Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Full time classroom teachers from our five partner school districts are eligible to participate in the Delaware Teachers Institute. Accepted teaching fellows also commit to remain in the teaching profession and in the same school district, for at least 5 years. They must have a close relationship of subject and course(s) the applicant teaches to the seminar and proposed curriculum unit. Additionally, Fellows demonstrate a willingness to help sustain the Delaware Teachers Institute during and beyond the year of seminar participation.
How is a Seminar different from a college class?
Seminars are not your typical college class. The following characteristics ensure that DTI Seminars result in collaboration that provides the opportunity to strengthen teaching and learning in high need public schools.
Key Seminar Characteristics:
- Collegial Atmosphere, No hierarchy between Leaders and Fellows
- Discussion Based
- No Grades
- Flexible Curriculum
- Content presented will exceed that which is included in the Fellow’s unit
Are DTI units available to other teachers?
Yes! DTI Fellows write their units for use in their own classrooms AND with the intention of sharing them with all other teachers who are seeking to cover the same standards. All previous units are available under the curriculum units tab on our website. They are organized by year and then by the topic of the seminar. The teacher’s grade level, school and district is also included with their unit.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no fee to participate in a DTI Seminar. Each Fellow is compensated with a stipend upon completion of their curriculum unit, Fellows in leadership positions have the opportunity to earn additional stipends and all University faculty who lead Seminars are compensated for their time and expertise.