Teacher-in-Residence Fellowship Program

+ About the Program
The University of Maryland College of Education's Teacher-in-Residence Fellowship Program is a continuing school-university collaboration in professional development for experienced teachers. As part of the program experienced teachers, jointly recommended by their school districts and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (EDCI), qualify for academic year fellowships during which they engage in personal programs of professional development through formal and informal study experiences at the university. Fellows enhance their understanding of teacher learning and teacher development through participation in the department's exemplary teacher preparation programs, and carry out a curriculum or research project in cooperation with department faculty on a topic of interest and importance to the teacher and his or her school district.

At the end of their fellowship year, Teacher-in-Residence (TIR) Fellows return to their districts with advanced understanding and skills in staff development, curriculum and teaching; a renewed excitement and energy for teaching; and a commitment for continuing work as reflective teacher-researchers and educational leaders.

Who are Teacher-in-Residence Fellows?

TIR Fellows are accomplished teachers, with a master's degree or the equivalent and five or more years of experience.

TIR Fellows have a commitment to continuing careers as classroom teachers, school-based teacher educators, and professional development leaders.

TIR Fellows are committed to inquiry into their own teaching and learning, and into the learning of their students.

What does the TIR Fellowship Program Involve?

As part of the TIR Fellowship Program, Fellows are provided with tuition support that enables them to enroll in nine to ten credits of graduate work at the University of Maryland per semester. Fellows work with an EDCI advisor to design a professional development study plan that addresses their personal and professional needs and interests as teachers and educational leaders.

TIR Fellows enroll in one of two advanced graduate programs within the department - either the Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program.

During the academic year, Fellows are able to take advantage of the variety of special seminars, workshops, and lectures offered in the department and on the University of Marylandcampus. In addition, TIR Fellows meet on a regular basis with the EDCI graduate program coordinator as an informal study and discussion group.

During the academic year, each Fellow will participate as a member of the professional staff in the department's teacher preparation program. The Fellow's responsibilities during this period may vary greatly depending on the experience and background of the individual. Among typical roles and responsibilities are: (1) co-teaching with EDCI faculty foundation courses in professional education, methods courses in the Fellow's area(s) of specialization, or issues and professional development courses for intern teachers; (2) serving as field supervisors for student teachers and interns in area schools; (3) co-teaching selected graduate courses in professional education with faculty; and (4) working with department faculty and other professional staff on externally funded development or research projects.   The intent of this requirement is to provide an experiential component that complements the research and study aspects of the fellowship year, and contributes directly to deepening the Fellow's understanding of teacher learning and teacher development.

During the academic year, each TIR Fellow works on a curriculum or research project identified as one of interest to the individual as well as important and useful in the teacher's school district. Once again, these may take a variety of forms. In some cases, they may be continuations of special projects that had already been started in the school district; in other cases, they may be unique to the individual with application most directly to the Fellow's own classroom teaching. Where appropriate, TIR Fellows may apply for special project/research development funding support through the College of Education and/or the school district. Where necessary, faculty will assist the Fellow in seeking more substantial external sources.

As members of the professional staff, TIR Fellows also qualify for special travel support for participation at professional meetings. This support may cover all or part of the expenses for participation in at least one conference during the fellowship year.

Following the fellowship year, Fellows are expected to continue their participation in the fellowship program on an informal basis. Participation includes being informed about and welcomed at seminars, workshops and lectures at EDCI, continued eligibility for research and development project support for collaborative projects with department faculty, participation in special events and activities for current and former TIF Fellows, and service as peer mentors to new Fellows.

The Fellowship Award

TIR Fellows receive a full-time graduate research assistantship with a stipend of $13,000 plus a fellowship of $4,000 for a total cash award of $17,000. In addition, the assistantship brings with it free tuition for nine to ten credits per semester and enrollment in the student medical insurance plan if needed. The total value of this award (including stipend, fellowship, tuition remission and insurance) is about $25,000 for the year.

TIR Fellows are eligible for travel support for their participation in at least one professional conference.

TIR Fellows are eligible for additional support for their research and development.

Eligibility

The teacher must have appropriate certification, a master's degree or equivalent, and at least five years of full-time teaching experience.

The teacher must be accepted into either the Ed.D. or Ph.D. program in the College of Education's Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

The teacher makes the commitment for full-time participation in the TIR program for one academic year and agrees to continue voluntary participation in appropriate program activities for at least one additional year.

SPECIAL NOTE : There are a limited number of TIR Fellowships available each academic year. Eligibility does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Fellows are selected on the basis of the quality and thoughtfulness of their study and project plans, recommendations from school district leaders, the availability of supporting funds for that year, and the appropriateness of their backgrounds to the teacher preparation programs in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Priority is given to teachers from PDS schools cooperating with EDCI in the preparation of teachers.

Contact Information
For application forms or further information, call or send an email to:

Graduate Programs
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
College of Education, University of Maryland
2311 Benjamin Building
College Park, MD 20724
TEL: 301.405.3118
EMAIL: jonesj@umd.edu , Joy Jones, Graduate Program Specialist

Or visit the web:   www.education.umd.edu/EDCI