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 or two years, tuition-free and earn a Master of Education in Teacher Education.
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)
Teacher Education Fellowship Process
How To Apply
- Click the “Apply Now” button below or go to gps.merrimack.edu/apply to begin or resume your graduate application.
- Within your app, select “Yes” for “Are you applying to a fellowship?”
- Submit your application. Be sure to complete the required Fellowship essay.
- Receive your admission decision. If admitted to the master’s program, you’ll receive further instructions about the fellowship process.
Important Dates for the Teacher Education Fellowship Program
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis!
- Fellowship Orientation: Late April 2025
- Duration of Fellowship Placement: August 2025 to late June 2026 (for 1-year fellows) or late June 2027 (for 2-year fellows)
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.
Please note:
- Participation in the fellowship placement process does not guarantee a fellowship.
- If you are granted a fellowship, you will not be eligible for any other discounts or scholarships.
- If you are admitted into the traditional program but not offered a fellowship, you will automatically be considered for a Dean scholarship.
- If you are originally awarded a scholarship and then are given a fellowship placement, you will no longer receive the merit scholarship. The fellowship will replace any other discounts.
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)
Dean and Alumni Scholarships
Dean and Alumni Scholarships are available to students who are not receiving a fellowship. No additional application is needed.
