Nashville’s First Group of Teaching Fellows Will Soon Head to Metro Schools

Former lawyers, businessmen, and even a chef are among Nashville’s newest crop of teachers.

The group of 98 makes up the first class of teaching fellows heading into Nashville’s neediest schools this fall. WPLN’s Anne Marshall reports.

The Nashville Teaching Fellows program recruits professionals and recent graduates. Then in an intense five-week summer session, trains them to become teachers. Mayor Karl Dean raised $2 million to bring the program to Nashville in an effort to lure smart, enthusiastic workers into schools chronically suffering from poor performance. Many fellows, like recent Vanderbilt graduate Jarred Amato, admit they know their first year will be tough, but are up to the challenge.

“There are going to be times when we are in over our head, but I think what’s exciting about this is being around all these people that are really passionate about it and really care about promoting student achievement and are in it for the right reasons I think. And with that passion I think I can make up for the lack of experience we may have.”

1,600 people applied to become teaching fellows. While working in Metro Schools, fellows will earn certification and a master’s degree through Belmont University.