It is important that observers represent the diversity of programs where they will observe. This helps to ensure that they are grounded in the settings and can capture more nuances in interactions than someone with limited experience in that setting. Separately, observers must be fluent in the languages of instruction in the setting they are observing. Currently, CLASS Observers are significantly more likely to be white monolingual English speakers than the overall early childhood workforce. We want to help correct this imbalance through this special program that will offer complimentary CLASS Observation Training to BIPOC educators and educators who speak languages that are underrepresented in the current observer pool relative to their use in early childhood settings.
This program is designed to support 30 Observer Fellows for the 2022-2023 program year. Each Observer Fellow will have the opportunity to train and certify as an observer on either the Infant and Toddler CLASS or the Pre-K and K-3 CLASS during Summer 2022. During the 2022-2023 school year, there is an expectation of mutual partnership with Teachstone. Fellows will receive training, certification, and receive specialized support from Teachstone at no cost. They will also be asked to provide training feedback and participate in activities that support Teachstone’s mission.
Observer fellows receive:
Observer fellows, as part of the partnership, are expected to:
The Observer Fellows program is open to:
Applications closed April 11. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of May.
Observer Fellows is a year-long program, and fellows can expect a timeline similar to: