Temple Teacher Residency https://sites.temple.edu/templeteacherresidency A STEM, Spanish, and Special Education teacher residency in Philadelphia Tue, 13 Sep 2022 16:17:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://sites.temple.edu/templeteacherresidency/files/2015/03/cropped-TTN-logo-32x32.png Temple Teacher Residency https://sites.temple.edu/templeteacherresidency 32 32 Upcoming TTR Information Sessions https://sites.temple.edu/templeteacherresidency/2022/09/09/upcoming-ttr-information-sessions/ https://sites.temple.edu/templeteacherresidency/2022/09/09/upcoming-ttr-information-sessions/#respond Fri, 09 Sep 2022 23:14:45 +0000 https://sites.temple.edu/templeteacherresidency/?p=3621 Join Dr. Amy Scallon, director of Temple Teacher Residency for comprehensive information sessions covering all you’ll need to know about becoming a Temple Teacher Resident! All meetings will take place from 5-6:00 PM, Sessions will be held on:

9/21
10/19
11/16
12/21
https://temple.zoom.us/my/amyscallon
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Cohort 2020-2021 https://sites.temple.edu/templeteacherresidency/2021/10/25/cohort-2020-2021/ https://sites.temple.edu/templeteacherresidency/2021/10/25/cohort-2020-2021/#respond Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:20:17 +0000 https://sites.temple.edu/templeteacherresidency/?p=3539 Meghan McMahon

Why did you decide to become a math, science, or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

I have always felt like I wanted to do something that had a positive impact on the world. Combining teaching with my love for environmental science has been the best way to achieve this, and I couldn’t be happier.

Why did you choose TTR?

I chose TTR due to its immersive nature and fast-tracked program. I wanted to dive into teaching fully, and this was the absolute best program to do so!

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

Forming relationships with my students. I was initially nervous about this aspect since we have not met them in person, but it has surpassed my expectations and makes all the hard work worth it.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

Sometimes I feel like my mentor and I are the same person, only she carries so much more wisdom. I love this because we consistently understand where one another is coming from, and she gives me invaluable advice that I know I’ll be using for years to come in my teaching career.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

It’s been really rewarding. Everyone has been super supportive of one another.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for a job, excited about, etc.)

I’m excited to educate students about environmental issues for years to come!

Three Words to Describe TTR

Challenging, immersive, rewarding.

Tabatha Castillo

Why did you decide to become a math, science, or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

I always had a passion for teaching but thought it was too late since my degree was in something different. I had no idea there was a program for individuals who want to change their career to education.

Why did you choose TTR?

I find teaching a foreign language extremely enjoyable, and luckily, TTR was the only program I found that had a program for Spanish teachers.

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

Being about to teach classes virtually, which is hands down the best training one could ever receive. I have learned how to handle situations and how to manage the workload for an educator. This training makes me capable of teaching and conducting a class by myself without feeling nervous or unprepared.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

My mentor is constantly giving me feedback, good or bad, which is very appreciated! She lets me know when something worked and lets me know if lessons or content should be altered. She also offers many ways to differentiate instruction to students, which has been a great help. I love how she now lets me handle situations on my own more little by little to give me the complete feeling of handling a class by myself.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

We’re a family, literally. We text each other all day and send funny memes, inspirational videos, and content we can use as educators. We hold each other accountable and are always willing to help one another. We’ve hung out a couple of times, and I feel very fortunate enough to have been in the cohort that I am currently in.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for a job, excited about, etc.)

I’m excited to find out what other schools in Philadelphia have to offer and what types of programs they have for students to which I feel that I can contribute.

Three Words to Describe TTR

Resourceful, rewarding and Innovative

Mark Leeper

Why did you decide to become a math, science, or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

At the suggestion of Tim Fukawa Connelly. I intended to teach HS social studies, but he suggested MS science and became a resident at String Theory. I am happy that he did as I have been challenged and developed a new love for the scientific concepts that I am teaching.

Why did you choose TTR?

TTR was the best option for someone in my position as I am a mid-career change. I enjoy the accelerated pace and the bonds that were formed within the cohort. Being able to get a Master’s of Education, as well as getting an opportunity to be in the classroom (virtual) for a full year in such a short timeframe, was a no-brainer. The process of being accepted into the program was rigorous, but it was incredibly fulfilling to receive the letter that I had been accepted.

