Gateway Teaching Fellowship
Gateway Teaching Fellowship is a new program that offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates and career changers to make a lasting impact on the lives of St. Louis children.
Gateway Teaching Fellows will serve as lead classroom teachers or associate teachers at select schools committed to continuous improvement and support. As a Gateway Teaching Fellow, you’ll inspire children in under-resourced communities while building invaluable, transferable skills—like communication, problem-solving, and leadership—that will serve you throughout your career. Through continuous professional development and personalized coaching, participants will refine their teaching skills in key areas such as rigorous instruction, data analysis, classroom management, and fostering a positive classroom culture. Dedicated candidates who demonstrate growth and potential will have the opportunity to enroll in a certification program, and earn a Master’s degree.
You’ll Get School Based Annual Salary + GTF Bonuses:
1,000
Signing bonus and/or relocation stipend
1,500
Upon successful completion of Summer Training
5,000
Upon successful completion of the first semester of Year 2
$5,000 – $7,500
Upon completion of October of Year 3, bonus is based on performance and evaluation feedback. Fellows are eligible for school-based bonuses.
Core Responsibilities
Gateway Teaching Fellowship offers two pathways: Lead Teachers, who take charge of classrooms, and Associate Teachers, who support academic programming, substitute as needed, and step into vacancies to ensure student success. Both roles are grounded in a commitment to teaching excellence and professional development in challenging, high-impact environments.
- Engage in intensive summer training and ongoing professional development, with opportunities to earn certification, pursue a Master’s degree, and grow as a leader.
- Use data-driven insights to assess progress and improve outcomes daily.
- Foster strong, positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues to contribute to a collaborative and inclusive school culture.
- Provide targeted academic or behavioral support as needed.
- Design and deliver engaging, standards-aligned lessons that meet diverse student needs.
- Engage in learning and growth alongside a supportive cohort of peers.
About You
The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:
- High Expectations for Self and Others: Strong belief in the potential of every child to achieve academic excellence and in your own ability to learn and grow as needed to create a transformative educational experience.
- Resilience and Determination: A willingness to go above and beyond to ensure students learn and thrive, including adapting to challenges and maintaining persistence when plans need to change.
- A Growth Mindset: Openness to continuous improvement through coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Strong Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational abilities to effectively partner with teachers, staff, and students.
- Purpose Driven and Impact Oriented: A strong desire to pursue a career that matters.
The Benefits
With competitive compensation. Lead Teacher salary range is $40,000-$43,000 and an Associate Teacher salary ranges from $28,000-$30,000.
Signing Bonus
Signing bonus and retention bonus in addition to school-based bonus structures.
Professional Development
Intensive, high-quality professional development, including 1×1 coaching, group training and certification pathways.
Make a Difference
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students and contribute to the success of a partner school.
Networking Opportunities
Networking opportunities and connections within the education field.
Hands-on Experience
Hands-on teaching experience in a supportive environment.
St. Louis Teaching Fellowship Timeline and Certification Details
The Opportunity Trust is partnering with Teach St. Louis to offer high-quality professional development and certification for St. Louis Teaching Fellowship candidates.
All St. Louis Teaching Fellows will participate in year one of the program. Qualified Fellowship members seeking certification will have the option to continue with year two and three of the program.
Eligibility Requirements for Alternative Certification:
-
-
- Pass the required Praxis assessments required for certification in their grade level and/or content area.
- Maintain good standing with and receive recommendation for entrance into the program from the candidate’s partner school and The Opportunity Trust.
- Attend and successfully complete all components of the required professional development facilitated by Teach St. Louis.
-
Year One: Summer Institute and Ongoing Professional Development
Gateway Teaching Fellowship candidates will participate in a summer institute designed to prepare participants for a strong start to the academic year.
During your first year, you’ll participate in in-person professional development sessions that bridge the gap between classroom experience and educational best practices. These sessions emphasize the essential skills required to foster a supportive, caring classroom environment while delivering challenging and engaging lessons. Coursework includes hands-on practice and role-playing exercises to ensure you’re equipped to implement strategies effectively and actively engage students.
Year Two - For those seeking certification: Certification & Master of Arts in Teaching Learning
In year 2, eligible candidates seeking certification will have the opportunity to matriculate into Teach St. Louis’s Alternative Certification Program. Participants will receive course credit for the professional development modules completed in year one of the program.
The Alternative Certification program offers a comprehensive, rigorous and supportive route for educators in our program to obtain certification and a Master’s degree with Teach St. Louis and their university partner Washington University in St. Louis. By combining structured academic courses with coaching, participants will develop the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to thrive in the classroom and build a successful teaching career. Coursework is facilitated in hybrid, asynchronous, and in-person formats.
Year Three: Certification & Master of Arts in Teaching & Learning, Continued
Participants will continue to teach and complete coursework and coaching with Teach St. Louis. Gateway Teaching Fellowship members will complete their MATL by the end of the third year of the program. You can learn more about our partner university and the cost of the program here. Please note that there are financial aid opportunities available to significantly decrease the cost of the program.