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 2023-2024 Teacher Education Fellowship Program
The Master of Education in Teacher Education program is still accepting fellowship applications on a rolling basis!
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.
- Submit your initial ranking form. Students who are accepted for admission and invited to interview for a fellowship will be eligible to review and rank their preferred positions. If you are invited, your invitation will include a deadline for submitting your selections. Please note: we do not guarantee that you will be invited to interview for your top selections.
- Complete your site interviews. First round of interviews will take place.
- Submit your post-interview rankings. After the interviews, both students and sites must complete and submit their post-interview ranking forms, ranking their preferences for final placement.
- Receive your match notification. Match letters will be sent to all students and supervisors.
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 portfolio project, 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 community partner organizations, including:
- Andover Public Schools
- Ayer-Shirley Regional School District
- Beverly Public Schools
- Community Day Charter School, Lawrence
- Haverhill Public Schools
- Lawrence Family Development Charter School
- Lynnfield Public Schools
- Newburyport Public Schools
- North Andover 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.