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

My time working with the students has been extremely gratifying. I have learned a lot about myself and how I want to lead a classroom by getting in there and doing the work. Seeing as I did not have a strong science background, the Methods of Science with Dr. Bailey was incredibly impactful. I developed new strategies to foster engagement from my students. I learned theories that I had never considered before, and I am thankful that I have them in my tool belt moving forward.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

After reassignment, my new (current) mentor helped me find my tone and confidence in leading the classroom in instruction and finding confidence in throwing my ideas out there. I have developed so much in such a short amount of time because of my comfort level with him. We have a great rapport, and he has no problem allowing me to take the lead whenever I want.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

Incredible! I have developed relationships that will continue to grow outside of the program and classroom. The support that we have given each other has been profound, and it has pushed me to think outside of my normal level of comfort. The cohort is diverse, fun-loving and determined. It is a bit tough to not have access to hanging out in person, but given the circumstances, I feel as though we have all bonded very well together.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for in a job, excited about, etc.)

I am excited to see what grade I land in, what content I will be teaching. I have a nervous excitement as I still don’t have any in person experience, but that will all subside after the first day… I hope! I am looking forward to seeing the “aha” moments with the students. I am also excited to shape the classroom as my own and have it fit into my personality and background, with input from the students of course!

Three Words to Describe TTR

Challenging, Cohesive, Family.

Emma Rose Shapiro

Why did you decide to become a math, science or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

I love Philadelphia and chemistry and felt it was time to give back to the community in the form of education.

Why did you choose TTR?

TTR is a true “bang for your buck” in the sense of you are completing an entire M.Ed. in one year and you get to apply that directly while being a teacher resident! I wanted a close knit community and plenty of support while entering this new stage of my life, and I am absolutely getting that.

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

Being able to utilize my creativity in the virtual space through activities, lesson plans, time management, and more.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

The best is that we have a similar work ethic and we collaborate very well together. We are both constantly saying how lucky we are to have been paired together and that we can see this being a lifelong collegial relationship.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

It is difficult because we are in the virtual space, but I still feel close to the other cohort members and that we are all there for each other.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for in a job, excited about, etc.)

I am excited about finding a school and community that best fits me!

Three Words to Describe TTR

Application, creativity, committed

Emily Smulowitz

Why did you decide to become a math, science or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

I have been an environmental educator in Philadelphia for a few years. I was ready to transition into a more formal teaching role to educate students of Philadelphia not only about science, but pressing issues today, such as Climate Change and other environmental issues. Not only do I want to educate, but to mentor the students of Philadelphia and build relationships with them.

Why did you choose TTR?

I chose TTR because it was a fast-paced program that included hands-on experience with an experienced mentor. The TTR staff were extremely helpful during the application process and have been communicative throughout the process.

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

Developing bonds and friendships with my mentor and cohort.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

My mentor and I get along great and work well together. She is open to my ideas and we share similar beliefs about teaching. I have learned from her to have a calm presence and to not sweat the small stuff.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

I have a team of people who are reliable and able to relate to the same experiences I am going through. It has been refreshing to be able to build friendships and future colleagues simultaneously.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for in a job, excited about, etc.)

I am excited to explore the different schools in Philadelphia to find which school is right fit for me.

Three Words to Describe TTR

Fast-Paced, Hands-On, Amazing!

Reese Cogswell

Why did you decide to become a math, science or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

I’ve been working and volunteering in Philadelphia education non-profits for the last few years and loved the relationships I would build with students in the after-school programs. Doing workshops in schools and working directly with students was my favorite part of these roles, so it was an easy decision to go back for a Master’s in education. I chose science because I started college as a neuroscience major and although I enjoyed it, I honestly really struggled with some of the material. As a student, I didn’t have teachers who were open about struggling with content and that pushed me toward teaching science.

Why did you choose TTR?

I chose TTR because I have loved living in Philly for the last five years and I wanted to stick around. When I started researching programs, the level of communication and support I received from the TTR staff made the choice really easy for me!

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

Coming into this school year I was really worried about how we would build relationships with students virtually and it’s definitely been a challenge. The first two or three minutes of class when we just get to chat with our students before taking attendance and jumping into a lesson has been so critical. Especially as the year has progressed, I’ve really come to enjoy these moments getting to know my students, check in with them, and laugh with them.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

From the beginning, Brooke was very open to my ideas and me wanting to jump in. I’m learning so much by trying things out, debriefing with her after the first and second (and sometimes third and fourth) runs, and tweaking my lessons to improve outcomes. In our debrief sessions, she pushes me to reflect on my own about the lesson and see where I could make changes before she makes suggestions. I think we’re lucky to teach six sections of 7th grade science because it gives me a lot of opportunities to practice and iterate each lesson.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

This cohort is certainly functioning differently from previous ones, but we have so many group chats going on to bridge the gap that 100% virtual learning has created! I love the level of support and collaboration within the cohort, especially in the seminar course. That’s really been a great place to debrief victories (even the smallest ones), discuss frustrations, and brainstorm new solutions.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for in a job, excited about, etc.)

I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how grade level/content area teams collaborate at other schools. From my experience this year, I think it’s really easy to get trapped in the 7th/8th grade science bubble and not really know what’s going on in other grades or subjects.

