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.
We invite School District of Philadelphia teachers grades 3–8 to join their peers who are voluntarily using service-learning as an effective way to help students learn while meeting state and local standards.
We provide all new members with an extensive 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.
In addition, we invite all active members of the Teacher Network to
- share classroom projects in progress
- apply for mini-grants to support the student projects
- participate in the annual end-of-year celebration and showcase of student projects, the Shout Out
- attend our annual teacher-recognition event, the Soirée.
Join Us
Need in Deed accepts new members of the teacher network every year.
Interested in becoming a Need in Deed teacher? Applications for the coming school year are accepted from February through May.
The process includes an application form (available on this website from February through May) and an interview with Need in Deed staff.
For more information, click here
For an application, click here
New members of the Teacher Network participate in a structured, two-year process of in-depth learning:
- A summer institute focused on using 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.
We offer experienced members of the Teacher Network 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