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Who are STEP students?

Teachers Who Serve, Lead, and Transform Lives

Our admissions process is designed to create a deeply engaged and collaborative learning community. Collegiality among STEP Teacher Candidates supports learning and professional growth. This collegiality and a shared commitment to teaching extend well beyond the STEP year. Graduates join a strong network of professional peers who inspire and support one another toward meaningful aims in classrooms, schools, and communities.

We welcome a diverse pool of applicants of all cultures, races, ethnic origins, and religions.  We are excited by applicants that have wide-ranging interests and experiences, as well as strong academic preparation. We look for individuals possessing the following attributes:

Commitment to Teaching as a Profession

Our Teacher Candidates share a set of core values, including a commitment to social justice, a recognition of the virtues and values of a diverse student population, and a dedication to equity and excellence for all students.

Strong Academic Preparation

The design of the program makes for an academically rigorous year. A record of academic success gives applicants the best opportunity to succeed at the Master’s level. Applicants to STEP Secondary should demonstrate a strong knowledge of and commitment to the subject matter of their teaching specialization (i.e., Math, Science, English, History/Social Science, or World Languages).

Experience with Youth

The desire to work compassionately and constructively with youth is essential for finding fulfillment and success as a teacher. We seek applicants with a range of meaningful prior experience with youth (e.g., experience as a camp counselor, athletic coach, special needs classroom assistant, church youth group leader, etc.).

Collegiality, Professionalism and Leadership

At its best, teaching is a collaborative, professional endeavor. Our Teacher Candidates work together to support shared goals and enhance the teaching profession.

At STEP, we strive to cultivate teacher leaders within and beyond the classroom. We foster these qualities by offering Candidates the tools to become advocates for their students, agents of school change, and well-regarded and valued members of their communities.

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