Explore the benefits of AmeriCorps while earning your teaching certification through the Educator Academy’s teacher residency program.
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a teacher but are concerned about the financial and professional hurdles, The Educator Academy’s Residency Program offers a paid, supported pathway into the classroom. Thanks to our partnership with AmeriCorps, residents receive financial assistance, hands-on training, and career support—all while working toward full teacher certification.
What Is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides individuals with opportunities to serve their communities while receiving financial and professional benefits. As an AmeriCorps member, you commit to a period of service and gain access to a stipend, grants, student loan benefits, and career development opportunities.
At The Educator Academy, our teacher residents serve as AmeriCorps members, making their transition into the classroom more affordable and accessible, while giving back to their communities.
How The Educator Academy Residency Program Works
Our residency program prepares aspiring teachers by providing hands-on experience in real classrooms around Kansas City. For the first year of their four-year commitment, residents work alongside a mentor teacher in one of our partner schools and gradually take on more responsibilities in the classroom while earning their teaching certification.
As a resident, you’ll receive:
- A stipend to help cover living expenses.
- Daily classroom experience with expert coaching and support.
- Full teacher certification within one year.
- Exclusive AmeriCorps benefits to support your journey into teaching.
- Coaching and mentorship to set you up for a successful career in education.
The Benefits of AmeriCorps for Educator Academy Residents
By serving as an AmeriCorps member, residents gain access to additional financial, professional, and personal benefits that make the transition into teaching easier and more sustainable.
1. Living Stipend
AmeriCorps provides a modest stipend – currently $25,000 for the 24-25 program year – to help cover living expenses during your residency year. This allows you to focus on your training and education without the added stress of full-time employment outside the program.
2. Segal Education Award
Upon completing your service year, AmeriCorps members are eligible for a Segal Education Award of $7,395. This award can be used to:
- Repay federal student loans
- Cover tuition costs for further education
This grant makes it easier to continue your education or reduce your debt as you start your teaching career.
3. Student Loan Deferment & Interest Forgiveness
If you have federal student loans, you may qualify for loan deferment during your residency year. Additionally, AmeriCorps covers any accrued interest, reducing your overall loan burden. This means less financial stress as you transition into a teaching career.
4. Childcare Assistance
AmeriCorps offers childcare assistance to eligible members, making it easier for parents to participate in the residency program while balancing family responsibilities. Learn more about the AmeriCorps Childcare Benefit.
5. Hands-On Experience & Professional Development
Instead of spending years in a traditional certification program, The Educator Academy Residency allows you to train in the classroom from day one. You’ll gain:
- Mentorship from experienced teachers
- Practical, real-world teaching experience
- Ongoing coaching and career support
By the end of your service year, you’ll be fully certified and ready to lead your own classroom. Read more about the certification journey and AmeriCorps experience through the eyes of a member.
6. Pathway to Full-Time Employment
Kansas City-area schools value Educator Academy residents because they graduate with a full year of real classroom experience. Resident graduates commit to teaching as Full-time teacher of record for 3 years in a partner school of The Educator Academy. Throughout the duration of the teaching commitment, The EA continues to provide development and support through professional development opportunities, coaching, and community events.
Start Your Teaching Journey with AmeriCorps & The Educator Academy
Becoming a teacher doesn’t have to mean taking on student loan debt or navigating the process alone. The Educator Academy Residency Program provides a structured, affordable pathway to certification, with financial support and hands-on training through AmeriCorps.
Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 residency cohort! Apply today to start your journey toward a rewarding career in education.