Drexel Teaching Fellow - Partnership of the University of St. Thomas and the Drexel Mission SchoolsArchdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Job Summary
*Posting on behalf of a partnership between the University of St. Thomas and the Drexel Mission Schools*
Description
The Drexel Catholic Teacher Academy is an innovative partnership between the University of St. Thomas, the Drexel Mission Schools, and community college partners, designed to expand access to the teaching profession and strengthen the pipeline of exceptional Catholic school educators in the Twin Cities.
As a Drexel Teaching Fellow, you will work as a teacher's aide/paraprofessional in a Drexel Mission School classroom while earning a bachelor's degree and a Minnesota K-6 teaching license through the University of St. Thomas. You'll be in the classroom 3 days a week in Year One and 4 days a week in Year Two, taking on more instructional responsibility as you progress through the program. Through scholarships, mentoring, academic advising, and school-based learning, the Academy removes barriers for future teachers and prepares Fellows to make a lasting impact in Catholic education. You will work alongside an experienced mentor teacher, build one-on-one relationships with students, and become part of a close-knit school community while completing your degree and licensure.
Responsibilities
- Work as a teacher's aide/paraprofessional in a Drexel Mission School classroom, supporting the lead classroom teacher 3 days a week in Year One and 4 days a week in Year Two while completing degree and licensure coursework through the University of St. Thomas
- Assist the classroom teacher with small-group and one-on-one instruction in core subjects, reinforcing lessons and helping students who need extra practice or support
- Support daily classroom routines, including preparing materials, leading transitions, and supervising students during activities such as recess, lunch, and arrival/dismissal
- Help implement individual student accommodations and behavior support plans under the guidance of the classroom teacher
- Take on increasing instructional responsibility over the course of the residency, including co-planning and eventually leading lessons in core subjects (mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies) as coursework and mentor feedback allow
- Support daily prayer, religious activities, and faith-based discussions that help students understand and embrace Catholic teaching in age-appropriate ways
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment that supports students' academic, social, and spiritual growth
- Partner with families through regular communication and participation in school events to support student growth
- Meet regularly with an assigned St. Thomas faculty coach and school-based mentor teacher to reflect on practice and receive feedback
- Complete all Academy program requirements, including coursework, field experience hours, and Virtus safe-environment training
- Participate in the Flourish early-career retention program throughout the residency
- Collaborate with fellow teachers, staff, and school administration to maintain a positive, consistent school culture
- Starting compensation is determined by the Fellow's prior classroom experience, education level, and current role at the school (many Fellows are already paraprofessionals or community members within a Drexel Mission School)
- Compensation is paid across the two-year Fellowship in accordance with the Academy's payment schedule
