The TOC II grant provides us with explicit guidance on priority levels for TOC admissions. First priority is given to candidates who are from racial and ethnic backgrounds that are underrepresented in the New York State teaching force, as defined by New York State. Second priority is given to candidates who qualify as “economically disadvantaged,” according to New York State’s guidelines. Third priority is given to candidates who are neither Priority 1 nor Priority 2.
One of the benefits of being a TOC II intern is being able to explore innovative approaches to teaching for equity and social justice with renowned TC faculty in TOC seminars. In addition, all TOC II interns complete a 10-month internship in a host school in which they are encouraged to connect the many theories from their TC courses and TOC seminars to practice in classrooms. It is also worth noting that in TOC internships, students are able to explore connections between theory and practice without the pressures that may come with student teaching.
The internship varies by setting, but it is intended to provide TOC interns with the opportunity to grow their practice, build relationships with students and school community members, and support student learning in the classroom. Interns essentially play the role of “teaching assistants” during their time in the host classrooms. Responsibilities may include preparing materials for lessons, teaching small groups or the whole group, supporting students who are experiencing difficulty, analyzing student work, and lesson planning.
Each TOC II intern is encouraged to think deeply and intentionally about their ability to balance their TOC responsibilities with their other studies at TC. However, the TOC staff and faculty are always available to meet with interns to discuss self care, time management, stress relief, and achieving a healthy balance as they manage multiple demands.
Generally, TOC payments are posted to the intern’s TC account by mid-October of the fall semester and mid-February of the spring semester. All TOC payments are contingent upon successful engagement with TOC requirements.
The TOC II internship hours and student teaching hours are two separate requirements; it is not allowable to “double dip.” In addition, TOC placements must take place at TOC partner schools. In some cases, we have been able to partner with programs to facilitate a student teaching placement at a TOC site, allowing a student to address student teaching hours on Monday through Thursday and TOC hours on Fridays; reach out to toc2@tc.edu if you'd like to explore this possibility.
All TOC II interns must prove that they have been a New York State Resident (i.e. have lived in NY) for at least 12 months prior to commencing their participation in the Teacher Opportunity Corps program.
All TOC II interns are expected to teach in a New York school for at least 2 years after graduation, preferably in an urban setting.
TOC internship hours take place during the school day. In some cases, we have been able to allow students who hold full-time teaching jobs in schools (such as an assistant teaching position) to use their positions as their TOC internship, with approval from the school's administration. Reach out to toc2@tc.edu if you'd like to learn more about what this might look like.
All TOC students must be registered for at least 6 credits in both the fall and spring semesters of their TOC year. In addition, TOC students must register for C&T 6400 in both the fall and spring of their TOC year; this is a 0 credit course that captures their internship & seminar commitment.
The grant requires that students commit to the program for at least one full academic year, from fall through spring.
We often end up with a Wait List for admission to the Teacher Opportunity Corps. If you are on the Wait List, you will typically be notified of your final admissions decision by the end of September at the latest.
Yes, a student must be enrolled at TC to enroll in the TOC program here at TC.