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 14 to 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 in the elementary cohorts must take the Praxis II upon acceptance and prior to beginning their first course.

COURSEWORK

All TRP candidates must complete 14 to 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 education (Grades 1-6)*, for Connecticut state certification 165 special education (PreK-12), ad Connecticut stat certification 229 middle grades math (4-8):

- Foundations of Reading Test (elementary and special education only)
- Praxis II

Candidates will receive a minimum of one voucher for one administration for each of the three assessments while enrolled in the program.

*This becomes PK-6 as of 7/1/2025.

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 10 months of successful teaching experience as a teacher of record, candidates apply for an Initial Teaching Certification.