Math for America New York Teaching Fellowship

Description: The Math for America New York Teaching Fellowship Program focuses on the shortage of adequately qualified mathematics teachers in our nation's public high schools. Math for America New York Teaching Fellowship trains mathematically talented individuals to become high school math teachers and supports them in the early years of their careers. The program currently operates in New York City and is endorsed by the New York City Department of Education.

Dollar Value: Fellows receive an aggregate stipend of $100,000 over five years and obtain a full tuition scholarship to master's level teacher preparation program at Bard College, New York University, or Teachers College/Columbia University
Number of Scholarships: 35 - 40 new Fellows will be selected each year. Math for America (MfA) will appoint over 340 Fellows in NYC between 2004 and 2011. MfA expects to expand the program to other cities in the future.
Eligibility:
  • Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
  • Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree (or by mid-June) with substantial coursework in mathematics. A minimum of 18 credits in math courses at the calculus level or higher is required. Exceptions are possible for candidates with significant math-related coursework in physical sciences, engineering, or a similar field or with experience in a math-intensive job.
  • Individuals who have completed education programs (major or minor) leading to teacher certification are not eligible.
  • Individuals who are full-time teachers or are certified to teach are not eligible.
  • Candidates must be able to make a five-year commitment to the Math for America New York Teaching Fellowship.
  • Math for America staff, Board and Committee members, and their families are not eligible.
Application Procedures: All candidates must complete the application requirements. This includes submission of the online application form, personal statement, resume, transcripts and three letters of recommendation. Math for America Fellows must have a strong knowledge of undergraduate mathematics. In addition to reviewing transcripts, MfA requires all candidates to take the Praxis II: Mathematics Content and Mathematics Proofs and Reasoning Tests. In order to be considered for a Newton Fellowship, you must receive a score of 143 on the Mathematics Content Test, and a score of 161 on the Proofs and Reasoning Test. It is important to notice that you must receive BOTH of these scores in order to be considered. Finalist candidates will be invited to New York City for an interview, at which they will be assessed on their math knowledge, teaching potential and communication skills.
Deadline: January 2, 2013
Contact:
Math for America
50 Broadway, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10004
Telephone: 212-206-0053
Fax: 212-514-8269
Email: General information: information@mathforamerica.org
Webmaster: webmaster@mathforamerica.org

Frequently asked questions

What type of person is a good candidate for a Math for America Program?
Math for America (MfA) looks for individuals who first and foremost know and love mathematics. After that, MfA are looking for individuals with a passion for education, a personality that will thrive in the challenges and opportunities of public school teaching, strong communication skills and a belief that teachers really can make a difference. There is no set profile in terms of background or experience. While the majority of Fellows are recent college graduates who were math, science or engineering majors, MfA encourage career changers to apply.
Must candidates have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?
All applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents due to the certification requirements of New York State.
If a candidate is certified or have completed certification requirements in another state, can they apply?
The Math for America Program is meant to bring new people into careers in teaching. If applicants have already completed a program in education leading to certification (in NY or another state), they are not eligible to apply.
Could candidates apply their undergraduate degree was in both math and math education?
If they have a math and math education dual degree and have not completed a program for certification, then they are eligible to apply. If they have completed a program leading to teacher certification then they are not eligible to apply. The Math for America Program is intended bring new people into careers in teaching.
What if a candidate already has a masters degree in math, science or engineering?
Individuals with master's degrees in fields related to what they are going to teach do not technically need to obtain a second master's degree in education. However, they do need to complete a program in education leading to teacher certification. MfA's training programs provide both the certification and master's degree. If they already have a master's, they most likely will receive a second master's degree in education.
Would candidates need to apply to Teachers College, NYU or Bard College in addition to the Newton Fellowship Program?
Candidates who are accepted into the program do not need to also apply to our Partner Universities. MfA will forward all of the application materials to the universities for admission and admission fees will be waived. However, applicants are encouraged to apply to the degree programs of their choosing so that if they are not accepted into the Newton Fellowship Program, they will be able to pursue a degree in math education on their own.
Can a selected candidate defer acceptance into the program?
Applicants who are accepted into the program may not defer acceptance. Applicants must reapply for the program the following year.
Can unselected candidates reapply to the program next year?
Applicants may reapply to the program in any year. If reapplying, MfA recommend that the applicants discuss how their qualifications have changed over the past year in the personal statement.