Office of Clinical Studies
UD Teacher Residency Program (UDTR)
| In fall 2020, University of Delaware launched their first residency program cohort with eighteen ECE and ETE students across four districts in Delaware. We have collaborated with Indian River School District, Milford School District, Providence Creek Academy, and Red Clay Consolidated School District to create a residency program that will prepare pre-service students for their future careers in high needs schools. |
| What is a teacher residency program?
Teacher residency programs are district-serving teacher education programs that pair a rigorous full-year classroom apprenticeship with college coursework. Building on the medical residency model, teacher residency programs provide residents with both the underlying theory of effective teaching and a year-long, in-school “residency” in which they practice and hone their skills and knowledge alongside an effective teacher-mentor in a high-need classroom. New teacher residents receive stipends as they learn to teach, and commit to teaching in their districts for three years beyond the residency.
What is the purpose of a teacher residency program? Teacher residency programs surfaced in response to the need to address nationwide teacher shortages and to increase the diversity of the teaching workforce. Additionally, since recent research reveals many novice teachers feel underprepared to meet the needs of students in high needs schools upon graduation from teacher preparation programs, it is expected that more intensive, evidence-based practice through residency programs can prepare residents to be good on day one and great over time. Teachers who do not feel prepared tend to leave the field much earlier than those who are better prepared. Currently, the nation is experiencing a shortage of qualified teachers in high needs schools and high needs content areas. In particular, there is a great need for teachers in the following content area: special education, science, mathematics, and foreign languages. Additionally, there is an urgent need to diversify the workforce. As the nation’s students become more diverse, there is a great need for teachers of color. Research shows that Black students who have just one Black teacher in elementary school are more likely to graduate from high school and consider going to college. However, only 7 percent of teachers are Black. Teacher residency programs aim specifically to recruit people of color to address this need. Our goal is to establish a new pathway that will focus on preparing the residents by providing training and support in high needs placements so that we can retain quality teachers in high need communities. |
| If you are an elementary or early childhood major who will be pursuing certification in special education or ESL and are interested in being part of the 2021 residency cohort, please see the criteria below.
Applicant Criteria: · Must be a rising junior in ECE or ETE who is eligible to begin student teaching in the fall of 2021. · Preferred overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. · Must have outstanding evaluations on all field experiences prior to student teaching. · Must have demonstrated professional behavior throughout their undergraduate career in classes and field experiences. Please contact Jamie Bailey, jamierb@udel.edu or Krissy Najera, knajera@udel.edu with any questions. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long is the residency? Residents will begin in mid-August with a summer professional development institute and continue until the last day of school. Residents will have time off to study for finals, but will follow the school district calendar. Even though UD’s semester ends on the last day of finals, school districts continue, typically, until December 22nd (see district calendar to confirm).
- How do I apply? There will be overview orientations during the first two weeks of the fall semester. Once we have had an opportunity to meet with all students that will enter student teaching during fall 2021, we will open the online application and you will be able to apply directly through this site.
- How are residents selected? A portion of the application process will consist of two recorded essay responses and students will have a chance to rank the districts they would like to pursue for a residency placement. Student’s district rankings will be taken into consideration by each district. Representatives from University of Delaware and districts across the state will review all applications and submit names of students they would like to interview. We will announce final selections once all districts have had a chance to interview their selected candidates.
- How much is the stipend? Residents will receive up to $20,000 during their residency year. Students are also able to substitute for their clinical educator throughout the year and receive additional pay.
- Do I get UD’s spring break and the district’s? Residents follow the district calendar and take the district spring break. Residents are required to be at their school during UD’s spring break.
- What happens if I decide not to teach in Delaware after my residency year? Upon acceptance of the residency, you will need to sign a promissory note with the Delaware Department of Education that states you will repay your entire stipend should you not complete your three years of teaching in the state.
- Do I have to live in Sussex County to accept a residency placement there? No, all resident candidates are welcomed. However, having relatives that live in that area could make it easier for housing. Milford and Indian River School Districts are willing to assist in finding housing for residents that do not have housing available to them.