Teacher Network

Apply for the 2024/25 school year!

Each year Need in Deed convenes a network of 3rd-8th grade Philadelphia Public School Teachers who utilize our My Voice framework to engage in social justice based service-learning in their classrooms.

Need in Deed teachers believe in students’ potential and the importance of student voice and curriculum that is connected to the real world. They are part of a vibrant network of educators who are integrating service-learning into their classroom practice as an effective way to help students learn while meeting state and local standards.

We provide all new members with an extensive, no-cost, two-year process of training, coaching, and support, and all Teacher Network members have access to ongoing professional development.

Need in Deed staff works closely with each active teacher in the network. We support each classroom, matching resources and community partners to each class and project.

Hear from TEACHERS’ about why they choose Need in Deed

When I go to the monthly network meetings and I sit down at the end of my ridiculously crazy day, I take a breath and I look around and I say, “Yes, this is why I teach.” These are the people that share my values, and we are all going back to our classrooms and touching our 30, or 90, or 180 kids in a deeper way. This is what’s going to keep American public education anchored firmly in the tradition of democracy in public schools. It’s that deep in my mind. – Need in Deed Network Teacher

Additional benefits;

• SUPPORT: a service-learning expert assigned to support you one on one, the ability to apply for mini-grants to support student projects, no cost (year round) professional development, and access to community partners who work with/connect with your students directly
• AMPLIFY STUDENT SUCCESS: participate with your students in an annual, end-of-year celebration and showcase of student projects, The Shout Out
• TEACHER RECOGNITION: attend our annual teacher-recognition awards gala and fundraiser, The Soirée

Additional Information about the Teacher Network:

New members of the Teacher Network participate in a structured, two-year process of in-depth learning:

• A summer institute focused on using our service learning framework, “My Voice”, in the classroom.
• Monthly meetings that deepen teachers’ understanding of service-learning and provide time for reflection about practice.
• One-on-one support and technical assistance from Need in Deed staff that helps teachers customize My Voice for their classrooms and identify appropriate resources and guest speakers.

After this initial period, active members of the Teacher Network continue to participate in formal learning and support activities, building on the knowledge gained through implementing My Voice in the classroom.

Experienced members of the Teacher Network are offered ongoing professional development activities:

• Quarterly gatherings to learn from each other and share resources.
• Small-group meetings to support growth in specific interest areas.
• Opportunities to share your work at Need in Deed trainings and local and national conferences.

Our presence in the profession

Need in Deed staff and members of the Teacher Network regularly share their insights and expertise with local and national audiences of educators. Most recently, we have offered workshops, professional development, and presentations for such organizations as

• National Association of Teachers of English
• National Association of Multicultural Education
• Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
• School District of Philadelphia
• Philadelphia Federation of Teachers
• Teacher Action Group

Providing my students with exposure and experience of service learning has helped them make academic connections and encouraged them to use “their voice” to advocate for change within our communities. Need In Deed’s “My Voice” benefits all of my students and has increased their critical thinking skills immensely. – Need in Deed Network Teacher