Interested in applying? Keep reading for more information about how the process works and what is required in order to join our program. There are eight steps:
1. Read this website!
Please be sure to thoroughly read this website for critical information on program requirements and benefits, including details about our Summer Institute and the certification process. Review the section on eligibility and content requirements in detail, as this is a critical piece of the application process. Only applications of eligible candidates will be reviewed.
2. Check your eligibility status.
Applicants to the program must meet a number of Eligibility Requirements in order to be considered. Make sure that you're eligible! Please note that you must meet general eligibility requirements and be eligible to teach one of the subject areas for which PGCTF recruits.
3. Apply Now!
Applying is easy via our online application. To apply to the Prince George's County Teaching Fellows, candidates must submit an online application that includes a resume and answers to the following application questions.
Each of the three questions' individual responses should be between 200-400 words.
- Nearly all Fellows are placed in 'high-need' schools that are located in low-income communities. Why do you want to teach in a high-need school, and what experiences have prepared you for the challenges of teaching in a high-need school?
- The most important responsibility of a teacher is to ensure high academic achievement for all students. Explain how a skill or ability that you possess will help you ensure high academic achievement for all students and provide an example how you have effectively demonstrated this skill or ability in the past.
- Briefly describe a time when you achieved a goal in the face of challenges or while balancing multiple priorities. What steps did you take to ensure you would meet your goal, and how will that experience contribute to your ability to be successful with your students?
Your responses to the Application Questions provide us with information not captured elsewhere in the application. We use your responses to evaluate your writing and critical thinking skills, and more importantly, to gain a sense of your commitment to teaching students in Prince George's County Public Schools.
Please note that only original responses to the Application Questions will be considered. Do not submit a generic cover letter or personal statement in place of responses to the Application Questions, as it will not provide our office with the information we need to accurately assess your candidacy for the program. We recommend that you carefully review the guidelines below before responding to the Application Questions.
Applicants are also asked to upload a current resume. Please follow the guidelines below when submitting your resume:
- Starting with your most recent position, please list your positions of employment.
- You should include self-employment, internships, part-time jobs and other paid positions.
- Please describe your responsibilities and the dates of employment for each position.
4. Register and study for the Praxis.
In order to be admitted into the program, candidates must take and pass the Praxis I and Praxis II Examinations, credentialing tests administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
For details about the test and specific requirements, see the section of this website entitled Praxis Requirements.
You may also visit the ETS website to view the Maryland requirements.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to register and take the Praxis tests as soon as possible. Passing scores will be required from Fellows admitted to the program by June 1, 2010.
5. Request your transcripts.
If selected for an interview, candidates will be required to bring at least one transcript, official or unofficial, from every college and university attended as part of their interview materials. Photocopies are acceptable at this point. Credit coursework, including transfer, AP or supplemental coursework must be verified by transcripts from the institution where credits were earned. Please do not send or fax transcripts before your interview date.
Please note that upon entrance to the Prince George's County Teaching Fellows, a total of three (3) official transcripts from each college and university attended will be required to begin the summer Institute.
Because it often takes colleges and universities several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we recommend that you request all three transcripts at the time of your application submission. We suggest contacting the office of the registrar at your college(s) and/or universities for details on the timing of this process.
Upon acceptance to the Prince George's County Teaching Fellows, all transcripts from the institution(s) where a degree was granted must reflect "degree awarded" or "degree conferred" to be considered official.
Unfortunately, we are unable to return transcripts once they have been submitted, even if a candidate is not admitted to the program.
6. Check application status online.
Every application is reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and potential for success as a Fellow. You will receive notification of your application status within two weeks of our receipt of your complete application.
After submission of an online application, candidates are able to view their status in the application process online by visiting the My PGCTF page. After clicking on the "status" tab on the top of the page, candidates will be able to view their application status and important information regarding next steps.
During the application and interview process, updates and documents that are specific to each stage in the candidacy cycle will be posted at this site (i.e. from the moment candidates submit an application through Fellows' entrance into Summer Institute). We highly recommend checking this site frequently.
7. Attend an interview event. (Invited applicants only)
The interview event will include a teaching sample, a dialogue with other candidates, a writing exercise, and a personal interview. Candidates who are invited to interview will be provided with additional information at the time of invitation.
Interviews are group events; candidates will be allowed to choose from pre-determined dates and times. Unfortunately, individual requests for other times cannot be accommodated.
8. Wait for a decision.
Based on the strengths of the submitted application materials and interview event, the Prince George's County Public Schools will decide whether or not an applicant is accepted into the Fellows program.
We understand that being denied admission can be a disappointment, and it is natural to want to know the reasons behind the district's decision. However, due to the large number of applications we receive, we cannot accommodate requests for personalized feedback on individual applications.