Becoming a Teaching Fellow

Applicants are screened and interviewed by the AATF Selection & Retention Committee. They examine a number of criteria, including GPA's, a writing sample, extracurricular activities, references and an interview. See Recipient Requirements.


Features of the AATF Program

Financial Support

Fulltime students receive support up to $2,500 a semester and part-time students' support is set at $1,500 a semester, for a total of $15,000 over a maximum period of three years. This supports tuition, text books and fees for licensure tests, with payments made to the educational institution. Each Fellow is required to seek other financial aid to avoid high loan debts after graduation. See also: Sources of Financial Aid External to the AATF Program (PDF, 122K).


Academic Oversight

The Selection & Retention Committee oversees the progress of AATF Fellows. We require that Fellows develop a Plan of Work with their academic advisors that lays out their complete educational program until graduation and licensure. They must maintain a 3.0 GPA in education courses and meet with their advisors regularly to assure that they are on course to graduate and complete the licensure process.


Mentoring & Group Support

An AATF Mentoring Committee has developed an effective support system that includes recruiting and matching mentors with AATF Fellows while they are completing the requirements for licensure. AATF requires Fellows' attendance at quarterly meetings that focus on professional development


AATF Fellowship Process

SCREENING AND SELECTION PROCESS

Applications are received and reviewed throughout the year. When an application is completed and all required documents have been received in the AATF office, the application packet is given to the Recruitment, Selection, and Awards Committee for review. If the application meets the requirements, an interview with the Committee is arranged. The Committee makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors.
Download the AATF Application Form (PDF, 49K).

The completed application packet includes:

  • Application form
  • Current resume
  • College transcript
  • Personal essay
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation (2 from educators who know your work and one from a community person who can attest to your leadership, talents, and service)
  • Financial Aid award letter
  • Acknowledgement of admittance into an accredited program
  • Plan of work

AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS

The applicant will be notified of the decision of the Board within 30-45 days of the interview. It is important to apply at a time which coincides with your plans for the following semester and the due dates of school fees.

Recipient Requirements

Each AATF Award recipient MUST be enrolled in an accredited education program and:

  • Sign a Promissory Note & Scholarship Loan Agreement that commits them to teach one year in the Charlottesville or Albemarle County schools for each year they receive AATF funds, for a maximum of three (3) years
  • Maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point in all of their subjects and a 3.0 grade in their required education or major-area courses
  • Regularly update the Plan of Work, signed by their advisor, that shows that their academic progress is on-schedule
  • Participate in designated AATF activities
  • Meet with members of the Selection & Retention Committee each semester and show evidence that she/he is meeting AATF's standards for retention in the program.