TEP’s intensive teacher hiring process consists of four main stages: (1) preliminary applications and information gathering, (2) complete application submissions, (3) in-person interviews, and (4) live teaching auditions.

 

During the first stage, an individual submits a preliminary application that consists of a brief outline describing the candidate’s qualifications with respect to TEP’s 8 requirements for teachers. Individuals whose preliminary application meets all key criteria will be invited to participate in one-on-one phone discussions with TEP’s Principal, designed to clearly describe TEP’s redefined teacher expectations, explain the various stages of the hiring process, and answer any questions. The goal of this stage is to ensure that applicants understand TEP’s mission and vision and recognize the intensity of the commitment required of teachers, before proceeding through the more time-consuming elements of the hiring process. View TEP's Preliminary Application deadlines.

 

Interested applicants proceed to the second stage of the process, during which they submit a complete application that provides comprehensive evidence demonstrating how the individual meets each of TEP’s 8 requirements. TEP’s Principal, in consultation with members of TEP’s recruitment advisory team, reviews completed applications and invites qualified applicants to the third stage.

 

The third stage of the process consists of an in-person interview between the candidate and TEP’s Principal and recruitment advisory team. The purpose of the interview is to learn more about the candidate’s experience in the classroom, gain deeper insight into his or her pedagogical approach, and ascertain whether there is an appropriate fit between the candidate’s goals and growth orientation and TEP’s mission and professional development structure.

 

Candidates who pass the interview round are invited to participate in the fourth and final stage: live teaching auditions. This is the most important element of the process and generally takes place over an extended period of time inside the candidate’s classroom. (For candidates who do not currently have their own classroom of students, TEP will set up a simulated classroom populated by local middle school students during after-school hours.) The audition process consists of at least 3 separate occasions during which TEP’s Principal observes the candidate teaching in front of a live classroom of students. On each occasion the candidate will meet with TEP’s Principal for both pre- and post-teaching conversations, during which the candidate will describe lesson goals, identify particular pedagogical techniques, assess student understanding, and consider areas for further development. Master teachers who most successfully demonstrate the ability to positively impact student outcomes will be offered teaching positions with TEP.