Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the frequently asked questions concerning the Teachers Institute and its programs.

1. Who can participate in the Institute programs?

   The programs are open to classroom teachers of grades K through 12 from the schools in the West and Southwest Regions of the School Districts of Philadelphia.

2. How is the Teachers Institute program different from many other professional development opportunities available to teachers?

   The Teachers Institute differs from many programs in that it offers professional development in academic content rather than pedagogical skills and theory. In terms of other academic development programs, the Teachers Institute differentiate itself by the depth of the material presented in 14 weeks of seminars, and by its outcomes of peer reviewed curriculum materials created by the teachers themselves for use in their own classrooms.

3. What kind of seminars are offered? How do they work?

   A wide range of seminar topics is possible. Teachers are canvassed in the fall of the year as to the topics they would like to see offered. Last year, the Institute offered four seminars: Beyond the Harlem Renaissance; Probability and Statistics in Social Science; Philadelphia--A 300 Year History; and Visual Arts in Society.

   Seminars meet 14 times during the spring. During the sessions, the teachers (called Fellows) discuss the readings and academic presentations with the professor leading the seminar. They also discuss and critique each other as they develop their curriculum units and projects. After the final formal seminar sessions, teacher Fellows have one month during which they prepare the final versions of their curriculum units and documents.

4. Is the Teachers Institute a new concept? Does the Institute model have a track record of success?

   The Teachers Institute of Philadelphia is relatively new, but Institutes have been in operation in New Haven (with Yale University) since 1978, and in both Pittsburgh (with Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham College as partners), as well as Houston (The University of Houston) since 1999. In these cities, the Institutes have received enthusiastic support from teachers, administrators and university leaders alike year after year. Over the years, curriculum units created by Institute Fellows have been viewed on the Web, downloaded, and used thousands of times by teachers around the nation and beyond.

5. Where and when do seminars meet?

   Seminars meet on the attractive and safe Penn campus. Meetings begin in late January and run through mid-May. Most seminars meet on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:30, but occasionally the time can be adjusted to meet the convenience of the Teacher Fellows and the Seminar Leader, with advance notice to the Institute Director. Teacher Fellows have use of the massive resources of Penn's Van Pelt Library, as well as other campus libraries.

6. Is it true that teachers receive payment for their participation?

   Teacher Fellows who successfully complete all requirements are awarded $1000 at the end of the session.

7. Is there any cost to participate?

   The seminars are free to those teachers accepted into the program. Teachers may be asked to purchase books and materials, but the award of $1000 at completion will more than adequately cover any expenses incurred along the way.

8. How do I apply?

   Seminar descriptions and applications are available in the fall of the school year. They may be requested from the Institute Teacher Representative in your school, or by contacting the Institute itself by phone or online.