Teacher Leader: Part of Pilot as well as 2nd year implementation

UESF Teacher Members Invited to Join National Teacher Leader Project

$1,000 stipend for participating teachers – applications deadline extended to October 26th

Fill out the online application

After a successful pilot project last year, UESF is happy to announce that the Teacher Leaders program will expand this school year to be even bigger and better.

The program is designed to help prepare YOU to step out of the classroom and help shape education policy that affects our profession both here in San Francisco and nationally.

We are seeking great teachers interested in working with colleagues across the city and nation on:

• Increasing an understanding of the major challenges facing the teaching profession
• Improving leadership skills
• Representing our profession as spokespersons
• Becoming members of an influential and supportive network of educators

Have you seen a news report or talk show discussion about issues around teaching and learning and thought to yourself or said to your colleagues, “Why don’t they just ask a real teacher about (you fill in the blank)?” Then the Teacher Leaders might just be for you.

To apply for the program, please fill out this online application, which includes an essay question, and a request for one letter of recommendation from each candidate. All candidates will also be required to commit to each of the seven sessions throughout the year (November 10, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, and May 11).

Applications will now be accepted through October 26^th. Group interviews will take place between October 22-30, with successful candidates notified by November 2^nd.

Please contact UESF Communications Director Matthew Hardy at mhardy [at] uesf [dot] org if you have any questions.

Teacher Leaders FAQ

Q: Who is eligible to apply?

A: The Teacher Leaders program is sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers, which requires that only full-time K-12 classroom teachers participate.

Q: What is the time commitment for this program?

A: We will meet for seven Saturday sessions (9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.), including: November 10, December 8, January 12,February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11. A light breakfast and a full lunch will be provided. Participants are expected to do some work between sessions.

Q. The application mentions reading assignments. How much time should I expect to commit to this each month?

A. Readings will be limited to articles of particular interest to the group – typically these would require no more than two hours per month.

Q: What if I can’t make one meeting because I have a prior commitment?

A: Because we have only seven meetings this year, each applicant needs to commit to full participation.

Q: Where will we meet?

A: Meetings are scheduled to be held at the UESF office – 2310 Mason St., SF. A session or two might be held in an alternate location.

Q: How many teachers will be involved in this program?

A: We expect to support 15 teachers.

Q: When will I know I’m accepted to this program?

A: Your completed application is due no later than October 26th. Interviews will take place between October 22-30. Accepted participants will be notified by November 2.

Q: If I participated in the pilot project last year, do I still need to re-apply?

A: UESF hopes to have a mix of returning and new participants in the Teacher Leaders program this year. Teachers who participated in the pilot project last year who are interested in continuing need not submit another application, but they should submit a brief paragraph to UESF Communications Director Matthew Hardy stating why they wish to continue, along with a statement committing to all of the dates.