NTR recruits and trains candidates to become high-performing middle and high school math, science, English, history, and special education teachers serving Middle Tennessee’s district and charter schools. We’ve designed two distinct pathways for preparing teachers. Since our founding, the residency model has been our core approach, placing Residents in the classrooms of highly effective Mentor Teachers who model strong practice and gradually release responsibility until the Resident is ready to lead. In 2024, after listening to our school partners, we launched our job-embedded pathway to meet the needs of schools seeking immediate staffing solutions. Both pathways combine real-world experience with rigorous, practical coursework in pedagogy, content, and culture.

But we’re not just trying to fill the teacher pipeline. Our work is rooted in our desire to reimagine what is possible for teacher preparation. We seek to ensure that every graduate of NTR is 1) Well Prepared, 2) Fully Licensed, and 3) Well Cared For. Each of these priorities shapes the way we design programming, partner with schools, and ultimately lead those who enroll in our program.