Year One: Teaching in an Elementary Classroom
As a Fellow, you’ll teach full-time in an elementary classroom while learning on the job. You’ll receive regular feedback through observations and coaching focused on helping students succeed with strong instruction, high expectations and engaging lessons.

You’ll complete weekly evening classes, online coursework and participate in two formal evaluations to track growth and readiness for full Minnesota teacher licensure.

The best way to learn to teach is by teaching. That’s why hands-on experience is the core of the Teach Minnesota Teaching Fellows program:

Pre-service training (summer launch): Before stepping into your own classroom, you’ll participate in an intensive summer training where you practice lesson delivery, receive immediate feedback from experienced coaches and work directly with students. This builds confidence and sets a strong foundation for your first year of teaching.

Lead teaching from day one: Unlike traditional programs where candidates gradually take on responsibility, you’ll serve as the teacher of record in a partner school from the start of the school year. This immersive experience accelerates growth and provides real-world opportunities to apply instructional strategies with support.

The Teach Minnesota Teaching Fellows program prepares you to support diverse learners through culturally responsive coursework and coaching.

• You’ll complete sessions on literacy, special education, multilingual learners and trauma-informed practices.
• Coaching emphasizes grade-level content, high expectations and deep engagement.
• Weekly seminars and targeted support help you tailor instruction to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of all students.

The Teach Minnesota Teaching Fellows program is a coaching-centered program that believes teachers learn best by teaching. 

• You’ll receive consistent, data-driven feedback through bimonthly observations and intensive coaching cycles.
• Coaches collaborate closely with school-based mentors to ensure feedback is aligned and focused on growth. This partnership supports you in meeting instructional goals and student needs.
• After graduation, you’ll continue to benefit from school-based coaching and leadership development opportunities.

Teach Minnesota, operated by The New Teacher Project, uses a multi-method evaluation system to continuously improve its teacher residency program. 

• The program collects feedback from Fellows, alumni and school leaders through surveys, focus groups and classroom observations.
• The program is built on stakeholder voice and data-informed coaching.
• Evaluation tools like the The New Teacher Project Core Rubric and other assessments help refine instruction, equity practices and program design to meet the needs of schools and communities.