Q - When is the next deadline?
A - We are not accepting applications at this time.  The Vermont Teacher Diversity Scholarship Program is in the process of relocation and expects to resume accepting applications in 2009.

Q - Who can apply?
A - High school seniors, current college students, people who have taught in their native countries and need further coursework to be certified in the United States, and people contemplating returning to school in furtherance of a second career.

Q - What are the eligibility criteria?
A - Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of:
· racial/ethnic diversity;
· leadership qualities;
· experience working with children;
· employment history (if applicable);
· educational history;
· commitment to teaching in Vermont;
· undersanding of diversity and issues related to power and privilege
    in the United States; and
· academic potential
Preference will be given to Vermont residents, but all are encouraged to apply. For more information and the composition of our regional selection committees, you can click on Selection Criteria.

Q - What if I'm not a minority?
A - All applicants are asked to make a case for why Vermont public school students would benefit from having a teacher with their particular racial/ethnic background. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Q - What about other kinds of diversity such as gender, ability, and age?
A - We respect the fact that diversity comes in many forms and hope that our applicants will represent a wide spectrum of the population. However, VTDSP is looking for applicants who demonstrate racial/ethnic diversity.

Q - Do I have to go to school in Vermont?
A - Yes. You must attend college at one of the institutions of higher education that we partner with. Another option is to go through the Vermont Peer Review process. See the the Department of Education's web page for more information on the process. Click here to apply on-line if you are going through the Peer Review process.

Q - Can I apply even if I haven't been accepted into college yet?
A - We don't require you to have been accepted, but we do require you to have done some investigating about the various teacher education programs in the state (or Peer Review) and have some idea about what school you would like to attend. Please do not apply unless you have received information from the schools to which you intend to apply. We also expect you to have visited the State of Vermont's web page on licensure requirements prior to applying.

Q - Can I reapply if I am turned down?
A - Yes. Two of our Scholars were initially turned down but were accepted on subsequent applications after following the suggestions of their selection committee. High school seniors with low grades may be asked to reapply after showing academic improvement during their first year or two of college.

Q - Do I have to go to school full-time?
A - No. We understand that some students can only attend part-time because of work and/or family constraints.

Q - Do I have to teach in one of the school districts that you partner with?
A - No. You can teach at any public school in the state. However, the partner institutions are the ones who are most actively involved in the Program and should be the first districts to which you should look for employment

Q - How many years do I have to teach?
A - You are only required to teach for one year, but the longer you teach, the more loan forgiveness you can receive.

Q - What if I already have a degree in another subject?
A - We are willing to sponsor you for a Masters in Education.

Q - If I am accepted, what are my obligations to the program?
A - Scholars must comply with the following requirements:

• Submit copies of their schedule at the beginning of each semester
• Submit copies of grades at the end of each semester
• Remain in good academic standing
• Perform student teaching obligations in Vermont
• Agree to be interviewed by the media regarding the program and assist the Director with occasional public relations appearances
• Attend conferences, workshops and/or presentations pertaining to diversity, anti-racism and/or social justice
• Update VTDSP on your eventual job search with a list of your job applications, interviews and offers

Q - When does the loan forgiveness start?
A - After you have completed a year of teaching, we will work with VSAC to ensure that a portion of your loans are forgiven.

Q - Do I have to work through VSAC?
A - Yes. They are the only organization of their kind that we have a partnership with.

Q - Why do I have to pick a geographic area?
A - We have divided Vermont into sections so that applications can be reviewed regionally and candidates whose applications are strong enough to merit an interview do not have to travel long distances. You apply to the region which best represents the area where you are going to school or where you would like to teach. You are not obligated to teach in that region. Please note that some rounds have so many high quality applicants that we have to hold a second round of interviews for our finalists which may be held outside your region.

• The Bennington area includes all of Bennington County
• The Brattleboro area includes Windham and Windsor Counties
• The Burlington area includes Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties
• The Montpelier area includes Washington and Orange Counties
• The Morrisville area includes Franklin and Lamoille Counties
• The Northeast Kingdom area includes Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties
• The Rutland area includes Addison and Rutland Counties.

Q - What if I change my mind about where I want to teach?
A - As long as you teach in a Vermont public school, you are still eligible for loan forgiveness.

Q - What if I decide I don't want to teach?
A - You can leave the program at any time with no penalty, but you will not receive loan forgiveness for any classes you have already taken.

Q - Do I have to pick a particular teaching specialty?
A - It is up to you to decide what class level and/or academic field interests you. We urge you to look around and see where there is the greatest need for teachers.

Q - What if I can't get a job?
A - If you have received your degree in good academic standing, passed your licensure exam, and applied for all available jobs, but have still not been able to gain employment, at the end of one year of searching, we will provide you with one year's loan forgiveness ($4,000).