FACULTY FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Fellows Program at Franklin Road Academy is designed to give one year of training and guided teaching experience to recent graduates considering independent school teaching as a career. The program provides candidates with little teaching experience the opportunity to hone their craft and pedagogy in a supportive environment while engaging with our students inside and outside the classroom. Faculty fellows will work daily alongside a mentor teacher and participate fully in the professional activities and responsibilities of our permanent faculty. The Fellows Program is designed with a scaffold approach that allows for increased responsibility throughout the school year.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Salary
- Furnished housing, internet, and utilities
- Opportunity to enroll in health, dental, life, vision, and long-term disability plans
- Opportunity to enroll in health savings accounts to offset the cost of certain health costs.
Faculty Fellow applications for 2027-28 will open on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The application for the 2027–28 Faculty Fellows Program will open on Monday, November 9th, 2026. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of emerging educators who are passionate about learning, collaboration, and contributing to the FRA community. For questions about the program or application process, please contact Shannon Murphy via email.
ACADEMIC ASSIGNMENTS
- During the school year, each fellow will be paired with a mentor teacher in their discipline to collaborate on lesson planning, academic feedback, curriculum design, and classroom instruction.
- When appropriate, fellows will assume instructional duties in their mentor teachers’ classrooms.
- Fellows will serve as members of one of the three school divisions, attending all-faculty meetings and professional development days.
- Fellows will help students in small groups and in one-on-one tutorial sessions, both during the afternoon tutorial period or study hall and as a supplement to their mentor teacher’s classes when appropriate.
CO-CURRICULAR ASSIGNMENTS
- Fellows will assist or help lead co-curricular activities each season.
- Head coaches will serve as additional mentors to the fellows, helping them develop their leadership and program-building skills outside the classroom.
- Fellows will participate in spring experiential learning trips and opportunities, helping lead students on mission trips, coordinating local learning endeavors, and assisting with chaperone duties.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Fellows will participate in regular teaching seminars led by a local university professor. This local expert also observes teaching four times a year. During seminar sessions, fellows will focus on both philosophical and practical topics, helping them develop their own teaching philosophies while also building proficiency in classroom management, assessment, feedback, lesson design, and instruction delivery.
2026-27 Faculty Fellows
Andy Bruder
Mentor Teacher: Matthew Bounds
Upper School Computer Science
Andy Bruder joins the Faculty Fellows Program as a member of the Upper School Computer Science Department, where he will work alongside Matthew Bounds. Originally from Ankeny, Iowa, Andy earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Cybersecurity from Iowa State University. During his time at Iowa State, he served as a tutor and peer mentor within the Computer Science program, experiences that sparked his interest in education and ultimately brought him to FRA.
Now entering his second year at FRA, Andy spent his first year supporting the school's 1:1 technology program through the Help Desk, assisting students, faculty, and staff with a wide range of technology needs. This year, he looks forward to bringing that experience into the classroom while continuing his work with Middle School Robotics and assisting with lacrosse.
When he's not in the classroom or coaching, Andy enjoys cooking, golfing, and watching movies.
Elias Espinosa
Mentor Teacher: Stephanie Feyes
Upper School Biology
Elias Espinosa is excited to join the FRA community as a Faculty Fellow in the upper school science department, where he will work alongside Stephanie Feyes to teach biology. Originally from Leonia, New Jersey, just outside New York City, Elias attended Bergen Catholic High School, where he played varsity baseball and basketball and developed a passion for leadership, teamwork, and mentorship.
Elias earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Connecticut College. During his time there, he served as vice president of the Athletes of Color Coalition, captain of the varsity men's basketball team, and the NESCAC DEI Student-Athlete Representative. These experiences strengthened his commitment to building meaningful relationships and supporting students as they grow both academically and personally.
Outside the classroom, Elias is excited to contribute to the FRA community through athletics, coaching soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, golfing, coaching, and staying active. He looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for learning and athletics while building lasting connections with students and families at FRA.
Chayil Garnett
Mentor Teacher: Kaylee Shackleford and Matt Hanson
Upper School Counseling & Middle School Strength and Conditioning
Chayil Garnett returns to FRA for his second year as a Faculty Fellow and Upper School Counselor. A graduate of Tennessee State University, Chayil holds both a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health. He is also a proud member of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology.
Chayil brings a strong background in both counseling and athletics. As a student-athlete, he played quarterback at Auburn University and Tennessee State University, and spent four years as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at TSU. Through these experiences, he developed a passion for mentoring and supporting young people both on and off the field.
In addition to his work with students, Chayil will continue to support FRA athletics through football, basketball, and track. He is excited to build on the relationships he established during his first year and continue serving the FRA community.
Caroline Rooney
Mentor Teacher: Chelsea Anstead
Middle School Math
Caroline Rooney is excited to join the FRA community as a Faculty Fellow in sixth-grade math, working alongside Chelsea Anstead. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Caroline recently graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. During her time at Pepperdine, she served as a tour guide and orientation leader, held a leadership role on her sorority's executive council, and spent a year studying abroad in London, England.
In addition to teaching math, Caroline looks forward to supporting the FRA community through tennis, cheerleading, and track. When she's not in the classroom or on the sidelines, she enjoys hiking, baking, and serving at her church. Caroline is grateful for the opportunity to join the FRAmily and is excited to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Testimonials
“The Faculty Fellows program is intentionally designed to offer a full and authentic immersion into the culture and practices of a leading independent school. The community here welcomes fellows as valued contributors, invests deeply in their development, and models the fulfillment of a sincerely Christ-centered institution.”
Garrett Huyck Former Faculty Fellow, Current FRA Faculty
“The Faculty Fellows program’s gradual, hands-on exposure to teaching in a supportive environment allowed me to develop skills and confidence that can’t be gained in a traditional college classroom. Throughout my fellowship, I felt unwavering support from the entire staff. I am grateful for the confidence, mentorship, and pathway to full time teaching that FRA has provided.”
Kristin Adair Former Faculty Fellow, Current FRA Faculty
“The Faculty Fellows Program offers young educators a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and explore their interests within the world of independent schools. It's mentorship model and flexibility allow fellows to gain valuable experience in teaching, coaching, and school life while being supported by a community that is deeply invested in their success.”
John Harris Former Faculty Fellow, Current FRA Faculty