IPS Innovation Teacher Collaborative

Teacher Leader Application Spring 2021

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position in the IPS Innovation Teacher Collaborative. Launching in April 2021, with support from The Mind Trust, we are looking to select a group of diverse high-quality teachers leaders dedicated to improving their own individual schools, as well as the overall Innovation Network. Within the IPS Innovation School Network, focus has often centered on the school leader. This project will instead focus on the experiences and development of the teachers in the classroom. Our Teach Plus staff is excited to learn more about you and your school through this selection process.

As a teacher leader in an Innovation School, Teach Plus believes you can play a critical role in the ongoing work to improve not only your school, but the Innovation Network in general. Through this program, you will have the opportunity to lead a collaborative team of your peers, in partnership with your principal, in developing customized and school-based solutions to the needs of your learners. Teach Plus has over a decade of experience in activating teachers to serve as leaders and will build your skills to grow and exercise your leadership to facilitate school-based change. Through the Innovation Teacher Collaborative, you will examine data to identify the needs of your school and students, develop a project to address those and chart a path forward to bring about change through continuous improvement. All while identifying barriers to implementation and policy shifts that would better serve all IPS students.

Successful applicants will receive a $1,600 leadership stipend, and leadership coaching as they implement their projects. Applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience and currently work in an IPS Innovation School.

Eligibility Requirements

I understand my proposed innovation will be connected to a SMARTE goal of improving current practices related to teacher instruction and/or student progress. I understand that I will create this goal alongside my school leader and work together towards reaching it throughout the year.

YesNo

I understand that my project must involve me leading and working with a group of teachers and adults. Teams should include at least 3 members. (These can be my grade level partners, representatives from across my staff, or partners from my district, network, or other organizations, but it can’t just be me doing all of the work by myself).

YesNo

I have reviewed this application and proposal with the appropriate decision-maker (principal, administrator, district staff, etc.), and received their approval to submit. This decision-maker agrees to participate in a short electronic survey as part of the selection process. This person also agrees to participate (or send another administrator with access to data and decision-making) in the Network Launch Event with me in April 2021 (date TBD).

YesNo

I understand that I am not guaranteed a position in the IPS Innovation Teacher Collaborative. By checking yes below, I acknowledge that I understand the qualifications, responsibilities, and compensation of this role as a Teacher Leader.

YesNo

My Principal's Contact Information:

Principal's First Name

Last Name

Principal's Email Address

Teacher Leader Personal Information

First Name

Last Name

City

State

Zip

Preferred Email Address Type

Personal Email Address

Work Email Address

Alternate Email Address

Primary Phone

Mobile Phone

Gender

If "An identity not listed" is selected, please describe

Ethnicity

Select all that apply. To select multiple responses on a PC hold "Ctrl", on a Mac hold the Command key (next to space bar).

If "An identity not listed" is selected, please describe

Would you like to receive the Teach Plus Newsletter?

Newsletter (monthly)

News Blast (weekly)

*If you click Save my progress and resume later, you will be asked to enter your email and to choose a password. You will receive an email with a link to continue your application.

Teaching Information

Are you a current teacher?

School where you currently teach

Please include the complete name.

School Address

City

State

Zip

District

School Type

What grade(s) are you currently teaching?

Select all that apply. To select multiple responses on a PC hold "Ctrl", on a Mac hold the Command key (next to space bar)

Other (please explain)

What is/are the primary subject(s) you are currently teaching?

Select all that apply. To select multiple responses on a PC hold "Ctrl", on a Mac hold the Command key (next to space bar)

Other (please explain)

Years of teaching experience you have completed (including this school-year)

Years of teaching experience you have completed in your current district (including this school-year)

What was your overall rating on your most recent teacher evaluation?

How did you hear about this opportunity?

Please specify how you heard.

Where did you receive the majority of your teacher training prior to entering the classroom?

Please Specify (Teacher Training Other)

*If you click Save my progress and resume later, you will be asked to enter your email and to choose a password. You will receive an email with a link to continue your application.

Essay Questions

1. Tell us about a time that students in your class were struggling. What was the challenge and how did you know it was an issue? How did you address these challenges? Please discuss how you used student data to set learning goals and inform your instruction, created a plan for your students to attain their goals, and how you assessed their progress. (250-500 words)

2. Write about a time when you took on a leadership role in a group or on a project (formal or informal) in your school building and had to lead or influence other adults. Describe the purpose of your leadership role, your experience working with adults (especially if you faced resistance, how did you work to overcome it and build buy-in), and the influence or impact of your leadership on others. (250-500 words)

3. As a part of the Collaborative, teacher leaders will have the opportunity to share best practice with others across the Innovation Network. Use the space below to share an example of something you think your school is doing / has done well to positively impact student progress and/or teacher practice.

a. Consider the following as you answer:

i. How did your school come to this practice?

ii. What were the results?

iii. How might this be applied/replicated by other schools?

4. Describe the problem of practice in your school that you and your principal want to address and how it fits into your school’s priorities and strategic plan. (250-500 words)

a. Consider the following in your answer:

i. What other teachers will benefit from this initiative?

ii. What teachers will be a part of your team?

iii. How will this improve the practice of these teachers?

iv. What challenges might hinder the implementation of your problem of practice?

v. How might this impact the teachers across the Innovation Network overall?

vi. What content knowledge will you need to address this problem? If there are gaps in your knowledge, please identify them and propose solutions.

5. What is the title of your project? (10 words maximum)

6. Which of the IPS Strategic Plan Priorities following topics does your project most closely align?

Teach Plus Equity Focus Areas:

7. Which of the following most closely aligns with your project’s goals?

Changing the instructional practice of my peer teachers in:

•English

•Mathematics

•Science

•Social Studies

•RtI/MTSS

•Other Content Area

Changing the non-instructional practice of my peer teachers in:

•Collaborating (PLCs, working together in teams, etc)

•Using data to drive assessments and instruction

•Planning

•Classroom management/student discipline

•Teachers supporting teachers (mentoring, peer observations, etc)

Changing the culture or climate in my school through teachers:

•Student Engagement

•Student Attendance

•Social/Emotional Learning

Other (please explain)

References

Please provide a peer-teacher reference who has knowledge of your instruction.

Reference #1 (MUST be a peer teacher)

Name

Title/Position

Company/School/Organization

Phone Number

Email

How long have you known this person?

Should we check with you first before contacting this reference?

Yes, please contact me firstNo, call them anytime

Resume

Please upload your resume in PDF format. Title your resume as LastNameFirstNameResume (ex. EinsteinAlbertResume).

If advanced to the next round, you will be invited to a virtual interview between March 24th and March 31st. We will be sending you a link to select an appointment slot through Calendly.

Thank you for your interest in the IPS Innovation Teacher Collaborative.

IPS Innovation Teacher Collaborative Teacher Leader Application Spring 2021

IPS Innovation Teacher Collaborative

Teacher Leader Application Spring 2021