Frequently Asked Questions

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When is the next application deadline?

Applications for the fall 2010 selection round will be accepted until Friday, November 5th, 2010. Application materials will be available late summer 2010.

Who can apply?

High school seniors, current college students, people who have taught in their native countries and need further coursework to be certified in the United States, and people contemplating returning to school to pursue a second career.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of:

  • Racial/ethnic diversity
  • Leadership qualities
  • Experience working with children
  • Understanding of diversity and issues related to power and privilege in the United States
  • Employment history (where applicable)
  • Educational history
  • Commitment to teaching in Vermont
  • Academic potential

For additional information and to learn about the composition of our regional selection committees, click on “selection criteria.”

What if I’m not a minority?

All applicants are asked to make a case for why Vermont public school students would benefit from having a teacher with their particular racial/ethnic background. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What about other kinds of diversity such as gender, ability, and age?

We understand and respect the fact that diversity comes in many forms, and hope that our applicants will represent a wide spectrum of the population. However, the mission of the VTDSP is to recruit applicants who demonstrate racial/ethnic diversity. Our professional development programming is always inclusive of all kinds of diversity.

Do I have to attendschool in Vermont?

Yes. You must attend college at one of the institutions of higher education with whom we partner. Another option is to complete the Peer Review process with the licensing division of the Vermont Department of Education.

Can I apply even if I haven’t been accepted into college yet?

Acceptance to a program is not required in order to apply to the VTDSP, but we do require that you articulate what you have done to investigate teacher education programs in the state (or Peer Review through the DOE) and to have some direction about which school you will likely attend. Before applying to the VTDSP, please have information from the schools to which you intend to apply, and review the Vermont Department of Education webpage pertaining to licensure requirements.

Can I reapply if I am turned down?

Yes. Some of our Scholars were initially turned down but accepted on subsequent applications after following the suggestions of their selection committees. High school seniors with low grades may be asked to reapply after showing academic improvement during their first year or two of college.

Do I have to go to school full-time?

No. We understand that some students can only attend part-time because of work and/or family constraints.

Do I have to teach in one of the school districts with which you partner?

No. You can teach at any public school in the state. However, the partner institutions are most actively involved with the VTDSP and should be the first districts to which you should look for employment.

How many years do I have to teach?

You are only required to teach for one year, but the longer you teach, the more loan forgiveness you can receive.

What if I already have a degree in another subject?

We are willing to sponsor you for a Masters in Education.

If I am accepted, what are my obligations to the program?

Scholars must comply with the following requirements:

  • Submit copies of their schedule at the beginning of each semester
  • Submit copies of grades at the end of each semester
  • Remain in good academic standing
  • Perform student teaching obligations in Vermont
  • Agree to be interviewed by the media regarding the program and assist the Executive Director with occasional public relations appearances
  • Attend conferences, workshops and/or presentations pertaining to diversity, anti-racism, and/or social justice
  • Update VTDSP on your job search with a list of your job applications, interviews, and offers

When does the loan forgiveness start?

After you have completed a year of teaching, we will work with VSAC to ensure that a portion of your loans are forgiven.

Do I have to work through VSAC?

Yes. They are the only organization of their kind with which we have a partnership.

Why do I have to pick a geographic area?

We have divided Vermont into sections so that applications can be reviewed regionally and candidates whose applications are strong enough to merit an interview do not have to travel long distances. You apply to the region which best represents the area where you are going to school or where you would like to teach. You are not obligated to teach in that region.

  • The Bennington area includes all of Bennington county
  • The Brattleboro area includes Windham and Windsor counties
  • The Burlington area includes Chittenden and Grand Isle counties
  • The Montpelier area includes Washington and Orange counties
  • The Morrisville area includes Franklin and Lamoille counties
  • The Northeast Kingdom area includes Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties
  • The Rutland area includes Addison and Rutland counties.

What if I change my mind about where I want to teach?

As long as you teach in a Vermont public school, you are still eligible for loan forgiveness.

What if I decide I don’t want to teach?

You can leave the program at any time with no penalty, but you will not receive loan forgiveness for any classes you have taken.

Do I have to pick a particular teaching specialty?

It is up to you to decide what class level and/or academic field interests you. We urge you to consider regions where there is the greatest need for teachers.

What if I can’t get a job?

If you have received your degree in good academic standing, passed your licensure exam, and applied for all available jobs, but still have not been able to secure employment following one year of searching, we will provide you with one year’s loan forgiveness ($4,000).