Who We Want

Center for Inspired Teaching recruits and selects teacher candidates who can advance educational reform in their classrooms, their schools, and beyond. We recruit widely, and our program is open to recent college graduates as well as professionals already in the workforce. We are particularly interested in attracting applicants who already live and work in DC and/or who are interested in remaining in DC for a considerable period of time. While we follow specific eligibility requirements as designated by the state, our selection process looks for beliefs, skills, and accomplishments in the following:

Willingness to embrace teaching the whole child

  • Demonstrates the belief that every student, regardless of background, has an innate desire to learn
  • Defines student success in terms of the whole child; values social-emotional and academic learning
  • Demonstrates deep respect for children, families, and communities as partners in learning
  • Demonstrates skill in two key elements of student-centered teaching: observation and questioning

Potential for leadership in and beyond the classroom

  • Has a track record of achievement and a results orientation
  • Demonstrates passion for social change and impact
  • Demonstrates ability to engage the cooperation of others in achieving goals
  • Holds high personal and professional standards

Holistic, asset-based approach to problem solving

  • Prefers to address root causes of problems rather than symptoms
  • Uses generative thinking to uncover unexpected solutions
  • Embraces diversity as an asset; treats every individual with respect, dignity and understanding
  • Carefully considers potential solutions from multiple perspectives; seeks a win-win solution

Commitment to Reflective Practice

  • Engages in ongoing self-evaluation and reflection
  • Accurately identifies strengths and areas for development
  • Receives feedback, in all its many forms, with curiosity
  • Wrestles with tough questions, and adapts accordingly to achieve impact

Commitment to the Teaching Profession

  • Respects teaching as an intellectual endeavor
  • Embraces the vision of schools as learning communities
  • Plans to devote considerable time to working in education as a classroom practitioner
  • Long-term goals include teacher-leadership in its many forms

Inspired Mind-Set

  • Values play, joy, creativity, and imagination
  • Views challenges as opportunities rather than as obstacles
  • Balances the tension between being impact-driven and nurturing
  • Solves problems by relying on radical creativity and structured execution

Eligibility Requirements#

All eligibility requirements are strictly enforced. Eligible candidates must have:
  • Bachelor's degree -- Degree must be conferred by June 30, 2010.
  • Eligibility to work in the U.S. -- Applicants need either to be US citizens or permanent residents.
  • Minimum GPA
    * If recent college graduate (less than 5 years of work experience): 3.0 on a 4.0 scale OR 3.25 in the major area
    * If more than 5 years of work experience: 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
    * In exceptional cases, GPA requirements may be waived in consideration of outstanding personal/professional achievement.   
Certified teachers are not eligible for the program, but we welcome experienced teachers seeking initial certification.