Why choose a residency?
Earn a Paycheck
Mentorship
Real Experience
What is a Teacher Residency?
A teacher residency program is a training path to become a certified teacher. Once you’re accepted into a residency program, your program will place you in a school.
As a teacher resident, you’ll typically spend a full year working in a classroom alongside a mentor teacher. You’ll get hands-on experience, build your skills and take classes outside of school hours.
During your residency, you’ll earn a salary or a stipend and learn from the best teachers in your field. When you graduate, you’ll generally commit to teaching in your school district for a certain period of time.
How do I get started?
- 1
Meet residency requirements
Before you start your residency, you may need to meet a few requirements, such as:
- Meet any coursework requirements: For most residencies, you’ll need to have finished a bachelor’s degree and have completed coursework in your future teaching subject. Check with your program about specific requirements.
- Pass the Content Test: Before you start, you may need to pass a content exam, such as the Praxis II test in your subject area. Check with your program about their requirements.
- 2
Apply to teacher residency programs
If you’ve met the residency prerequisites, you can start applying to residency programs!
- 3
Earn while you learn
As a teacher resident, you’ll get paid from day one. You’ll also benefit from:
- Hands-on learning.
- Mentorship from experienced educators.
- Relationships with other staff and students—this can help when you’re ready to apply for full-time teaching jobs!
- A clear path toward your Connecticut teacher certification.
- 4
Get certified and hired
When you complete your residency, you can:
- Apply for your Connecticut teacher certification.
- Earn your master’s degree, depending on your program.
- Start a full-time teaching role, usually in the district where you trained. After you graduate, you’ll often commit to teaching in your district for a certain amount of time.
Make an Impact
"As a teacher resident, you’ll build a deeper, longer lasting relationship in your community. Residency teachers tend to work in the same district for a longer period of time."
- The National Center for Teacher Residencies
Residency Programs in CT
Explore ProgramsCentral Connecticut State
Explore ProgramsQuinnipiac University
Explore ProgramsRelay Graduate School
Explore ProgramsSacred Heart University
Explore ProgramsSouthern Connecticut State
Explore ProgramsUniversity of Hartford
Common Questions About Residency Programs
Talk to a Coach
Need help getting started?
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