Three Words to Describe TTR

Collaborative. Responsive. Eager.

Alexis Culp

Why did you decide to become a math, science or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

I decided to become a Spanish teacher because the opportunities are endless when you know another language. I think there is something special about being able to communicate with people in other languages. That’s something I want to share with my students.

Why did you choose TTR?

I chose TTR because the program focuses on many schools near the Temple area. Coming from Temple undergrad, it was important for me to continue working in this population.

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

The strongest part of my experience so far has been my mentor teacher. She encourages, challenges and supports me in the classroom.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

The best thing about working with my mentor is that she always puts the students emotional and social needs first. We introduced a survey to be able to hear our students about what they have going on outside of school. She takes intro consideration how many students work outside the house or have to be caretakers.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

To be part of the Spanish cohort is welcoming. We immediately made a group chat and got to know one another. Throughout this experience, they have been a constant support. I know they are always a quick text, voice message, or FaceTime away.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for in a job, excited about, etc.)

I’m most looking forward to finding a school that values bilingualism and celebrates it in the classrooms.

Three Words to Describe TTR

Encouraging. Collaborative. Positive.

Sarah Wagner

Why did you decide to become a math, science or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

I have always loved reading and writing and knew I wanted to be a teacher from a young age. Deciding to teach in Philadelphia was a natural choice after spending four years at Temple and falling in love with the city.

Why did you choose TTR?

I knew that the more experience I had before my first year of teaching, the more prepared I would be. TTR is one of the few programs that offers a year-long student teaching experience. The idea of being in the same school for a full school year before starting my first teaching job was very appealing to me.

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

While building relationships with students has been a slow process with virtual learning, it has been so rewarding to hear students speak up more and to find creative ways to engage them. I’ve loved joking around with students during advisory and getting a better sense of who my students are throughout the year.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

My mentor teachers have been excellent resources and have shown me so much about what goes into being a good teacher. They are both incredibly supportive and encouraging, providing positive and useful feedback on lesson plans and ideas. It has been inspiring to see how both my mentor teachers never give up and strive every day to help students succeed. They are creative and always up to meet a challenge.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

It’s been great to get to know other members of the cohort. We have a GroupMe chat which has been useful in keeping each other updated and for answering questions about teaching and the program.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for in a job, excited about, etc.)

I have no set grade that I want to teach, so I am eager to explore the possibilities in the district. I am looking for a school that is innovative and a staff that is creative, open-minded, and student-centered. I have really enjoyed my time at Mastbaum and would love the opportunity to apply there.

Three Words to Describe TTR

supportive, experiential, rigorous

Dana Cornacchio

Why did you decide to become a math, science or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

I have always wanted my career to reflect two things: my love of languages, and my desire to make a difference. Becoming a Spanish teacher in Philadelphia seemed like a way I could combine these two career goals. As a teacher in Philadelphia I realized I would not only be able to spread my love for the Spanish language with my students, I would also have the opportunity to support a community that is in need of teachers who are passionate, dedicated, and will do anything it takes to see their students succeed.

Why did you choose TTR?

TTR was the best fit for me for many reasons. The financial assistance TTR provides is unmatched by any other graduate program I have seen. Additionally, the opportunity to obtain a masters degree in only one short year is a huge help, especially for someone like me who is anxious to begin their career in education as soon as possible.

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

My experience at my host school has completely changed the way I view education; it has inspired me to not only want to develop my skills as a Spanish teacher, but also to become an advocate for educational justice in Philadelphia and beyond. My mentor teacher and coworkers have been extremely supportive of my journey as a first year teacher and have shared wisdom that I will carry with me for many years to come.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

The best part about working with my mentor has been being able to learn from her many years of experience. She always knows how to think on her feet and come up with what is best for students in the moment. This has helped me to learn many best practices to help students both in and out of the classroom.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

Moving to Philadelphia for this program was extremely intimidating because I barely knew anyone in this city. Little did I know I was going to form so many close friendships with the other students in my cohort. We are constantly there for each other, providing academic and professional support as well as support in our personal lives. The support from my fellow residents has made doing graduate school, teaching, and simply existing in 2020 feel a whole lot more manageable!

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for in a job, excited about, etc.)

I am excited to learn more about the incredible work many schools in the School District of Philadelphia are doing to transform education and uplift their students. I can’t wait to get involved with one of these schools full-time next year!

Three Words to Describe TTR

Enriching, Rigorous, Rewarding

Sean Burns

Why did you decide to become a math, science or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

Simply put, I decided to become a science teacher because my goal in life has always been to help others. What better way to do that than serving as an advocate for the future healthcare workers, first responders, government officials, scientists, and, yes, teachers of tomorrow? Not just as a science teacher, but as a science teacher in Philadelphia, I am able to make a difference in the same community that I grew up in.

