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 2 residencies have an established mission and vision and have met the indicators in Level 1. Level 2 residencies are focused on creating and revisiting data-based residency goals. They are paying particular attention to institutionalizing equity and justice work, developing 3-5 year strategic and financial plans, developing program assessment and improvement systems, centering on the resident experience (in coursework and clinical practice), and developing a rigorous mentor recruitment and selection process. 

Research-Based Evidence and Indicators