What is the application process?

Professionals on the model pathway must first apply online to indicate their interest in being considered for promotion to the lead pathway. The registration window is typically in December-January each year. In addition to the online application, candidates must submit a resume and two letters of recommendation. The professionals asked to submit recommendation letters must be given and follow these guidelines. 

Online applications are screened to evaluate the degree to which they demonstrate key traits. Selected candidates are then invited to participate in an assessment center focused on the investment areas for which the applicant stated a preference.

What are the key traits demonstrated by successful candidates?

• Ability to learn and grow as part of a school's leadership
• Ability to lead a large project
• Understanding of the role of parents, teachers, and school leadership in a school's success
• Ability to analyze a challenge and identify solutions
• Ability to work with teams and motivate colleagues
• Ability to analyze and organize data
• Potential to have an impact in the investment area

Can anyone be asked to submit a recommendation letter?

Recommendations should come from individuals with direct knowledge of the applicant's experiences, especially as related to the investment areas. This might include past or present supervisors or colleagues with whom the applicant has worked in the investment areas. All recommendations are weighted equally, regardless of the position held by the person completing the recommendation.

How do successful candidates move to a lead position?

Upon successful completion of the assessment center, the candidate is placed into the eligibility pool. Final movement to a lead position happens when an eligible candidate is matched with a school seeking a lead professional. Once that match happens, the candidate's job title changes to "lead teacher," and she or he moves to the lead pathway on the interval that reflects the next highest salary from the salary of the previous position, inclusive of any differential.

Any model professional coming from a 12-month position will be placed according to their new 10-month role.