The short answer questions in our application enable us to get a clear picture of your background, experiences, and character. Please use this opportunity to help us understand why you are applying to the NYC Teaching Collaborative program as your pathway into teaching. The responses to these questions are evaluated and will determine if your application will move forward to the next stage. We encourage you to visit our NYCTC website and consider how your answers can reflect the components of our mission that resonate most strongly with you.
Preview of Application Questions
Question 1 –
Given the mission of the NYC Teaching Collaborative, why do you want to join the program and teach in underserved schools in New York City?
(Your answer must be 200 words or less.)
Question 2 –
During the NYC Teaching Collaborative program, aspiring teachers (i.e. Partner Teachers) apprentice in the classroom of an NYC public school teacher (i.e. Collaborative Coach) for five months, gradually increasing their teaching time and responsibility within their Coach’s classroom. Partner Teachers work to grow their skills by teaching their Coach’s students, receiving and implementing feedback from their Coach, and by attending weekly skill-building sessions.
As a Partner Teacher, you will be arriving not only as a new community member within your Coach’s classroom, but also within the school you are teaching.
What steps will you take to work successfully with your Coach, students, and other community members within the school? Why do you think these will be effective? How will you know?
(Your answer must be 200 words or less.)
Question 3 –
Do you believe you will be able to ensure high academic achievement for all students you will teach? Why or why not? Describe any experiences and/or skills that will help you set and achieve ambitious academic goals for your students.
(Your answer must be 200 words or less.)
Question 4 – SCENARIO RESPONSES
Three weeks into your training, you notice that a few of your students are consistently disengaged during lessons. Even when other students are engaged, you often find this group doodling, chatting, or participating in other off-task behaviors.
What are some potential causes of the students’ behavior and what action steps would you take to confirm your assumptions?
(Your answer must be 150 words or less.)
Question 5 – SCENARIO RESPONSES
Assuming your assumptions are right, how would you attempt to address the students’ behavior? How would you proceed if your initial attempts were unsuccessful?
(Your answer must be 150 words or less.)
In the short answer responses, we are looking for you to:
- Highlight why you feel you would be an effective teacher in an underserved public school in New York City.
- Use your own voice to share your passion for education.
- Be concise and adhere to the word count guidelines provided for each question.
- Cite your experiences both inside and outside of classrooms.
- Use specific examples from your own experiences and how they have prepared you for the classroom and working with students.