Big Shoulders Fund teachers are driven by a deep mission to serve Chicago Catholic school students in the greatest need, striving to make a difference in children’s lives every day.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Big Shoulders Fund Teacher Development Program (Big Shoulders TDP) recruits, prepares, and develops quality teachers to serve in Big Shoulders Fund schools. Big Shoulders TDP teachers are committed to three pillars that drive their work: community, excellence, and leadership.
Big Shoulders TDP provides tuition assistance, professional development, coaching, and mentoring to pre-service and in-service teachers during their most critical years in the profession. In addition, Big Shoulders TDP identifies and develops Teacher Mentors who can then offer ongoing job-embedded support to brand new teachers from any school. Pre-Service Candidates must be on track to obtain an Illinois Professional Educator License and are no more than two years from degree-/license-completion. In-Service Teachers must be in their first through third year in the classroom. Mentors must have at least three years of experience as a full-time classroom teacher and are interested in building their leadership capacity.
Pre-Service Supports
Two years of tuition assistance when completing your degree (up to $5,000 per year)
Tutoring and clinical experience placements in Big Shoulders Fund schools
Access to ongoing professional development
Networking opportunities
Job-placement guidance
Three years of in-service support
In-Service Supports
Individualized instructional coaching
School-based mentoring
Quarterly professional development sessions
Inquiry Groups and Peer Collaboration
Mini-grant opportunities
Financial assistance for graduate degrees / certification / endorsements
REQUIREMENTS / COMMITMENTS
Pre-service candidates who are accepted into and receive supports, including up to two years of tuition assistance, from Big Shoulders TDP are expected to commit to teaching in a Big Shoulders Fund school for three years.
Once hired into a Big Shoulders Fund school, a candidate is expected to agree to engage with the ongoing in-service supports.
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