Teacher Residency Program
Application for the January 2025 Cohort Is Open!
In Just 12 Months, Become a Credentialed Teacher and
TEACH TO TRANSFORM!
The SCCOE Teacher Residency Program is a one-year teacher preparation program providing hands-on clinical practice, 1:1 mentoring, in-classroom coaching, and a collaborative community.
Teacher Residents work alongside a Mentor teacher in the classroom for 3 - 5 days per week, at least 50% of the time throughout an entire school year. Throughout the program, Teacher Residents take on more and more responsibility in the classroom so they are prepared for their own classroom when they complete the program.
For this program, we partner with
Teachers College of San Joaquin (TCSJ). Teacher Residents must attend all classes, professional development sessions, and any other sessions as required by Teachers College of San Joaquin.
Currently, we are also partnering with the following school districts:
Cambrian, Cupertino Union, Morgan Hill Unified, Loma Prieta Joint Union Elementary, Los Altos Elementary, Los Gatos Union Elementary, Santa Clara Unified, and SCCOE Special Education.
Financial Support through Grant Funding
- Residents are given a
$25,000 award (broken up into smaller payments throughout the program).
- Interest-free payment plan options and
more grant opportunities are available!
- Mentors earn a stipend less the required burdens.
- Residents agree to teach in Santa Clara County for a period of at least 4 years (out of the next 8 years) in their credential area following earning the Preliminary Credential.
Who are the Best Candidates for this Program?
- Current Substitute Teachers
- Current Paraprofessionals or Instructional Assistants
- People who have a Bachelor’s degree and want to become teachers
Why Choose this Program?
-
Earn a Preliminary Teaching Credential with a concentration on Multiple Subject, Single Subject (Science), Single Subject (Math), Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN), and Extensive Support Needs (ESN), and the option to add on a Master’s degree.
- Work alongside a mentor teacher for one year and receive ongoing mentoring and coaching.
- Financial support covers tuition fees and prerequisite fees (once fully accepted into the program).
- Paraeducators can continue to work while enrolled in this program.
- On average, residencies attract and develop a more racially and ethnically diverse teaching staff.
- Districts assigns school site, classroom, and mentor teacher.
- Higher retention rates for new teachers.
Application Process
The process consists of two main steps:
-
Apply for the Teacher Residency Program at Teachers College of San Joaquin, through the
TCSJ Application Portal.
- Once you are accepted into the program by the Teachers College of San Joaquin, you will be sent a link to
apply for the scholarship through the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) application portal.
Teachers College of San Joaquin Requirements
Teachers College of San Joaquin Additional Requirements
These can be completed while in the program, but must be completed prior to applying for the preliminary credential.
Documents Needed to Apply at Teachers College of San Joaquin
- Photo ID
- Screenshot of the CTC Certificate of Clearance
- Document showing completion of the US Constitution Requirement
- CBEST or transcripts
*Note you will also need to have your official transcripts sent to Teachers College of San Joaquin.
Documents Needed to Apply for the Scholarship
- W-9 form
- 4-year letter of commitment
*You will be asked to upload these documents on the SCCOE application portal, in PDF format.
Download Pathway to Teaching Check List
Want to Learn More and Get Connected to an Advisor?
We are excited to offer a free advising session! To get started, please fill out the Inquiry Form and select
"residency" as your pathway preference. One of our advisors will reach out to you shortly!
Complete Inquiry Form
Join One of Our Upcoming Virtual Informational Sessions!
- Thursday, October 10 at 4:00 PM
- Thursday, November 7 at 4:00 PM
- Thursday, December 5 at 4:00 PM
The informational sessions are held on Zoom in partnership with Teachers College of San Joaquin. Registration is not required. Just use the Zoom link below to connect with us on the date that works for you. Visit our webiste page periodically for updates on the informational sesions.
Zoom Link: sccoe.to/ResidencyInfo
Apply for the Teacher Residency Program
Application for the January 2025 cohort is open! The application closes on
October 15, 2024.Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Do I get to choose who my mentor teacher will be in the program?
Yes and no. Your mentor teacher must have at least 3 years of experience and a clear credential in the area you are working toward. Additionally, you must work with your mentor teacher at least 50% of the time in the mentor's classroom as you progress through the program. If you are a classified staff member while doing this program, you might not get to choose who your mentor is as it may depend on which classroom you are assigned to.
-
How long will my credential be valid?
A preliminary teaching credential is valid for 5 years
-
What is the difference between a traditional student teaching experience, a teacher residency, and an intern teacher program?
Traditional Teacher Program
|
Teacher Residency
|
Intern Teacher Preparation
|
Cannot be the Teacher of Record
| Cannot be the Teacher of Record
| Function as the Teacher of Record
|
Limited student teaching experience, often occurring after the classroom environment is established by the Teacher of Record.
| Immersive student teaching experience - the resident experiences how a positive classroom environment is created from the very beginning of the year.
| Immersive teaching experience - often without in-time support or opportunities to observe other teachers.
|
No opportunity to earn a salary
| Opportunity to earn an hourly wage (paraprofessional/IA)
| Opportunity to earn a teacehr salary
|
Coursework + field supervisors
| Coursework + Mentor teacher + field supervisors. Mentoring during instruction as needed.
| Coursework + Mentor teacher + field supervisors. Mentoring meetings are confined to time outside of instruction.
|
12-18 months or more to earn Preliminary Credential
| One year (12 months) to earn Preliminary Credential
| 2 years to earn Preliminary Credential
|
Average retention is 3-5 years
| Includes a 4-year commitment to teaching in the county.
| Average retention is 3- 5 years.
|
Contact Us
For more information contact:
Coordinator Statewide Residency Technical Assistance Center (SRTAC)
