Developing Teachers Fellowship Program

Posted by East Side Institute for Group and Short Term Psychotherapy on 3/02/07

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DEVELOPING TEACHERS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
August 2007-June 2008
East Side Institute, New York, NY
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The East Side Institute for Group and Short Term
Psychotherapy is now accepting applications for the 2007-
2008 Developing Teachers Fellowship Program, a local
initiative designed to enhance the group building skills of
New York City teachers. A select group of public and
charter school teachers are chosen each year for this
innovative program that develops teachers' capacities to
create more collaborative, creative, playful and
participatory learning environments for themselves and
their students.

The Need for the Program

Whether they’re working with a small group or a class of
40, teaching workshop style or “chalk and talk,” teaching
to the test or engaging in creative play, teachers are
always working with groups. Teachers of all grade levels
and content areas can benefit greatly from learning the
latest innovations in group process.

In addition, many teachers feel unprepared for the complex
challenges of today’s classrooms: mixed learning styles and
grade levels; cultural diversity; lack of motivation – all
with the pressure to raise standards. In order to meet
these demands, teachers need new tools for developing a
rigorous and inclusive community in the classroom.

Program Overview

The Developing Teachers Fellowship Program consists of
ongoing training and classroom supervision by Institute
faculty during the school year 2007-2008. The Program will
begin in late August 2007 and conclude June 2008. During
the year, teachers will participate in bi-weekly Saturday
workshops, monthly on-site supervision, an online
supervisory group, and a final classroom or school
demonstration project.

RECIPIENTS WILL RECEIVE A $2,500 STIPEND FOR THE YEAR.

Program Objectives

*Introduce teachers to innovative ways of organizing groups
to work more supportively.

* Give teachers a new understanding of what groups
are and how they work.

* Provide teachers with practical new tools for
creating classroom environments in which students can
discover their capacity to create with others.

* Help teachers more effectively attend to individual
learning styles while working with the whole class.


The skills of theatrical improvisation are the core of the
program. Because improvisation requires careful listening,
attentiveness to others, and acceptance of all ‘offers’, it
is the foundation for building effective learning groups.
Learning to improvise helps teachers creatively incorporate
anything going on in the classroom (even such challenges as
behavior problems or a range of reading levels) in the
service of building a dynamic and productive learning
environment. As they become skilled ‘directors’ of their
classroom performance ensembles, Fellows will develop
sensitivity to cultural differences; build fun, creative
and participatory learning environments; and help their
students take responsibility for meeting learning
objectives. As their students experience the fun and
success of improvisation, they will gain confidence, self-
motivation and the willingness to access these skills when
faced with unknown learning activities.

This approach can be used within any subject area and with
all children of an age. It does not require adding
additional subjects, classes or skills to an already busy
school day. This program aspires to provide schools with
model classrooms where learning, growing, creativity and
development can easily coexist with – indeed immeasurably
enhance – academic rigor.

Who Should Apply

I’m an experienced educator looking for ways to turn my
students on to learning and help them develop self-
motivation!

I’m a coach who is responsible for helping teachers
incorporate new, innovative methods into their teaching
practices. The usual ‘How To’s’ aren’t working. Where can I
learn more about human development and gain team-building
skills?

I’ve been teaching for a couple of years now and I’d really
like to take my work to a new level and maybe move in the
direction of being a master teacher or a mentor for new
teachers.

I’m a new teacher looking for a way to help all of the
students in my class succeed in learning. Where can I learn
to help my students perform successfully?

Applications

We are now accepting applications for the 2007-2008 school
year.
For an application, go to www.eastsideinstitute.org.
Application deadline is May 1, 2007, with notification of
acceptance by July 1, 2007.

To apply to the Developing Teachers Fellowship Program, you
must

* Be a certified K-12 teacher currently employed in a
New York City public or charter school.

* Have U.S. citizenship, or permanent residency with
a valid green card, and fluency in English.

* Have regular email access.
To complete the application, please prepare the items below
beforehand
to submit online:

* An updated resume

* A detailed personal essay of 800-1,000 words that
includes: 1)your teaching experience; 2)your teaching and
learning philosophy; 3)your greatest challenges; 4)examples
of classroom successes; 5)any performance experience you
might have (theatre, music, dance, etc.) and 6)why you want
to become a Developing Teachers Fellow.

If accepted for an interview, you will need to bring
undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate transcripts.

If accepted into the program, you will need to provide a
letter of support from your principal.

For more information, contact:

Melissa Meyer, Programs Coordinator
(212) 941-8906
mmeyer@eastsideinstitute.org


The East Side Institute for Group and Short Term
Psychotherapy is an international training and research
center for new approaches to human development and
community building. Its programs create and promote
psychological and educational practices that relate to
people of all ages as social performers of their lives, and
that challenge a psychology of stages, labels and
diagnoses. A privately funded nonprofit organization, the
Institute is headquartered in New York City, with
affiliates, associates and students around the world. Visit
our website www.eastsideinstitute.org.