transcript evaluated:

  • Have your official transcript(s) translated (if necessary) into English.
  • Send your transcript(s), course descriptions, and the English translation to a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. A fee is required. Be sure to request a "course-by-course/detail" evaluation.
    * Foreign transcripts which are already in English, still will require a course-by-course/detail evaluation.
  • Have an official copy of the transcript and translation sent to:
    Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowships
    P.O. Box 5281
    Princeton, NJ 08543-5281

Q: Where and when will interviews be conducted?

A: Interviews will be conducted at various sites throughout Ohio in fall and winter 2012-2013. Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to select the date and location that best works for them. The interview will begin at 9:30 AM and end at 3:30 PM. The interview day will consist of a one-on-one interview and various activities including a sample teaching lesson. Applicants selected for an interview who live outside of Ohio will be provided with alternate opportunities to fully participate in the interview process.

Q: Is it possible that I could receive a WW Ohio Teaching Fellowship but not be admitted to the institution where I am placed?

A: No. The Ohio Teaching Fellowship application is aligned with university graduate admission requirements.

Q: If I do not receive a WW Ohio Teaching Fellowship but would still like to enroll in a teacher preparation program at one of the partner institutions, may I do so?

A: Yes, if that university admits you. It will likely be necessary for you to take additional steps to apply to that institution. It is also possible that you will be invited to apply by one or more of the partner institutions, as your application will have been shared with all of your preferred partner institutions.

Q: If I am not accepted for the Fellowship and choose not to pursue the master's without it, can I apply for the Fellowship again in the following year?

A: Absolutely. We welcome your continued interest.

Q: Am I allowed to work at another job while I am studying for my master's degree? While I am teaching?

A: Fellows have a very demanding coursework and clinical (in school) schedule. It should be clear that the Fellowship program will essentially be the equivalent of a full-time job.

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Master's Program

Q: What type of master's degree will I receive?

A: WW Ohio Teaching Fellows will receive a master's degree following successful completion of the partner institution's master's degree program. The partner institutions will likely offer degrees with slightly different titles. In all cases, however, Fellows will receive a master's degree and complete all the preparatory requirements necessary in order to take exams for Ohio teaching certification and licensure.

Q: Am I able to choose where I will study for my master's degree?

A: In the application, candidates will be asked to indicate, in ranked order, their top three preferences among the seven participating universities. Every effort will be made to match a candidate with his or her first-choice institution.

Q: Is there a required program of study?

A: While the program of study will vary among the seven institutions, each university will offer a master's degree (MAT), redesigned in consultation with the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. Each program will encompass a rigorous curriculum coupled with intensive clinical teaching experiences, with the goal of giving Fellows the best possible preparation for advancing student learning in secondary school classrooms and for a successful teaching career.

Q: When will coursework begin?

A: Coursework will likely begin in summer of 2013, depending on the curricula developed by the seven partnering universities.

Q: Will I get teaching experience?

A: Yes. All seven master's degree programs will include significant experience in public secondary schools. Both the master's coursework and clinical teaching experience will focus on providing the practical, subject-specific education needed to prepare Ohio Teaching Fellows to succeed with students in high-need schools.

Q: What exams do I need to take? Are there any costs involved in getting certified?

A: The Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellowship does not require any tests for acceptance into the program. All Fellows who enter a teacher preparation program will need to pass the Praxis II Subject Assessment and the Principles of Learning and Teaching 7-12 tests to be eligible for an Ohio teacher certificate. Both of these assessments are administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and can be completed during your master's program of study. However, you may choose to complete the subject assessment in your discipline if you wish to include it as additional evidence in your application.

The Praxis II Subject Assessments measure knowledge of specific subjects that K-12 educators will teach, as well as general and subject-specific teaching skills and knowledge. The Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Test measures your general pedagogical knowledge for grades 7-12. This test uses a case study approach and features multiple-choice and constructed-response questions.

Praxis II tests are now available in computer and paper-delivered formats and are offered on pre-scheduled dates throughout the year at universities, high schools and other locations throughout the world. There is a fee to take the Praxis II tests.

Q: What grades and subjects will I be certified to teach after I receive my degree?

A: The Ohio Teaching Fellowship focuses on secondary teaching in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields; however, the different campuses will emphasize particular subjects and certification areas. The type of teacher certification will depend upon which program a Teaching Fellow enrolls in and/or which courses s/he takes.

Q: What if I still have specific questions about one or more of the university programs?

A: For any remaining questions, please contact the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowships team for more information. Alternatively, you may also contact the Program Director at the university you would like to attend.

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University Admission and Support

Q: Which school districts have partnered with the seven Ohio universities?

A: The universities and their partnering school districts are listed below:

Q: What about special circumstances that may limit how far I can travel to complete the master's degree, or where I can be placed for my teaching assignment?

A: The application contains a section to note extenuating circumstances, which will be taken into consideration when your application is reviewed. However, Teaching Fellows must be as open and flexible as possible about future student teaching placements.

Q: Will I be on my own once I start teaching?

A: No. From the beginning, Ohio Teaching Fellows are part of a cohort that will be assisted in securing student teaching placements in the same school districts at the same time and will continue working together, helping to promote a community of support and learning within and across their schools and school districts.

Q: Can I switch schools during my three-year teaching obligation? Or grade levels/subjects?

A: The Fellowship focuses on teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at the secondary level in high-need schools in Ohio. It is strongly preferred that, if at all possible, a Fellow remains at the site where s/he is originally hired so that s/he will have the full benefit of mentoring. It is possible that a Fellow who transfers to another teaching assignment may lose some or all of the mentoring benefit, as well as some of the ongoing university services.

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Teaching Commitment and Other Obligations

Q: How long must I teach to fulfill my commitment to the program?

A: WW Ohio Teaching Fellows agree to teach for three years in Ohio high-need secondary urban or rural public schools, contingent on completing their master's degree program and attaining their teaching license/certification.

Q: Can I teach for only one or two years?

A: No. Ohio Teaching Fellows commit to teaching in a STEM field for three years in Ohio when they accept the Fellowship.

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Program Completion

Q: What happens at the conclusion of the three-year teaching commitment?

A: While Ohio Teaching Fellows will be free to choose the future direction of their teaching careers, we believe that the high-quality preparation and support the Fellowship provides will position Fellows for a sustained and successful career in teaching. Once selected as Fellows, the WW Ohio Teaching Fellows become lifelong members of a national network of intellectual leaders. Today's 20,000 Woodrow Wilson Fellows include 13 Nobel Laureates, 35 MacArthur "genius grant" recipients, 14 Pulitzer Prize winners, two Fields Medalists in mathematics, and many other noted scholars and leaders.

Q: Can I teach in another state after I complete my three-year commitment?

A: Yes. Once the three-year teaching commitment in Ohio is fulfilled, Fellows may teach anywhere they choose, assuming they meet applicable teacher certification/licensure standards in their new state.

Q: What will be my involvement with the WW Ohio Teaching Fellowship and future Woodrow Wilson Fellows after my commitment is complete?

A: Even after their teaching commitment is complete, Fellows remain part of a statewide network of Ohio Teaching Fellows, as well as the larger national network of 20,000 Woodrow Wilson Fellows. In addition, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation can help Fellows find out about requirements for National Board Certification—for which Fellows will be eligible after three years of teaching—and may arrange mentorships with new Ohio Teaching Fellows.

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Contact

Other questions that are not answered in the information posted on this site can be directed by email to the Woodrow Wilson Foundation or by calling 609-452-7007 ext. 141.

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