Rise Academy Fellow

On the Rise Academy Fellow

Various Schools

$25.10/hour during Pre-Service Institute, $57,400 with successful passage of Pre-Service Institute and the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC).

Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT)

Yes

Not eligible for telecommuting.

On the Rise Academy is a 3-year Michigan Department of Education-approved alternative teacher certification program that prepares participants to become exceptional teachers who will uphold the mission, vision, and values of Detroit Public Schools Community District. Applying to the Fellow role with On the Rise Academy means you are enrolling into a teacher education program (similar to a teacher education program at a traditional college or university) which requires you to teach in a DPSCD school.

On the Rise Academy offers the following primary endorsements:
Lower Elementary (Grades PK-3), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-6), Secondary Integrated Science (Grades 6-12), and Mathematics (Grades 5-9 or 7-12). Eligible Fellows can earn the following additional endorsements:
Cognitive Impairment (SA) or Learning Disabilities (SM). Individuals admitted to On the Rise Academy will be required to participate in and successfully complete all program requirements to remain in the Fellow role, including but not limited to:
Admissions Coursework: asynchronous, online coursework with monthly in-person professional development sessions from January through May 2026. Pre-Service Institute: 8-week field experience in a DPSCD summer school from June-August 2026. The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in one of the following certification areas:

• Lower Elementary (Grades PK-3) (Tests 117-120)
• Upper Elementary (Grades 3-6) (Tests 121-124)
• Mathematics (Grades 5-9 or 7-12) (Test 131 or 133)*
• Secondary Integrated Science (Grades 6-12) (Test 094)*
• Cognitive Impairment (Test 115) as an additional endorsement**
• Learning Disabilities (Test 114) as an additional endorsement**

Mandatory content related coursework

Supervised field experience and coaching

Required performance screen related tasks

• Candidates who intend to pursue the Mathematics (5-9 or 7-12) or Secondary Integrated Science endorsements (6-12) must demonstrate a strong background in postsecondary math or science studies (e.g., a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field) and pass a preliminary eligibility test administered by On the Rise Academy.
• Cognitive Impairment and Learning Disabilities:
  Candidates who are admitted and pass the MTTC in of the general education endorsements (Lower/Upper Elementary, Mathematics, or Secondary Integrated Science) by the appropriate deadline are eligible to pursue an additional endorsement in Cognitive Impairment or Learning Disabilities through the Fellow Plus ESE role. An additional interview for the Fellow Plus ESE role will be required.

Fellows who meet Pre-Service Institute requirements and pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) will be recommended for an Interim Teaching Certificate and will receive a conditional offer for promotion to a contract teaching position within the District while continuing their training. Fellows who complete all program requirements, including passing performance screens, will be recommended for a Standard Teaching Certificate after three years of effective teaching.

The program costs $6,000; however, tuition will be forgiven for participants who teach in their certification area within DPSCD for at least six years. For more information, please visit our website ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..detroitk
12.org/about-dpscd/initiatives/on-the-rise-academy).

• Possess a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools or an equivalent agency.
• Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.95 or higher.
• Former Fellows who were administratively removed from the program or who voluntarily withdrew are not eligible to reapply to On Rise Academy.
• Must not be a certified teacher.

• Attend regularly and engage fully in a rigorous training model including field experience in a summer school classroom and completion of online and face-to-face coursework during the Pre-Service Institute and during the school year.
• Participate in 1:1 and small group coaching during Pre-Service Institute and the school year.
• Under the supervision of the model teacher, plan and facilitate intensive instruction…