Partner Teachers Program

Since 2013, the Yale Education Studies Program has supported Yale undergraduates studying the research, practice, and policy of education. Though it does not include teacher certification, many students go on to become classroom teachers after graduation. We aim to center the expertise and knowledge of classroom teachers as central to the mentorship of future educators.
 
In Fall 2023, with a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Fund, the Yale Education Studies Program invited several New Haven Public School teachers to share their expertise with Yale students. As we enter the third year of the Partner Teachers Program, we continue to encourage teachers who are interested in reflecting on their pedagogical practices to apply for this professional development opportunity.
 

Program Design

In the fall, Partner Teachers will host students from EDST 110 (Foundations in Education Studies) for classroom observations. These one-time visits allow undergraduates to connect course learnings about education research, theory, and policy to day-to-day life in the classroom. In addition, undergraduates will have the opportunity to interview their Partner Teacher about their approach to the profession.

In the spring, Partner teachers will collaborate with students in EDST 205: Principles of Effective Teaching. Yale students in this seminar are interested in teaching, so will be paired with a Partner Teacher to discuss career pathways. They will also observe their Partner Teacher’s classroom throughout the semester, culminating in a lesson that they design and teach with their Partner Teacher’s guidance. 

Partner Teachers will…

  • Have ~10 Yale students observe in their classroom (Fall 2024)
  • Mentor 1-2 Yale students interested in pursuing a career in teaching (Spring 2025)
  • (Optional) Collaborate with Yale students to identify possible topics for further research and study (e.g. action research, classroom or school policy)
  • (Optional) Work with Yale Education Studies faculty and students to design a public-facing professional development event in the spring
 

Partner Teachers will gain…

  • The opportunity to reflect on their practice and develop future generations of teachers

  • A network of New Haven public school teachers and invitations to Yale Education Studies community events 

  • Ability to contribute to a new model of professional development

 
New Haven public school teachers with 3+ years of experience are eligible to apply. The partnership will run from August 2024 until May 2025, and we estimate the commitment will be up to 25 hours per semester. Teachers will receive a $1,500 stipend for the year, paid in two installments (October/March, $750 each). 
 
Teachers of color, LGBTQ+ teachers, or those from other underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
 

To Apply:

Applications for the Partner Teachers Program will re-open in May 2024. 
 

Questions? 

Please contact Dr. Mira Debs, Executive Director of Yale Education Studies (mira.debs@yale.edu).