Why Join?
Teaching in Nashville
Join a network of outstanding educators who are dedicated to closing the achievement gap.
Research shows that the single most important factor in raising student achievement is the teacher in the classroom. This is your chance to make an impact and to become someone’s favorite teacher. Change careers and join the field of education in order to make a difference where your talents, knowledge, and commitment are most needed.
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) serves close to 75,000 students - a diverse community of children that are 48% African American, 35% Caucasian, 13% Hispanic, and 3% Asian. It is the 49th largest urban school district in the country and is comprised of 138 schools, including 74 elementary schools, 40 middle schools, 18 high schools, 3 alternative schools, and 3 charter schools. Fifty-five hundred are served by the English Language Learners (ELL) program making it the largest ELL program in the state. 1 MNPS’ mission for its students embodies an important message: “Each student realizes his or her ability to excel at levels not previously imagined, through a system distinguished by: safe environments characterized by love, value and acceptance; inclusive communities of learners; engaged students eager to share their thoughts; multiple paths to success; and active support among home, school, and community.” 2 Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools calls on you to help a student realize his or her potential. Become a teacher in one of the district’s highest-need public schools by applying to the Nashville Teaching Fellows program.
Many of MNPS’ students come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds; nearly seven of every 10 public school students are eligible for a free or reduced lunch program; 1 and one out of seven Nashville residents is living below the federal poverty level. 3 We know that all students deserve the highest quality education. Nashville Teaching Fellows are dedicated to raising student achievement and to opening opportunities for the children in our community.
Just over half (52%) of our 3rd to 8th grade students are performing at the proficient level in math on the state standardized test. Only four out of 10 of our high school students are proficient in math while only three out of 10 are proficient in reading. And, only 69% of our students graduate from high school (compared to 80% for rest of the state). 4 We need teachers who are especially committed to helping their students overcome these challenges.
Nashville Teaching Fellows have a responsibility and an opportunity to do more to set and meet high expectations for all of the city’s students. The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools strategic plan identifies goals to help students increase achievement, to address community issues that affect schools and to improve communication with the community. Reform efforts are already underway. The Ninth Grade Academy, which helps students transition from middle school to high school, opened in 2006, and standard school attire was also adopted for a two-year trial basis beginning 2008. 2 This is your opportunity to become a part of this reform, by becoming a teacher dedicated to impacting the lives of the students in your classroom.
Nashville Teaching Fellows will form a dedicated cohort of new teachers with a shared mission of making an impact on the students of Nashville.
Once in the classroom, you are responsible for achieving significant student growth with all of your students. You will hold yourself accountable by measuring student outcomes in your classroom and making changes to your teaching practice in order to achieve measurable progress in student performance. In turn, you will be required to demonstrate academic growth with your students in order to successfully complete the program and be recommended for full licensure. Fellows are empowered to make a difference--and they are making a dramatic impact on the students and their academic potential in Nashville.
The first year for any new teacher is challenging, and Fellows should anticipate an intense effort, especially at the beginning of the year. A full teaching day is just under seven hours, from start to finish. Beyond the formal school day, Fellows should expect to spend substantial time out of class preparing lessons, grading student work, and communicating with parents and guardians. They may have after-school meetings with school staff, their grade-level or subject team, or students’ family members. Fellows will also attend courses as they pursue their teaching license, as well as professional development activities to support their classroom efforts.
Nashville Teaching Fellows understand that their hard work can make a difference in the lives and academic achievement of Nashville’s children. Apply today.
Want to learn more? Visit the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools website for more information about the district. Click here to join us for an Information Session.
1 Source: the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools 2007-2014 Strategic Plan
2 Source: the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools 2006-2007 Annual Report
3 Source: “Nashville Leaders Stand Together to Fight Poverty” The Tennessean, September 23, 2008.
4 Source: 2007 Tennessee Department of Education Report Card District Report Card