The Residency

THE RESIDENT EXPERIENCE

The Teacher Residency Program is an alternate route to elementary certification that embraces a different approach to attract and retain teachers of color (residents) in CT:

- TRP provides hands-on training for underemployed or unemployed adults with a pathway to a lifelong career and economic stability
- Residents participate in courses for 18 months and work with a mentor teacher for one school year while receiving pay and benefits.
- Residents are eligible for a full-time teaching position upon completion of the program and certification requirements

PRE-PROGRAM

Once accepted, candidates participate in:

- Orientation Meeting: Enrolled students must attend a mandatory orientation session. Students will review the Teacher Residency Handbook, have an opportunity to meet with program staff and faculty, tour the facility, and may receive additional assignments.
- Praxis II: Students must take the Praxis II upon acceptance and prior to beginning their first course.

COURSEWORK

All TRP candidates must complete 18 months of coursework beginning in June. Courses run 6 weeks in the summer, Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the residency and 6 weeks the following summer. There are bi-monthly cohort meetings during the school year. For a list of this year’s course schedule click here: Sample Course Schedule.

RESIDENCY

Each candidate serves in a resident position under the guise of a mentor teacher for the 10 month academic school year and attend district and school-based professional development sessions. From before school starts, residents are involved in all aspects of what it means to be a classroom teacher.

ASSESSMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION

Candidates must pass the following assessments for Connecticut state certification 305 elementary grades 1-6.

- Foundations of Reading Test
- edTPA
- Praxis II*

Candidates will receive a minimum of one voucher for one administration for each of the three assessments while enrolled in the program.
*Praxis II is a pre-program requirement for admission.

YEAR 1 TEACHING

Candidates who successfully meet certification and program requirements are eligible to serve as a full time teacher of record in a partner district during the second year of the program. During the first 4 months, they take a class called Planning Seminar and are mentored by a Sponsor Teacher for support. After successful experience, candidates apply for an Initial Teaching Certification.