What Is a Teacher Residency?
There are many pathways to becoming a teacher, from enrolling in university credentialing programs to teacher internships. Teacher residencies are one option that allow aspiring teachers to get hands-on experience in the classroom. Read more to find out if a residency program is right for you.
A teacher residency is one pathway to earn a teaching credential and start a career as a teacher. Similar to a medical residency, teacher residency programs follow an apprenticeship model, where aspiring teachers (or Residents) train alongside an experienced teacher with a hands-on approach to learning the craft of teaching.
Teacher residency programs generally include the following:
- An emphasis on formal and informal coaching and feedback to support the Resident in their development
- Placement in the same school for the full length of the residency program, generally a full year
- A gradual release of responsibility as the Resident builds their skill and confidence in the classroom
- Priority in the hiring process at the school where the Resident completed the program
- Coursework closely linked to the classroom experience that also leads to a teaching credential
- A living stipend to provide financial assistance during the residency year
- A diverse cohort of peers to learn alongside and provide a community
- Mentorship and support throughout the residency and beyond
Other pathways into teaching include a university-based student teaching program or an internship program. While both of these pathways result in a teaching credential, the residency model provides a unique opportunity for true apprenticeship that is intentional and coherent, and a strong foundation to the start of a career.
The research on teacher residency programs is clear.
- 62% of teacher residents identify as people of color, compared to 22% of all new teachers nationally (NCTR Annual Impact Report 2019–2020, U.S. Department of Education, 2016).
- Teachers trained in residency programs stay in the profession longer than those trained in other credentialing pathways (Learning Policy Institute, 2016).
- Residency programs uplift the profession of teaching, not only by creating a preparation pathway that acknowledges the complexity of teaching but also by creating opportunities for professional development and leadership for practicing teachers who host Residents in their classrooms (Learning Policy Institute, 2016).
If you are eager to begin your work with students while also valuing time to practice and receive feedback while you develop your skills as a teacher, a residency program is a great fit for you.
The Marshall Teacher Residency is a one-year educator preparation program that is opening the door for talented, diverse educators who are committed to transforming education through student-centered, innovative classrooms. Formerly known as the Summit Learning Teacher Residency, the program has trained over 100 educators in public schools across California. Interested in joining the Residency? Learn more about the program and apply.
