Learn more about our application process
The Fellowship Application
The Application Process
The Fellowship is as challenging as it is rewarding. We are looking for ambitious, resilient, and committed individuals who are passionate about our mission to end education inequity.
Online Application
Tell us about your education & work background and help us get to know you better. Demonstrate your understanding of Teach For Malaysia in your short essay responses.
Phone Interview
You will be invited for a 30-minute phone conversation with one of our Selection Team members.
Assessment Centre
You will be invited to attend a full-day assessment where you will participate in three distinct sessions: a mock teaching activity, a role playing activity, and a one-to-one interview.
Provisional Offer
Candidates for the Teaching Partner Pathway will be employed directly by Teach For Malaysia. We are accepting applications for this pathway in 2024. Should you be successful at the Assessment Centre, you will receive a conditional offer for the Fellowship, subjected to fulfillment of requirement(s).
Pre-Service Programme
You will participate in a full-time training to prepare you for the Fellowship.
Unconditional Offer & Community Placement
Upon completion of the Pre-Service Programme, you will be given an unconditional offer and matched with a high-need school for two (2) years.
Contract of Service (COS)
Candidates for COS pathway will need to fulfil requirements of the Ministry of Education, including but not limited to, the Ujian Kelayakan Calon Guru (UKCG), and an interview with the Ministry of Education. (Note: Application to this pathway is not open in 2022 but will be reopened in the future)
Teaching Partner (TPP)
Candidates for the Teaching Partner Pathway will be employed directly by Teach For Malaysia and will be matched with one of our partner schools. We are accepting applications for this pathway in 2023.
Our Ideal Candidates
Teach For Malaysia Fellows come from very diverse backgrounds, but are united through a strong belief and purpose in the organisation’s mission. Our leadership competencies below should give you an idea of what we search for in our candidates and what we focus on further developing in your 2-year journey.
Motivation & Drive
You seek challenges and you understand that the path to success requires hard work. You have initiative, you are organised and you increase your effort as new challenges arise. As such, you achieve ambitious results.
Change Potential
You adapt to new and unfamiliar situations. You are versatile in ambiguous situations. You remain calm and confident when the best laid plans do not materialise and you integrate new input or context into a flexible plan.
People & Potential
You are able to work effectively and collectively in teams. You are aware of your impact on others. You listen, encourage participation and engagement to influence others. you create a positive culture for others especially in challenging situations.
Intellectual & Learning Potential
You are aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, you are comfortable giving as well as receiving feedback and coaching. You have a strong growth mindset and actively develop learning opportunities. You reflect and challenge your own assumptions.
Respect & Humility
You do not generalise as you seek the best in other people’s wisdom despite it contradicting your own beliefs. You seek to understand and empathise with others. You understand that you are not an expert in ending education inequity and you are grounded in the limitations of your experience.
Sense of Possibility
You dream big. You can mentally visualize different versions of the future. You are fearless in your pursuit of that dream. You motivate others to do the same. You do not dwell on setbacks and you see new opportunities in every crisis.
Communication
You command a presence through clear, compelling and passionate communication. You can adapt your communication style to different audiences in different situations. You are proficient in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
Mission Fit
Your personal vision and mission aligns with Teach For Malaysia’s. You are motivated to succeed as a Fellow on the 2-year leadership development programme. You are realistic that the mission would not be achieved overnight and you continue serving the mission in whichever pathway you choose as an Alum. You understand that the 2-year programme isn’t “just another teaching job”.
Tips For Your Application
Do Your Homework
We are looking for people who are aligned and committed to our Mission and Vision. Strengthen your understanding of the Fellowship by reading through our website, blog, and social media posts.
Use Your Best Examples
You will be asked to describe examples of past experiences so we may get to know you better. We recommend that you take time to consider the examples you use. We are more interested in the skills and behaviour you demonstrated than the opportunities you have had. You may draw on professional, volunteer, personal, or academic experiences.
Structure Your Answers
We recommend you structure your answers according to the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Results. This ensures you provide comprehensive responses to our questions which will help us evaluate your application better.
Always Double-check
Before you submit your application, take a little extra time to double-check your responses. Avoid unprofessional language and grammatical errors, and most importantly, make sure all your responses are relevant to the questions.
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