Designed to inspire, inform and renew teachers so that their students flourish
Designed by Teachers for Teachers
Teachers choose their career because they love students and learning. However, when facing the great challenges of the profession, daily stresses can outweigh the joy of teaching and leave one depleted. The Teacher Renewal Fellowship (TRF) is offered as a means of refreshment and vision, reigniting a teacher’s passion for learning.
This collaborative journey centers around a hybrid approach to learning. Two all day experiences at one of The Oaks Academy’s campuses in Indianapolis, IN will serve as the program’s bookends, while virtual follow-ups and online curriculum will give way for supportive learning and consistent connection. Inspiring presentations based on a strategic educational philosophy intermixed with robust conversations and classroom observations will energize one’s perspective and provide practical tools for effectively supporting students.
Philosophy Informing Pedagogy
Explore a Proven Education Ideology
Observe Teaching Tools In Action
Gain Practical Tools and Resources
Learn to Create a Joy-Filled Classroom
Engage in Meaningful Dialogue with Peers
Time to Reflect on Best Practices
Program Leadership
Laura Grammer serves as the Head of School of The Oaks Academy Middle School, a highly successful independent school serving a diverse student body in the urban core of Indianapolis. She has a master’s degree in educational leadership and spent many years teaching in the Chicago Public Schools.
After moving back to Indianapolis with her family, Laura was selected as Indianapolis Public Schools Teacher of the Year in 2000. Through her 29 year career in education, she has enjoyed leading the hiring and professional development of faculty and inspiring others to think deeply about how students are motivated to lead mature and virtuous lives. Laura has also served as a board member and chair of the education committee for the Indianapolis Classical Schools, a nationally recognized charter school network in Indianapolis.
Jennifer Houdek serves as the Director of Academics for The Oaks Academy. She holds a master’s degree in teaching from Pace University and a certificate of advanced study in school leadership and administration from National Louis University.
A Teach For America New York alumna, Jennifer has experience teaching and leading in traditional public, charter and independent schools.
2022 - 2023 Schedule
Orientation (virtual) | Thursday, Aug 31, 2023 (9 – 10:30 AM)
Embracing Your Philosophy
Residency Day (in person) | Tuesday, Sept 19, 2023
Video Series Part 1: Supporting Student Behavior (online) | October 2023
Cohort Session (virtual) | Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Fall Forum (Optional, virtual IEF gathering) | November 2, 2023 (9 – 10:30 AM)
Engaging Your Students
Video Series Part 2: Student Behavior and Habit Formation (online) | December 2023 / January 2024
Cohort Session (in person) | Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024 (snow date: Tuesday, January 16th, 2024)
Spring Forum (Optional, virtual IEF gathering) | March 7, 2024 (9 – 10:30 AM)
Empowering Your Pedagogy
Residency Day (in person) | Thursday, March 7, 2024
Cohort Session (virtual) | Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Residency Days are extended learning experiences with a blend of reflection through moderated exercises and readings, as well as classroom observations with detailed debriefs. These days are held in person from 9am to 2:30pm.
Cohort Sessions will consist of reviewing residency lessons and group issue processing opportunities from 9:00 to 10:30. Guiding questions will be provided to support campus specific group discussion and reflection between 10:30 and noon.
Applications for the 2023 - 2024 Fellowship Class will open March 1, 2023
Apply Today!
Applications for the 2024 - 2025 Fellowship Class (Class II) will close on July 31, 2023.
Have a question or want to learn more about the TRF?
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