Students & Resources
Join TEP
Becoming a TEP Student
TEP's
commitment is to identify, educate, and place highly qualified teacher-leaders
in urban public schools. By applying greater expertise, and demanding
better results, these individuals will help bring about a dramatic expansion
of educational opportunity and quality at all levels. Will you rise to
the challenge and become this teacher? Are you ready to help lead a new
kind of school for America's children? TEP is the place to begin that
journey. Begin today.
Applying to Harvard TEP
Harvard TEP is looking for deeply committed, serious individuals who want to make a difference with adolescents in schools and in the world. Lots of perspectives exist on how to write the perfect application to graduate school, and there is no shortage of them here at Harvard!
But we want to give you a heads up on the process. Consider the advice of Kay Merseth, the Director of the Teacher Education Program, and Jen Hohmann, a former TAC student, who can help put it all into real terms.
Kay Merseth, Director of the Teacher Education Program: "To get in, you have to have good scores, a strong academic record in the field you intend to teach, and recommendations from academics as well as others who can speak directly to your potential as a teacher. We are looking for people who have a deep commitment to urban education, so be sure, in your personal statement, to tell us why you want to teach in an urban school. It's important that you demonstrate some awareness of teaching, and all the better if you have some experience working with youth and teaching, whether it's as a teacher, a tutor, or a coach, and whether in a school setting or in camps or sports teams. Tell us why you are a good bet for this program and for Harvard."
Jen Hohmann, TAC Student: "The application process may seem scary and daunting, but try not to panic. Be honest in your essay - why do you want to do this? Take advantage of all of the support out there to help you. Come visit the campus and sit in on classes. Meet with the professors and program directors. Go to the school sites. If you can't come to Boston, call and ask for the names and email addresses of current students. Check it out to see what the program will really be like for you!"
More than just advice, make sure you fill out your application carefully, so that everything is in order when we receive it. For example:
- Specify whether you are a mid-career person in math or science (with 5 or more solid years working as a professional in math- or science-related fields) which makes you a good candidate for the MidCareer Math and Science Program (MCMS), or whether you are applying to the Teaching and Curriculum Program [TAC] which takes applicants right out of college as well as more experienced students.
- Indicate whether you plan to teach and be certified at the middle-school or high-school level and the subject you wish to teach.
- Like most grad school applications, you'll need the statement of purpose (why you want to do this), the usual (three) letters of recommendation, official transcripts from each postsecondary institution you have attended, and test scores from the general test of the GRE, including the new writing assessment.
- In addition, if you are or will be enrolled in coursework during the 2004-2005 academic year, please be sure to provide a list of those courses as well as a transcript of your past academic work.
NOTE: Your transcripts should show evidence of sufficient coursework (e.g., a major or its equivalent) or background experience (e.g., applied, professional work) in the subject that you intend to teach. An outline of recommended subject-matter knowledge for the various subjects is available.
Remember, there is no time to waste!
For more information about the admissions process, as well as downloadable application forms, please visit http://www.gse.harvard.edu/admissions/.
Come Visit
In order to really check out the Teacher Education Program
we encourage you to come visit. You can do almost anything... attend classes,
talk to current students, even visit the practice sites. Besides, a visit
to Boston will be a lot of fun. You can drop in on your friends who are
already living here or make new friends while visiting the Ed School.
We can even arrange a place for you to crash (if you don't mind a couch
in a student's apartment or dorm room). It's a real adventure.
Come check us out!
If you would like to visit, please contact Susan Kandel in the TEP Program Office. Besides trying to find you a place to stay with a current student while you are here, Susan can help set up meetings with faculty or students. She can put you in touch with program administrators to get you all the information you need about financial aid, admissions, and school site placement. She can even give restaurant recommendations.
You can reach Susan Kandel at (617) 495-8854 via email (susan_kandel@harvard.edu)
Information and resources for visitors to Harvard University are available on the Harvard visitors' website.
TEP Student and Alumni Profiles
Teacher Journals
Read students' descriptions of their work in urban schools, coursework at Harvard, and the challenges and exhilarations of becoming a first-rate urban teacher.
Director's Message
 |
Kay Merseth |
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