Big Apple Award Recipients Serve as Big Apple Fellows
After being awarded, recipients serve as Big Apple Fellows during the following school year. In addition to continuing their amazing work in the classroom, Fellows have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and expertise in education through leadership development sessions and engagement in the Chancellor's Teacher Advisory Council.
The year-long fellowship experience focuses on three main goals:
- Engagement with senior leadership regarding citywide policies and programs
- Sharing excellent teaching practice with colleagues
- Taking part in unique leadership development experiences
Reflections from Previous Big Apple Fellows
On Participating in the Chancellor’s Teacher Advisory Council:
“It was an honor to be part of a select group of teachers with access to speak with the Chancellor. We were asked to share our opinions on policies, how we felt certain initiatives were working, and so on. We were also given free time to speak with the Chancellor about issues we were facing in our own teaching careers. The Chancellor shared valuable suggestions on how to troubleshoot problems that we faced. We were able to see that our leader was caring, knowledgeable, and had a strong and clear vision on how to enhance the educational system in New York. It was unforgettable and a highlight of my Big Apple experience!”
On the Fellows’ Network
“The Big Apple Fellowship has been a humbling experience. Over the last ten months, there have been so many enriching experiences, but nothing has been more important than the development of a professional community of top-notch teachers. The best part about this community was that it didn’t end when the meeting ended; I had the luxury of having expert teachers at my fingertips for any teaching advice I needed. The ability to work with colleagues from across the city and bounce ideas and information off of each other has been an absolute pleasure. They have helped me grow as a teacher, but more importantly as a leader.”
“I have learned so much about the DOE, have been inspired by the chancellor and by the other Fellows in my cohort, I learned to advocate for myself and for change, and I learned that there is a greater education world out there outside of my own school. I am so, so grateful and have been deeply impacted by this year. Truly life-changing.”
On Developing Leadership Skills
“Being a Big Apple Fellow has given me the opportunity to learn more about myself as a teacher leader and aspiring school leader. The Fellowship Year experience is an exemplary model for adult learning. Through self-assessment, reading, workshops, group support, and reflection, I have been able to harness my strengths to become a more effective teacher leader. We are invested in authentic work that resonates with us personally, while also connecting us to the broader educational movement in our city."
“I have had the experience to listen and to interact with amazing educators whose passion for teaching is outstanding. By listening to their experience and by engaging in multiple professional developments with them, I have had the opportunity to grow as an educator and as a person. For example, during our PD with New York Peace Institute, I learned how to deliver a message clearly. I learned to think about what I wanted to really say and how I could say it. This helped me deliver clearer messages and share my ideas in a clear and coherent manner.”
“The 360 feedback process was incredible in helping me understand how I view myself and my strengths and areas of growth, as well as how my leadership is seen and valued by others. I took away essential understandings of how to improve my leadership style and how to become a more effective leader.”