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The Toby Pulanco Fellowship for Aspiring Special Educators

  /  The Toby Pulanco Fellowship for Aspiring Special Educators

This Fellowship offers an immersive experience for individuals passionate about supporting learners with disability. Named in honour of Toby Pulanco, one of Gateway New York’s most cherished educational leaders, this fellowship reflects her enduring legacy. Over her 50-year career, Toby, an Occupational Therapist and Special Educator, shaped Gateway New York’s pedagogy with her emphasis on the importance of the body and movement in learning, understanding the ‘whys’ behind student behaviours, and building on their strengths. Fellows in this programme will embody Toby’s philosophy, engaging deeply with learners, families, and educators while benefiting from extensive professional learning opportunities at Gateway Mumbai. These include workshops, classroom observations, and close collaboration with co-teachers who serve as both mentors and daily planning partners. Beyond the classroom, fellows can contribute to Gateway Mumbai’s initiatives, such as communications, research, and technology. This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to grow as an educator while honouring Toby’s commitment to placing learners at the heart of learning.

Who is this fellowship for?

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:

Application window opens: 10 Jan 2025

Application window closes: 1 Apr 2025, or when positions are filled, whichever is earlier

Fellowship dates: 1 Jun 2025 to 1 May 2027

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