A new report outlines what makes certain teacher “residency” programs stand out, offering lessons for other residency programs and the teacher-preparation field as a whole.
The report, released by Urban Teacher Residency United, a nonprofit group that supports and sustain residency programs, focuses on two programs: the Denver Teacher Residency, which prepares candidates for that city’s schools, and the Aspire Teacher Residency, run by the Aspire charter school chain. It identifies five features of high-quality programs:
• Rigorous and intentional recruitment and selection practices;
• Relevant coursework and seminars;
• Structured coaching and feedback of student-teachers;
• Assessment and evaluation focused on continual improvement; and
• Partnerships with schools and school systems that share program values.
