Characteristic 6: Residents engage in a full year of clinical practice teaching alongside an accomplished mentor teacher.

The following evidence-based indicators should be used for each level of residency development. 

• Resident co-teaches alongside a mentor teacher for no less than one full school year

• Resident gradually takes on teaching responsibilities throughout the school year

• Resident has consistent opportunities to observe other mentors and debrief observations at the school site

• Residents are coached, assessed, and given regular feedback by mentors, teacher educators, and program staff

• IHE coursework and other professional learning opportunities are designed or adjusted to support and align with clinical practice 

Level 1 residencies are residencies in the earliest stages of development. They are focusing on developing a mission and a vision for the residency. Level 1 residencies are developing authentic partnerships, developing basic budgets, and financial planning, and are defining hiring needs to be targeted by their new residency. 

Clinical practice is measured in Level 2 and beyond.