The Educator Academy Teacher Fellowship
The Teacher Fellowship Model
At The Educator Academy (The EA), we envision a city where equitable education is guaranteed. Research shows us that the greatest school factor that can impact a child’s learning outcomes is the quality of their teacher. Therefore, we are focused on recruiting, preparing and developing highly effective teachers in the classroom. Unlike the residency, the fellowship program is geared toward people who have significant experience in the classroom. As such, fellows will play the role of lead teacher, immediately making an impact in a local classroom. Fellows are employed by the school they teach at and earn a full salary and benefits while earning their certification and completing the fellowship. Throughout the entire process, The EA provides instructional coaching to our teachers to ensure they are all growing to become highly effective in their classrooms.
Year 1: Certification Year
In Year 1 of the fellowship, fellows are earning their teaching certification while working full time as a teacher. Ahead of the school year starting, Fellows go through 7 weeks of summer training led by The Educator Academy to prepare them for their classrooms in the fall. This training with a cohort model builds a strong foundation for the year to come. Throughout the school year and the following summer, fellows will complete virtual and in-person training related to their certification. Beyond just providing certification, The Educator Academy’s coaching focuses on developing skills a teacher will need to transform their classroom into a place where students receive the education they deserve. Through coaching and testing support, The Educator Academy provides a comprehensive approach to supporting teachers.
Year 2: Graduate Year
After earning their certification, fellow graduates continue to teach as a teacher-of-record in a partner school. Fellow graduates continue to receive instructional coaching, development and networking opportunities through The Educator Academy. During the second year, fellows focus on building a robust skill set that will push student’s academic success and emotional development forward. The Educator Academy’s coaches support them in that pursuit through classroom visits and debriefs, as well as providing resources and connections to other educators.
Fellowship Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Currently work in a K-12 (or Pre-K) classroom at one of our partner schools
- Will have at least 5 months of full-time instructional experience between January 2025 and June 2026
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident
The Educator Academy Teacher Fellowship
Fellowship Benefits
- Expedited Pathway to Certification
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Many other models require a longer pathway to certification, but in our fellowship model, fellows earn their certification in 1 year, while remaining in the classroom. This timeline allows you to continue to make an impact in classrooms while also quickly earning the certification required by the state of Missouri and districts throughout the metro. In contrast to other certification pathways, Educator Academy’s program is faster and more effective.
- Personalized Mentorship
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Our fellowship program allows you to refine your skills and widen your impact in the classroom. Through our coaching and support of a cooperating teacher, fellows get individualized coaching and support geared towards their success in education.
- Hands-On Training
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We aren’t just a pathway to certification–we provide hands-on support for your whole certification process. Our staff provides support and guidance throughout the certification process including testing strategies and direct instruction in content. Choosing our fellows program provides you a unique set of supports as you take the next step in your education career.
- Collaborative Cohort
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Our model connects you with a community of like-minded professionals in education. With your cohort of fellows you will gain insight and community with teachers going through the process with you. Beyond your fellowship cohort, The Educator Academy’s network is expansive throughout the region, supporting your growth and development wherever your career takes you in education.
- Sustained Support
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In addition to our programmatic development through classroom mentorship and coaching, Educator Academy also offers well-being and sustainability supports to our members as they work towards accelerated certification including:
- Experience Check-Ins:
- Time and Task Management Tools
- Teacher Support Spaces
- Access to free and low cost mental health services
The Educator Academy Teacher Fellowship
Benefits of Teacher Certification
If you are already in the classroom, there are many reasons you should consider becoming a certified teacher.
Increase your impact: A certified teacher of record position allows you to build relationships and connections with a whole classroom while leading them through a year of growth. The certification process through EA’s Fellowship is an investment in your career and will benefit the students in your future classroom.
Career Sustainability: We need more highly qualified individuals in classrooms with kids. All teachers provide meaningful contributions to the education system, but teacher certification comes with unique benefits including better pay and more career mobility.
Grow your Network: Expand your connections with other like-minded educators looking to make a difference in education. By going through The EA’s Teacher Fellowship program, you’ll open a door to further connections.
One program – two tracks:
Certification Only or Master’s Degree + Certification
Our fellowship program offers two tailored tracks: Certification Only or Master’s Degree + Certification.
Certification Only Track:
This track is ideal for those who already hold an advanced degree, prefer to avoid taking on additional student loans, or may not meet the GPA requirement for a master’s program (under 2.4). By choosing this track, you can focus on earning your teaching certification without the commitment of a master’s degree.
Master’s Degree + Certification Track:
For those looking to enhance their qualifications and maximize their career potential, the Master’s Degree + Certification track offers several benefits. Earning a master’s degree can lead to a higher salary, greater job security, and increased opportunities for leadership roles in educaiton. Additionally, it can provide a deeper understanding of educational theory and practice, which can be invaluable in the classroom.
Explore your options and choose the fellowship track that best fits your needs—click here to view a detailed side-by-side comparison of the two tracks.
Financial Supports & Costs
Each fellowship pathway—Certification-Only and Master’s Degree + Certification—has its own structure, costs, and financial supports. From tuition and testing fees to bonuses and relocation assistance, we’re committed to helping make this experience financially accessible for aspiring teachers.
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The Educator Academy Teacher Fellowship
Ready to be a Teacher?
Are you ready to earn your teaching certification and Master’s degree while receiving coaching and support in a hands-on classroom environment? Then we want you to apply for the most innovative teachers training programs in Kansas City.