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    The Fellowship

    The Toby Pulanco Fellowship for Aspiring Special Educators

    The Toby Pulanco Fellowship for Aspiring Special Educators offers an immersive, values-driven experience for individuals passionate about supporting learners with disabilities. Rooted in Gateway’s commitment to inclusive, learner-centred education, the fellowship prepares educators to engage deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and lead with purpose.

    The fellowship is named in honour of Toby Pulanco, one of Gateway New York’s most cherished educational leaders, and reflects her enduring legacy. Over a remarkable 50-year career as an Occupational Therapist and Special Educator, Toby shaped Gateway New York’s pedagogy through her belief in the importance of the body and movement in learning, understanding the “why” behind student behaviour, and building on each learner’s strengths. Her philosophy continues to guide Gateway’s approach to teaching and learning.

    At Gateway Mumbai, fellows embody this philosophy through meaningful engagement with learners, families, and educators. They benefit from extensive professional learning opportunities, including workshops, classroom observations, and close collaboration with co-teachers who serve as mentors and daily planning partners. Beyond the classroom, fellows are encouraged to contribute to Gateway Mumbai’s wider initiatives in areas such as communication, research, and technology.

    As part of this journey, fellows also gain the opportunity to earn a Diploma from Cambridge International Education. The Gateway School of Mumbai is an approved Cambridge Professional Development Centre, registered to offer Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications. This ensures that the learning experience is not only deeply impactful but also globally recognised. Our fellowship doesn’t just train you—it gives you clarity, confidence, and the purpose to build a career that truly makes a difference.

    The Toby Pulanco Fellowship is more than a programme; it is a pathway to becoming a reflective, skilled, and compassionate educator, while honouring Toby’s lifelong commitment to placing learners at the heart of learning.

     

    Graduates exploring opportunities after college

    Individuals looking to switch to a career in Education

    Duration:

    2 years, full time

    Minimum requirement:

    Graduation in any field.

    How to apply:

    Candidates can apply on fellowship@gatewayschoolmumbai.org with the following:
    1. Personal Statement of Purpose: A thoughtful essay explaining your motivation for applying to the fellowship, your career goals, and how the fellowship aligns with your aspirations. Discuss your qualifications and what unique perspective you can bring to the program. (250 – 400 words)
    2. Resume/CV: A detailed resume or curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your academic and professional achievements, work experience, publications, awards, and relevant skills.
    3. Letters of Recommendation: You must provide 2 letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your qualifications and potential. These letters should come from professors, employers, or other professionals who know you well.

    Important dates:

    Admissions are open.

    Application window closes: Apr 1, 2026, or when positions are filled

    Fellowship dates: June 2026 to April 2028

    What next after the fellowship:

    Here are some career paths of past candidates who have interned with us:

    Full-time employment at The Gateway School of Mumbai

    Correspondence B.Ed or M.Ed course

    Pursuing higher studies with a concentration on Special Ed/ Educational Leadership

    Stipend:

    Rs. 25,000 per month

    Fellowship Experience

    I came upon Gateway's Fellowship Programme as a recent graduate eager to learn more about special education and gain hands-on experience in the education field. Looking back now, it's the best opportunity I could have had. The training and mentorship provided at Gateway have been amazing. The balance between theory and practice has been really helpful, and I’ve especially loved the practical side. This programme has taught me patience. I've learnt how to celebrate the small wins. I’ve learned to approach challenges calmly, adapt to each child’s unique needs, and trust the process, knowing that every effort, no matter how small, makes a difference. The most rewarding moments are seeing the kids smile—it makes everything worthwhile. Professionally, this experience has given me clarity. I can definitely see myself continuing in this field and building a career in special education. It’s been fun so far and I love the fact that my first real, adult job is at Gateway—it’s truly an incredible place to work.

    Sarrah Siganporia

    Gateway's Fellowship has been one of the most enriching milestones in my career journey. Combining education with hands-on experience, this Fellowship has been a dream start to my professional life, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have my first job at Gateway. The work culture at Gateway is exceptionally warm, kind, and supportive, fostering a sense of community that makes every day fulfilling. The training and mentorship offered here are exceptional. Our Fellowship theory sessions are very interactive and insightful, bringing fresh perspectives through engaging conversations. What stands out most is that, even as a fresher, I am treated with the same respect and responsibility as an experienced teacher. This approach has instilled in me greater confidence, patience, and kindness in my work and personal life. The teaching opportunities provided by the Fellowship are immensely rewarding. Moments when students grasp concepts and apply them to real-life situations bring a sense of satisfaction that is hard to describe. Gateway offers a nurturing environment, with its focus on activities, inclusion, and therapies setting it apart from many mainstream schools. The diverse teaching techniques and strategies they employ to support each student’s unique needs are truly commendable. I would highly recommend the Gateway Teaching Fellowship Programme to recent graduates and anyone interested in making a difference in the field of education. The best part is that it welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, with no prior experience or specialised knowledge required. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone has a chance to thrive and make a positive impact.

    Seher Patel