Invaluable Field Experience
The K-12 Teacher Education Fellowship links graduate study with a year-long clinical residency in a PreK-12 partner school.
Tuition-Free Teacher Education Fellowship
As a K-12 teacher fellow, you’ll work in a school district for a full academic year, gaining unparalleled and invaluable field experience. You’ll engage in a range of classroom-based activities, including small group instruction, co-teaching, and ultimately, independent classroom instruction. Fellows graduate in one year, tuition-free and earn a Master of Education in Teacher Education.
Important Dates for the 2024-2025 Teacher Education Fellowship Program
The priority deadline to apply to our K-12 Teacher Education fellowships is December 8, 2023.
Program Deadline: January 12, 2024
Program Orientation: April 2024
Classes Begin: May 20, 2024 (Summer I)
Fellowship Orientation: late August 2024
We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible for your best chance at a preferred placement. Applications will be accepted until all fellowship positions have been filled.
The process is as follows:
- Submit your online application. Be sure to indicate your fellowship interest within your application.
- Participate in interview with the program director of the Master of Education in Teacher Education. All Teacher Education fellowship applicants will be interviewed.
- Participate in a virtual interview with a potential fellowship school or district.
- Receive your match notification.
- First fellowship orientation will be April 2024. Exact date is TBD.
Please note: Participation in the fellowship placement process is NOT a guarantee of a fellowship.
Questions? All interested students should email graduate admission.
Program Format
Teacher Education Fellows take summer courses to prepare for their residency and then transition to evening classes while participating in their classrooms. After completing their coursework, residency, and a CAP assessment and/or fellowship documentation, Teacher Education Fellows graduate with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher Education and licensure in their area of specialization.
- Elementary (1-6)
- Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
- English as a Second Language (PreK-6)
- Middle School (5-8) and High School (8-12)
Where You’ll Get Your Professional Experience
Fellows participate in a residency with area K-12 public school districts, including:
- Andover Public Schools
- Beverly Public Schools
- Easton Public Schools
- Haverhill Public Schools
- Lawrence Public Schools
- Lynnfield Public Schools
- Malden Catholic
- Peabody Public Schools
- St. Augustine School, Andover
Example Fellowship Position
Teacher Education Fellow
Location: Varies
Various locations in central and northeast Massachusetts
Position Description
Students complete several core courses and choose one of five concentrations, including Elementary (1-6), Moderate Disabilities (Prek-8), English as a Second Language (Prek-6) and Middle (5-8) and High School Education (8-12). The residency allows Fellows to engage in a range of classroom-based activities such as small-group instruction, co-teaching, and ultimately, independent classroom instruction. Fellows complete their coursework and residency while demonstrating their proficiency with the Professional Standards for Teachers (PSTs). Education students walk at graduation in May, but must complete their residency at each site (usually by the end of June) before they can be endorsed for licensure by Merrimack to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The actual work that students complete at their fellowship sites will vary depending on their site and placement. All students will be engaged in the gradual increase of responsibility from classroom instruction that includes modeling from their supervising practitioner, shared and guided teaching with their supervising practitioner, to full independent responsibility for classroom instruction. It is important for fellows to become part of the community and culture of their school and to receive extensive supervision and mentoring. Fellows will also be assigned a Merrimack supervisor to support them in the field.
Position Responsibilities
- Fellows work the same hours/days as professional teachers
- Fellows are required to adhere to all site policies and procedures
- Fellows receive academic credit for the fellowship experience and must attend seminar class in both semesters and complete all the assignments.
- Fellows are required to document their hours for their area of licensure.
- Fellows & Program Supervisors & Supervising Practitioners are required to meet to discuss observations and student progress
- Fellows who are seeking initial licensure must complete three, 3-way conferences during the year based on the Candidate Assessment of Performance (CAP).
Additional Requirements/Qualifications
- Able to attend graduate courses on-campus. Graduate courses are held late afternoon/evening.
- Adhere to the academic calendar for both Merrimack College and their school district.
- Must have reliable transportation for travel between the fellowship site and Merrimack (for classes)
Dean and Alumni Scholarships
Dean and Alumni Scholarships are available to students who are not receiving a fellowship. No additional application is needed.
