Professionals can pursue a new career as teachers

Submitted by Drew Furedi
Phone: (866) 283-8240
05/21/04

People who’ve always wanted to be a teacher now have an opportunity to move into the field of education through a fast-track program of graduate study at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The UAF School of Education initiative called the Alaska Teaching Fellows Program seeks individuals with content expertise interested in becoming teachers at an accelerated pace.

Applicants with strong records of success and achievement, even though they may not have formal training or experience in teaching, will be considered. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree. There is a high demand for people in critical subject areas like math, history, science, English and language arts.

"We know there are people out there who have thought about teaching and working with Alaska’s children, who for whatever reason chose not to go down that path before," said Drew Furedi, director of the Alaska Teaching Fellows project. "These individuals can become excellent teachers. It’s a hard job, but they’ll get no greater satisfaction doing anything else."

The program provides prospective teachers with the opportunity to apply to multiple school districts with a single application. Those accepted into the program will be referred and recommended to school districts that will interview and hire successful candidates. The first cohort of teachers is expected to serve communities throughout rural Alaska. "This will help level the playing field for rural districts and help meet the increased demand for educating Alaska’s children in the future," said UAF Chancellor Marshall Lind.

The first application deadline is May 31, 2004. Informational events are scheduled at various local school and district sites. Details and an online application are available at http://www.alaskateachingfellows.org.

CONTACT: Drew Furedi, program director at 1-866-283-8240, or e-mail dfuredi@alaskateachingfellows.org.