Teacher Residency

The School of Education’s teacher residency pathway is designed to provide aspiring teachers with a high-quality practical experience while working towards a California teaching credential and a master’s degree in education, with an emphasis in teaching and learning.

The residency approach is similar to the medical school residency in which physicians are trained alongside clinicians in hospitals and similar to the idea of attorneys entering their field through full-time clerkships. Teacher Residents are placed in PK-12 classrooms and work alongside a Resident Mentor (veteran teacher). Instead of a short student-teaching stint with lengthy observations, Residents spend more time leading a classroom before earning their credential while learning from mentor teachers, faculty, and university supervisors.

What are the benefits of a Residency?

• Experiential learning: Integrated coursework and clinical practice to support Residents as they move gradually into the profession
• Continuous support: Residents are supported by a Resident Mentor (veteran teacher), faculty, academic advisor, and a University Supervisor throughout their time in the residency.
• Financial Support: Stipends are awarded to Residents to support their full-time commitment; a pathway into teaching for students coming from challenging economic circumstances. Stipends will vary by district or charter.
• Employment upon program completion: Residencies include a conditional job offer. Contracts and stipulations will vary by district or charter.
• Hands-on Experience: Residents spend one full academic year immersed in a Resident Mentor’s classroom making connections between theory and practice. Direct engagement with PK-12 learners as the Resident learns how to design and facilitate instruction while gaining hands-on experience using learner data to inform instructional decisions.

Who is eligible?

Teacher Residency Admission Requirements

1. Acceptance into the MALT or credential-only teacher preparation program
2. Evidence of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution-minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
3. Evidence of Subject Matter Competency
4. Evidence of a substitute teacher permit (or willingness to apply for one)
5. Interview with the faculty and the district
6. Desire to teach at the appointed district/charter for up to 4 years following program completion

Interested in taking the next step to becoming a teacher? Request more information or get started on your application today!