Teacher Residency Program
Aspiring teacher candidates spend a full school year cycle alongside an accomplished mentor teacher while simultaneously engaging in an online credentialing program. We partner with Teachers College of San Joaquin. This program allows you to work alongside a mentor teacher for 3-5 days per week throughout an entire school year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in the classroom.
Current partners are: SCCOE Special Education, Cupertino, Morgan Hill, Loma Prieta, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Cambrian, and Santa Clara Unified School District. Let us know if you would like to join us!
Description of Program
Teach to transform!
In just 12 months, become a credentialed teacher! 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 at least 50% of the time. 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.
Teacher Residents must attend all classes, professional development sessions, and any other sessions as required by Teachers College of San Joaquin.
The benefits of completing a Teacher Residency are:
Earning a Preliminary Teaching Credential & option to add on a Master’s degree.
Paraeducators can continue to work while enrolled in the TRP.
On average, residencies attract and develop a more racially and ethnically diverse teaching staff.
District assigns school site, classroom, and mentor teacher.
Resident works alongside a mentor teacher for one year.
Ongoing mentoring and coaching.
Grant will cover tuition fees and prerequisite fees (once fully accepted into the program).
Higher retention rates for new teachers
Residents are given a $25,000 award (broken up into smaller payments throughout the program). 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. Mentors earn a stipend as well.
Interest-free payment plan options & grant opportunities are available!
How to Apply
You can access the SCCOE Pathway to Teaching checklist here.
Bachelor’s degree
Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement CCTC Basic Skills (may be met through CBEST, coursework, SAT scores, and other means).
Evidence of continuous progress toward meeting subject matter competency (registration for the CSET, submitting coursework evaluation, appropriate degree match, completion of subject matter program)
Additional Credential requirements (can be completed while in the program, but must be completed prior to applying for the preliminary credential):
For Multiple Subject, MMSN, and ESN credentials, candidates must pass a reading test called the RICA.
Candidates must complete the Subject Matter Requirement prior to starting to fully teach in the classroom. Have your transcripts evaluated to see if you meet this as well.
The Fall 2024 Application Window has closed. Complete the interest form to stay in touch and find out when the next window opens!
Documents needed to apply:
Photo ID
Screenshot of the CTC Certificate of Clearance.
Document showing completion of the US Constitution Requirement.
CBEST or transcripts.
*Note you will need to have your official transcripts sent to Teachers College of San Joaquin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a traditional student teaching experience, a teacher residency, and an intern teacher program?
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.
Related Links
Contact us today!
For more information, contact the Coordinator, Residency Programs:
Brandy Byers, Ed.D.
Email: bbyers@sccoe.org
Phone: 408.453.4263