Click here for this application as a Word document.

Teachers Network invites you to become a MetLife Fellow in the Teachers Network Leadership Institute (TNLI) for the 2008-09 school year.  Teachers from the New York City public schools with full-time classroom responsibilities will be selected to join a nationwide teacher network along with current New York City MetLife Fellows in TNLI.  We are seeking teachers who would like to take an active role in influencing policy in the following areas:

Teacher Leadership in School Change—the ways in which teachers develop as leaders
 
Teacher Preparation and New Teacher Induction—the ways in which teachers are educated, recruited, oriented, evaluated, supported, and retained

Ongoing Professional Growth—the means by which teachers engage in professional growth, learning opportunities, and reflection

Teacher Networks—the ways in which teachers connect to other teachers or organizations for the purpose of expanding their learning community

TNLI provides teachers with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to influence policy locally, statewide, and nationally.  TNLI Fellows’ work includes framing practical policy positions that relate to improved student achievement; conducting action research on their practice; engaging the public and elected officials in community conversations about education; participating on advisory boards, panels, and task forces; developing policy recommendations based on research conducted; and publishing and disseminating findings and recommendations nationwide.

Teachers selected to become MetLife Fellows in the Teachers Network Leadership Institute will:

• increase knowledge of major challenges facing the teaching profession through readings and discussions with leading policy experts
• improve leadership skills
• be recognized by the public and media
• represent teachers nationwide as spokespersons for policy issues
• participate in conducting TNLI Action Research and using it in influencing policy
• be awarded a $1,000 stipend
• become members of an online community

We are seeking a diverse group of teacher leaders who are active in their school communities and have track records in working to improve schools. Fellows will conduct much of their work online as well as participate in online discussions.

TNLI works in partnership with New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and the United Federation of Teachers.  Funding for TNLI is provided by MetLife Foundation and additional support from The New York Community Trust.

The application is due postmarked by June 25, 2008.  If you have any questions or
would like additional information, please call Anna Beskin at (212) 991-2388.  Please fax or mail completed application to:  Teachers Network, Attn:  Anna Beskin, 285 West Broadway, Suite 200, New York, NY 10013; fax: (212) 941-1787. 

All portions of the application must be sent or application will be considered incomplete: 1) application; 2) commitments; 3) essay; and 4) two letters of recommendation. 

Please note: all applicants are required to attend an hour long group interview in
July to be considered for a fellowship.

If you would like to find out more about Teachers Network and/or the Teachers Network Leadership Institute, please access our web site at www.teachersnetwork.org, or e-mail Anna Beskin at:  abeskin@teachersnetwork.org.

Application for the Teachers Network Leadership Institute

(Please type or print legibly.)

Name___________________________________________________________________

School Name and Address__________________________________________________

________________________________________________Zip Code________________

School Phone____________________________________________________________

Home Address____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________Zip Code________________

Cell Phone_____________________________________________________________

Home Phone_____________________________________________________________

E-mail Address____________________________________________________________

Experience

 What subjects do you teach?_________________________________________________

How many years have you been teaching?_______________________________________

What was your preparation for becoming a teacher?_______________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

How have you continued your professional development?__________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Please list any professional organizations and/or networks of which you are a member: 

________________________________________________________________________

Please list your areas of interest in education and education policy:__________________

________________________________________________________________________

Commitments

Please check off all the commitments in the boxes provided:

__      I have access to the necessary computer equipment and will participate online.
I will check my e-mail on a regular basis. 

__        I will attend full-day Saturday sessions once every month (September through June) as well as Teachers Network’s annual spring conference.  I understand that these sessions provide opportunities to participate in dialogues with policymakers, discuss readings, and develop action research plans.

__      I will complete and be prepared to discuss the assigned readings related to education policymaking.

__      I will participate in conducting TNLI Action Research and writing documentation.

__      I will work with Teachers Network to publish an article concerning my fellowship in a local paper.

Only If Applicable, Please Check One or Both of the Boxes Below:

__      I am a teacher leader who is interested in becoming a school administrator.

__      I am a New York University Cooperating Teacher—and am interested in receiving graduate credit for my participation in TNLI.

Essay

 Please write a short essay (approximately two typed double-spaced pages) describing an initiative in which you were an active participant that was designed to produce positive classroom or school change.  Be specific about your role.

Recommendations

Please attach two letters of support—one from your principal and one from a colleague, student, parent, or other individual of your choice who can speak to your leadership abilities and school improvement efforts.

Applicant's signature ________________________________________

Date                           ________________________________________