Skip To Main Content

TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship

At TMSA, when we say we are a family, we truly mean it — and we hope our students who are passionate about teaching will one day return home to begin their careers with us.

Through our unique TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship Program, graduates can return to TMSA as educators — continuing our mission and shaping the next generation. Wisdom becomes a legacy passed forward.

TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship (aka Today's Scholars Tomorrow's Teachers) is an innovative fellowship program that provides up to $20,000 over four years for TMSA students pursuing a bachelor’s degree leading to teacher certification.

In addition, fellowship recipients will receive professional development from TMSA experts, one-on-one coaching from a highly qualified teacher mentor, and networking opportunities with student colleagues from across North Carolina. 

How to Apply for TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship?

Applying to the fellowship is simple. Applicants must meet all of the following requirements and meet all the application as well as their college’s admission deadlines.

1. TMSA Enrollment Requirement
Applicants must be either a TMSA alumnus who completed both their junior and senior years at TMSA, or a current TMSA senior or junior.

2. Academic Performance
Applicants must hold a minimum 3.5 weighted GPA, demonstrating strong academic commitment and readiness for college-level coursework.

3. College Admission
Applicants must have received acceptance into a college or university teacher preparation program that leads to teacher certification.

4. Application Submission
Applicants must complete and submit the TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship online application form in its entirety, including:

  • A scholarship essay,
  • Two letters of recommendation.

TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship Requirements

To successfully complete the fellowship, each fellow must fulfill the following commitments:

1. Continued Enrollment in a Teacher Preparation Program
Fellows must remain continuously enrolled in an approved college or university teacher preparation program leading to teacher certification.

2. Academic Performance Requirement
Fellows must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA throughout their college or university coursework to remain in good standing with the fellowship.

3. TMSA Field Placement Experience
While enrolled in college, fellows must complete 5 hours per week (20 hours per month) of field placement at a TMSA campus. This experience may include classroom observation, tutoring, assisting teachers, or other approved school-based activities.

4. Student Teaching at TMSA
Fellows must complete their student teaching placement at a TMSA school, ensuring alignment with TMSA’s instructional model and culture.

5. Post-Graduation Teaching Commitment
Upon earning teacher certification, fellows must teach at TMSA for:

  • Three years, or
  • Until completion of the Beginning Teacher Support Program (BTSP) — whichever milestone is reached first.

TMSA Alumni Teacher Fellowship - Frequently Asked QuestionsWe have compiled a set of questions and answers here to help you learn more about the fellowship.

1. What financial assistance will I receive?

If you are accepted into the fellowship, you will receive TMSA Public Charter Schools Financial Assistance and be eligible for up to $20,000 in tuition and fee reimbursement over four years (up to $5,000 per year), provided all fellowship requirements are met.

2. What is the weekly teaching requirement?

Fellows must commit to 5 hours of teaching or field placement activities per week.
TMSA will coordinate your placement and schedule in collaboration with you to ensure it aligns with both your academic program and campus needs.

3. What will I be teaching?

Teaching assignments will be determined based on several factors, including:

  • your declared major,
  • standardized test scores,
  • personal preference, and
  • availability of positions at the campus level.

While TMSA cannot guarantee specific placements, we will make every reasonable effort to match your teaching responsibilities with your interests and academic strengths.

4. What support can I expect throughout the program?

Teach4TMSA provides comprehensive support to ensure your success. You will receive:

  • In-person and online professional development led by TMSA program managers,
  • Regular check-ins to monitor progress toward your career goals,
  • A dedicated teacher mentor at your local campus who will offer guidance, feedback, and ongoing support during both your preparation and teaching journey.