Program Requirements
Please refer to the NCSU Teaching Fellows Handbook for more information (in PDF Format) for more information.
Students who become Teaching Fellows are subject to the rules and regulations set by the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission. Teaching Fellows are historically a successful set of students who are expected to achieve academic excellence during their college career. Fellows are required to participate in all of the required NC State Teaching Fellows events in accordance to those outlined in the handbook. The campus Director, professional staff, and student leaders collaborate to plan forums, seminars, and events to facilitate the transition, study skills, and preparation necessary to effectively teach in the N.C. public/private school systems.
The Commission has a strong focus on the academic success of their students’, however they do realize that students may falter at times. Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves, ask for help when problems arise, and not wait until the end of a semester, when it may be too late. Throughout the academic year the Campus Director monitors all students’ performance. Unfortunately, the true extent of the academic problem may not surface until the end of a semester. Parents/sureties (co-signers) will be notified when students are at risk of losing their scholarship because of poor academic performance. Students are always encouraged to keep the line of communication open between the campus director, parents/sureties, and university faculty and staff for academic success.
Scholarship funds are only provided after semester after grade reports have been received from all the campuses. If all the requirements for GPA and credit hours have been met:
After receiveing one semester of funds ($3,250), the Fellow should have a minimum GPA of 2.0; and at least 15 credit hours
After receiving two semesters of funds ($6,500), the Fellow should be classified by the institution as a sophomore
After receiving four semesters of funds ($13,000), the Fellow should be classified by the institution as a junior, have appropriate credit hours, have a GPA of 2.5; (minimum of 30 credit hours)
After receiving six semesters of funds ($19,500), the Fellow should be classified by the institution as a senior, making satisfactory progress toward graduation and licensure and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Fellows are expected to earn their undergraduate degree and have a clear plan to reach this goal. Fellows should plan their course work for the fall and spring semesters. Fellows must, at all times, be on track with progress towards a degree and eligible for a license to teach in North Carolina. During summers Fellows are required to participate in specific summer experiences designed by the statewide program.
On Campus Enrichment
North Carolina State’s program has both formal and informal ways of developing student leadership. Students are required to participate in one event that will increase their leadership skills each semester. Each year we partner with the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service on our campus for our students to attend leadership workshops. In the past we partnered with the Hugh Shelton Leadership Initiative for students to attend a day long leadership conference with business, military and community leaders. Another example was, in the latter part of the year students co-sponsored a leadership conference for local high school students, requiring them to prepare workshops for the high school students on leadership.NC State Leadership Resources
NC State offers a wide variety of opportunities for student leaders. Please visit the following to learn more about some possible opportunities:
- http://www.ncsu.edu/csleps/
- http://www.ncsu.edu/extension/sheltonleadership/scholarships/nsls.htm
- http://students.ncsu.edu/
Professional Development
There are many opportunities on campus and in our community for our students to expand their professionalism. Fellows are expected to attend one event each semester that will enhance their knowledge and competence in educational practices or content area.
Cultural
Students are required to participate in two cultural events during the semester. Due to the opportunities in the Raleigh area, this requirement is easy for the Fellows to accomplish. Fellows can attend plays, concerts, museums, and special events to build their understanding of others and themselves.
http://www7.acs.ncsu.edu/arts/
Field Experience
Teaching Fellows are expected to engage in at least ten hours of field experience each semester. Fellows have the opportunity to work with teachers or to individually tutor with school age children. The director will aid students with placements, if students do not have their own connections within the schools.Social
Teaching Fellows are expected to participate in three social events per semester. Many of our enrichment activities are planned and executed by students. There is a vast amount of opportunity for social growth within the program. Students have participated in such activities as: midnight runs to food establishments in Raleigh, movie nights, ice skating, attendance at Wolfpack sporting events, homecoming activities, attending aerobics classes, and ice cream socials just to name a few. Students have also been strong members of the intramural sports program. The “We Teach Your Kids” Team participates in flag football, volleyball, and softball.Community Service
Teaching Fellows are passionate about community service and although it is required, many students go above and beyond the basics and are continuously active in the community. The students coordinate a variety of community service events serving others in the Raleigh area. Students have gone to food banks, planned a Fellows sponsored blood drive, traditionally participate in the annual Service Raleigh and Service NC State event. Fellows must complete a minimum of three hours of community service organized by the Teaching Fellows program.
Program Support
NC State’s program thrives because of its deep rooted student involvement. NC State Teaching Fellows are committed to the success of the program and demonstrate this by supporting the program through participation on one committee (social, big/lil’ sibs, community service, fundraising, recruitment) and doing an additional event beyond basic expectations. Fellows have demonstrated going above and beyond by helping with special projects in the office, supporting additional service, fundraising, or social events, and helping with visiting prospective students.Diversity
Our program understands that diversity surrounds us on a daily basis and we strive to infuse multicultural education in all that we do. We have been fortunate to have excellent speakers who provide different perspectives on how diversity impacts NC classrooms. Additionally, the focus on diversity is consistent with our community service and cultural events that expose students to new cultures, experiences and/or customs.
