Residency
Residency
The Residency Pathway is a one-year, classroom-based apprenticeship designed for those new to the teaching profession. Residents work side by side with experienced mentor teachers, gaining real-world skills through daily practice, expert coaching, and targeted coursework. By the end of the year, participants meet all state requirements and earn their full Tennessee teaching license, prepared to lead a classroom with confidence.
Key Features
One-Year Model
Residents spend a full year co-teaching in a real classroom, gradually gaining experience through rounds of practice and feedback while earning their teaching license.
Hybrid Coursework
Graduate-level coursework blends in-person and online classes throughout the year, fitting seamlessly around residents' full-time employment.
Praxis Support
Residents receive structured study sessions and practice materials throughout the year, building toward passing every Praxis exam required for licensure."
Cohort Community
Residents move through the year as part of a cohort, learning alongside peers who become a built-in support network.
Residency Pathway
What You'll Learn
Residents begin their journey fully immersed in a local classroom, spending the entire school year learning by doing. This apprenticeship model offers the kind of hands-on experience that most new teachers don’t encounter until their first year in the profession. Alongside their mentor teacher, residents receive consistent feedback, tailored guidance, and the day-to-day support necessary to build both skill and confidence. The program is structured to remove barriers to entry and ensure success. All licensure fees are covered, Praxis tutoring is provided, and residents have access to scholarships and the option to pursue a master’s degree. The blend of immersive classroom experience, expert mentorship, and comprehensive support equips residents not only to
meet the technical requirements for licensure but also to thrive as educators from their very first day leading a class.
Apprenticeship Model
Spend a full school year in a partner school, learning by doing. You will gain invaluable classroom experience, often the kind most new teachers do not encounter until their first year on the job, while building relationships with students and colleagues.
Mentorship with Experts
From day one, you’ll be paired with a dedicated mentor teacher who offers daily guidance, feedback, and encouragement. This partnership ensures you are never alone as you refine your practice and grow as an educator.
Earn License After Completion
When you complete the residency, you’ll not only have the knowledge and experience to make an impact but also the credentials to lead your own classroom with a Tennessee teaching license in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the FAQ section for questions specific to the residency model. If you’d like to speak with a recruiter, please email recruitment@nashvilleteacherresidency.org
The residency runs one full school year. You'll spend the entire year co-teaching alongside a mentor teacher in an MNPS classroom while completing your coursework and licensure requirements at the same time.
Yes. Residents are full time employees of the partner school and receive a salary and benefits.
No prior classroom experience is required. The residency is built for people transitioning into teaching — you'll learn hands-on, with a mentor teacher guiding you the entire year.
You'll get structured study sessions and practice materials built into the program, so Praxis prep happens alongside your coursework rather than something you have to figure out on your own.
Have Questions About Our Teaching Programs?
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