Teacher Residencies

Many schools struggle to find and keep qualified teachers. Modeled after medical residencies, teacher residency programs are one evidence-based approach to strengthening teacher preparation. In these partnerships between preparation programs and school districts, teacher candidates (called “residents”) are paired with an expert mentor teacher in the classroom for a full year. At the same time, residents complete highly integrated credentialing coursework focused on skills for successful teaching. To make this possible financially, partner districts typically provide residents with a stipend or other support during their training year, and in return residents make a multiyear commitment to teach in the district. This model aligns preparation with local workforce needs and builds a more stable pipeline of well-prepared teachers.

Growing research indicates that graduates of residency programs are effective and typically remain in the profession at higher rates than new teachers prepared through other pathways. Because well-prepared teachers tend to stay in their schools and in the profession longer, residencies also help address the country’s persistent teacher shortages.

High-quality residency programs feature strong district–preparation program partnerships, expert mentor teachers, integrated clinical practice and coursework, financial stipends, and ongoing induction support. They are also designed to staff high-need fields and diversify the teacher workforce, helping districts strengthen instructional quality and stability where it is needed most.