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 3 residencies have established indicators for Level 1 and 2, and are focusing on financial sustainability, mentor effectiveness, alignment of professional learning opportunities across residency programs, resident growth and retention and long-term professional learning. 

Research-Based Evidence and Indicators