Drexel Teaching Fellow – Partnership of the University of St. Thomas and the Drexel Mission Schools

*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

Benefits Overview

Drexel Teaching Fellows receive a comprehensive support package built around the two-year residency. Year One centers on hands-on classroom experience, mentoring, and coursework; because of Archdiocese HR's 32-hour weekly threshold, standard employee benefits (medical, dental, and retirement plan participation) become available in Year Two, when Fellows move into a benefits-eligible schedule.

Beyond salary, the Academy covers approximately 90 percent of tuition costs through scholarships, Pell Grant eligibility, and Academy funding (Fellows contribute $5,000 per year toward tuition), and provides up to 12 paid community college credits for Fellows who have not yet completed an Associate's degree or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. Every Fellow also receives dedicated University of St. Thomas faculty coaching, a school-based mentor teacher, and access to the Flourish early-career retention program. Full benefit details are outlined in the Academy's Fellow Handbook, available upon request.

Fellows who complete the program commit to teaching in a Drexel Catholic school for three years following licensure.

Salary Range

$30,000 to $32,000 annually

• 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

Qualifications

• Completed Associate's degree or Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), OR within four to five courses of completing one, OR 24 or more college credits with a documented interest in completing a degree
• Cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher
• Completed FAFSA and required transcripts
• Successful completion of a background check and Virtus safe-environment training
• Knowledge of and commitment to the Catholic school mission and philosophy
• Genuine interest in working with elementary-age children in a self-contained classroom setting
• Willingness to build classroom management skills and differentiate instruction for diverse learners
• Strong communication and collaborative skills with faculty, families, and administrators
• Dedication to completing a bachelor's degree and Minnesota teaching license while working full-time

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work a full-time schedule of 40+ hours per week, including required school events (graduation, holiday programs, and other activities as determined by school administration)
• Able to attend school-related activities outside of traditional school hours, such as graduation, holiday programs, family events, and other programs deemed necessary by the principal
• Sustained mobility to move throughout classroom and school environments for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and perform physical tasks required in an educational setting
• Full sensory capabilities, including the ability to speak clearly, see, hear, and respond effectively to students, staff, and administrators
• Ability to fulfill all commitments of the residency program throughout the school year

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with documented disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Learn more and express interest at education.stthomas.edu/community-partnerships/drexel-catholic-teacher-academy, or contact Erin Nemetz, Director of the Drexel Catholic Teacher Academy, at erin.nemetz@stthomas.edu.

The Drexel Catholic Teacher Academy and its partner schools are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.