When does the program start and end?
Volunteers begin the program during the last full week in June and will complete the Master’s degree by the first week in August two years later.
What program should I apply for in the Lynch School if I want to pursue a Master’s degree?
The large majority of UCTCers complete the Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction. Other program options are listed on our Master's Program Options page.
If you would like to apply to one of the eligible degree programs other than the Curriculum & Instruction degree, we recommend that you discuss the logistics of this with the UCTC Director ahead of time.
If I am admitted to the Lynch School and the UCTC, how much tuition will be covered by the program?
If you are admitted to both the UCTC and the Lynch School, the UCTC will cover tuition for the first 6 courses, or 24 credits. The remaining 2 courses, or 6 credits, will be paid for by the UCTC if you commit to teaching in a Catholic school for your first year out of the UCTC. If you choose not to teach in a Catholic school during your first year after the UCTC, you are responsible for paying for these final 3 courses yourself, usually with either your AmeriCorps Education Award or additional loans.
Can I apply if I don’t have an undergraduate degree or concentration/minor in education?
Corps members must have a bachelor’s degree with either a major or minor or concentration in education. Corp's members must have done a semester of student teaching or a year of supervised teaching and be eligible for state certification in order to qualify to be a part of the UCTC.
Where will I teach? Can I choose where and what I will teach?
UCTC Volunteers teach in schools across the city of Boston, but all IN the city of Boston. UCTC teachers work in preK through 12th grade. Secondary teachers will only be placed in their certified subject area. Elementary teachers indicate on the application their top three grade-level choices and we do our best to match these requests. UCTC volunteers do not get to give preference or select a school to teach in, but we do our best to let accepted applicants know their school placement when they receive a program offer.
What does “living in intentional community” really mean?
You will live in the UCTC Community Residence in Dorchester (a part of Boston) with the other 12 UCTC members and a house manager. The Community residence is actually a convent, so it’s a mix between a big house and a dorm living situation. Each member has his/her own bedroom and shares an office room with another Corps members. There are many nice large community gathering spaces.
Living in intentional community means pooling your resources to purchase food and other necessities. Dinner is eaten together as a community on Monday through Thursday nights and the community gathers weekly to pray and spend time together. The community makes a commitment to spend some free time together (usually a monthly community event is planned) as opposed to just being roommates.
What will I get paid?What will I have to pay for?
You will receive a modest living stipend of about $10,000 from the program. Your rent, utilities, and medical and dental benefits will be paid for you.You will be responsible for personal expenses, personal travel, text books, and car expenses (most of our placements require a vehicle).
If I have student loans from the past, can I get them deferred or forgiven by the UCTC?
As a participating in the AmeriCorps Education Award Program, your government student loans are eligible for forbearance. Any private loans you have may or may not be eligible-you have to contact your vendor to ask. You may also qualify for partial cancellation of Perkins loans depending on where and what you teach.
What is an AmeriCorps Education Award? For what can it be used?
UCTC members may participate in the AmeriCorps Education Award Program and, during the two year commitment, may earn two Education Award Vouchers of $4,725 to be used for further graduate study or to pay off student loans.
Will I receive health and dental insurance while I am participating in the program?
Yes, UCTC volunteers do receive health and dental insurance through the Archdiocese Catholic School Office. Coverage beings September 1 of your first year in the program and ends August 31 of your second year in the program.
If I am in the UCTC, do I need to have a car?
The large majority of our UCTC placements do require a car as our UCTC residence is not conveniently off of public transportation.
What should I do if I have other questions?
Please contact us! We would love to help and get to know you better and can also put you in contact with a current Corps member or alum should you desire.
uctc@bc.edu
Karen Kennedy
Director
(617) 552-0602
Meghan Scheffler
Administrative Assistant
(617) 552-8794