Teacher Residency
The Teacher Residency Model
All students deserve a highly-quality education. Research shows us that the greatest school factor that can impact a child’s learning outcomes is the quality of their teacher. Therefore, we are focused on recruiting, preparing, and developing highly effective teachers in the classroom. Through the teacher residency, residents complete coursework to earn certification while training under a mentor teacher. This model allows teacher residents to learn theory and apply strategies in real-time.
Residents gradually transition from observing and supporting the mentor teacher, to lead-teaching full days of instruction by the end of the school year. After the residency year is complete, graduates commit to being a teacher of record in Kansas City for at least 2 years. Throughout the entire process, The EA provides instructional coaching to our teachers to ensure they are growing to become highly effective in their classrooms.
Residency Year (1 year)
- Model emphasizes classroom experience with a mentor teacher, supplemented with coursework
- One-on-one instructional coaching from EA staff
During the Residency Year, teacher residents spend 1 day each month and 1 evening each week in EA coursework. Coursework both prepares residents for their classroom experience, and grounds them in foundational principles of instruction that will prepare them for their teaching certification and beyond. Residents also work in the classroom alongside their mentor teacher during the school week, serving students and applying their learning in real time. This model allows residents to gain substantial experience in the classroom before becoming a teacher of record. This rigorous program provides a gradual release into teaching responsibilities. EA staff support residents through coaching, and testing support, so residents are fully certified by the end of the residency year.
Teaching Commitment (2 years)
- Full-time teacher of record in a partner school of EA
- Earn full time salary through partner district
- Continue to engage in instructional coaching from EA staff
Resident graduates commit to teach for 2 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.
Residency Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Able to commit to teaching in an Educator Academy partner school for at least two years
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident
Why choose the teacher Residency Program?
Residency Benefits
The Educator Academy is dedicated to making a difference in education. Our unique teacher certification and preparation program will empower you to become the teacher that students deserve.
- Commitment to Community
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We customize our course work to be meaningful to the context of Kansas City and the specific school context in which you’ll be placed with your mentor. Through our program, teacher residents learn about the history of education in Kansas City and history of our public education system. By looking at our unique history, we prepare teachers for the specific circumstances they will encounter in Kansas City schools and prepare them to be leaders for change within the classroom and their school.
- Collaborative Cohort
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Our program works within a cohort model, meaning you will have dozens of other members going through the teacher residency program right alongside you. Throughout the process, you will gain support from other individuals who also have a passion for educational equity. Cohorts serve as a point for professional and personal support and growth. Beyond your cohort, being a part of one of the most forward-thinking teachers training programs in the nation connects you to our entire The Educator Academy network of residents, graduates, mentors, and alumni.
- Hands-On Training
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We go beyond the theoretical experience—we want you to be deeply connected to the communities and children you will be teaching. Traditional training and preparation models often include years of coursework followed by a short student teaching experience; our residency model is flipped. From the start of the school year, you will be in your mentor teacher’s classroom gaining hands-on experience. The courses you attend are meant to bolster and support your experience within the classroom.
- Teacher Wellness Supports
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In addition to our programmatic development through classroom mentorship and coaching, Educator Academy also offers well-being and sustainability supports to our members as they work towards accelerated certification including:
- Access to free and low cost mental health services
- Relocation supports
- Wellness funds
And more!
- Personalized Mentorship
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Our program stands out in the depth of support that we provide. In addition to your mentor teacher, you will also have weekly support from a coach of The Educator Academy. We see coaching as a primary lever to grow and develop highly effective teachers. Our coaching style and approach is adapted to meet needs of our residents and their mentor teacher while helping them apply their coursework in their classroom. We customize the coursework to The Educator Academy context to support your training and development as an educator. All of these intentional supports aid in preparing highly effective teachers for Kansas City area schools.
One program – two tracks:
Certification Only or Master’s Degree + Certification
Our teacher residency program offers two tailored tracks: Certification Only or Master’s Degree + Certification. Whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or passionate about education, our program provides a pathway to teaching.
Certification Only Track:
This track is ideal for those who already hold an advanced degree, prefer to avoid taking on additional student loans, or may not meet the GPA requirement for a master’s program (under 2.4). By choosing this track, you can focus on earning your teaching certification without the commitment of a master’s degree.
Master’s Degree + Certification Track:
For those looking to enhance their qualifications and maximize their career potential, the Master’s Degree + Certification track offers several benefits. Earning a master’s degree can lead to a higher salary, greater job security, and increased opportunities for leadership roles in educaiton. Additionally, it can provide a deeper understanding of educational theory and practice, which can be invaluable in the classroom.
Explore your options and choose the residency track that best fits your needs—click here to view a detailed side-by-side comparison of the two tracks.
Financial Supports & Costs
Each residency pathway—Certification-Only and Master’s Degree + Certification—has its own structure, costs, and financial supports. From tuition and testing fees to bonuses and relocation assistance, we’re committed to helping make this experience financially accessible for aspiring teachers.
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Ready to be a Teacher?
Are you ready to earn your teaching certification and master’s degree while receiving coaching and support in a hands-on classroom environment? Then we want you to apply for the most innovative teachers training programs in Kansas City.