Why did you choose TTR?

I chose TTR for a number of reasons. For example, the opportunity to work with a veteran teacher seemed like a great way to learn about the art of teaching as I would have the opportunity to plan, co-teach, and reflect with my mentor each day. Also, I felt like a year-long student teaching experience, as opposed to the traditional semester-long model, would be appropriate for me as I was brand-new to the field of education. I believed this extended amount of time would allow me to gradually take over in the classroom and develop my practice.

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

The strongest part of this experience so far has been the amount of support that I have received since I was first accepted into the program. The TTR Team of Amy Tim and April, my coach, and my mentor have all provided me with such invaluable information that I feel confident in my ability to effectively lead a classroom each day.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

I cannot overstate how beneficial it is that I am able to work with a mentor daily throughout the entire residency experience. The presence of a veteran teacher really helps ease any feelings of hesitation, especially coming from someone who is brand-new to the field of education. Because you get to work with this person for an entire year, you are able to develop systems and routines regarding preparation and reflection, something that you may not be able to do elsewhere. Outside of the classroom, you have to opportunity to build a relationship with your mentor who can continue to support you beyond the residency experience.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

As a part of a cohort, you have the opportunity to build relationships and support one another throughout this unique time in your lives. It is comforting being able to learn and grow with your fellow residents who are experiencing many of the same things that you are going through between teaching, classwork, and everyday life in general.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for in a job, excited about, etc.)

I am looking forward to finding a school where I can offer the unique skills that I have developed throughout my residency in order to make a difference.

Three Words to Describe TTR

Invigorating. Transformative. Rewarding.

JJ Nemecz

Why did you decide to become a math, science or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

I wanted to share my knowledge and passion for science and math with young minds to inspire them to find a love for learning and ultimately better their lives and communities.

Why did you choose TTR?

I chose TTR for the immersive experience with the combination of student teaching and supplemental graduate-level courses and the strength I can find and develop through the relationships with members of my cohort.

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

The support! From the professors to administration, the entire staff at Temple have shown immense care and respect for our education, which ultimately benefits our future students. I also find incredible support within my cohort, as we are going through the same experience through our unique perspectives.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

The regular opportunities for guided self-reflection have the most significant impact on my developing skills and comfort level in the classroom. Moving on from a career in an independent lab setting and stepping into a classroom full of young minds (and several pairs of eager eyes) was always going to a shock to my system. My mentor’s support and guidance helped me find my strengths as a budding teacher that will ultimately lead to a successful career.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

Having a cohort with a constant conversation without and outside the classroom has been very beneficial and comforting. We all understand each other and provide support (and comic relief!) for all situations we encounter in our classrooms.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for in a job, excited about, etc.)

I am looking forward to the continued support of the TTR staff in making the job search successful. The doors they open for us and guide us through have eased a lot of the stressors that are expected when exploring job opportunities in a field that is brand new to members of my cohort and me.

Three Words to Describe TTR

Immerse, Exciting, Rewarding

Michael Macri

Why did you decide to become a math, science or Spanish teacher in Philadelphia?

I’ve always loved math and enjoyed the logic of my math classes throughout middle and high school. After college, I realized that working with middle and high school students was one of the constants in the odd jobs I had taken post-grad. I was looking for something more stable and wanted to continue working with kids so teaching in Philly seemed like the perfect place to use my talents and support the kids I was already working with.

Why did you choose TTR?

I’ve always loved math and enjoyed the logic of my math classes throughout middle and high school. After college, I realized that working with middle and high school students was one of the constants in the odd jobs I had taken post-grad. I was looking for something more stable and wanted to continue working with kids so teaching in Philly seemed like the perfect place to use my talents and support the kids I was already working with.

What has been the strongest part of your experience so far this year?

The strongest part of working with TTR is my interactions with my mentor and the way we’ve collaborated throughout the entire year.

What is the best thing about working with your mentor? If you can, give an example of how they have influenced your teaching or supported your work with students.

My mentor has been very transparent about her method in creating lessons and lesson plans as well as how to make sure we are teaching our students the best way we can. She’s also been very helpful in the transition from observer to primary teacher by reminding me to use the right vocabulary and ask the right questions with the students to help further their own learning.

What is it like to be a part of your cohort?

This year’s cohort has been a bit different because of the need to quarantine but being in classes with the cohort and knowing that we’re all dealing with similar classrooms and very similar problems is always helpful. Plus, we can rely on the cohort to support each other through any kind of problem we encounter during our residency.

What are you most looking forward to about your job search (i.e., looking for in a job, excited about, etc.)

I’m excited to be in a school that teaches core curriculum as well as supplemental curriculum in both the arts and STEM courses.

Three Words to Describe TTR

collaborative, hectic, rewarding

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