Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which San Diego area teacher preparation programs work as partners with the SUHSD for Teacher Residency? 

A: UCSD Department of Education Studies, SDSU Math and Science, SDSU Special Education, & PLNU School of Education

Q: Who is eligible for Residency?

A: Students entering a teacher preparation program who plan to earn a general education credential in math or science, OR those pursuing an education specialist credential with intent to serve students in grades 7-12. While there are exceptions, pre-service teachers must have demonstrated subject-matter competence required for clinical practice (CSET or degree waiver if applicable) before joining the Resident Team. 

Q: What are the benefits of Teacher Residency?

A: Residents are placed in teams with a content-expert Resident Coach and can earn up to $30,000 for ongoing collaboration with this Coach.  Residents must be cleared to work in the SUHSD as substitute teachers and generate documentation of their ongoing collaboration with team members. Residents have access to quarterly networking and professional development events that build community and help prepare them for success on the TPA.  They also benefit from SUHSD investments in new teachers if/once they secure a contract in SUHSD, including access to cost-free Teacher Induction if working under contract with the SUHSD (or reimbursement for required Induction expenses sustained while working outside the SUHSD elsewhere in California). 

Q: What is the difference between Student Teaching and Residency?

A: Student Teachers complete their clinical practice hours on an unpaid basis while assuming teaching responsibilities in the classroom of an experienced “Master/Guide Teacher.”  Residents are placed with an experienced “Resident Coach” to participate in structured and accountable collaborative activities designed to build pedagogical expertise and autonomy.  Residents are eligible to be paid for up to $30,000 for their collaboration with Resident Coaches.  Residents may be placed in teams, which could include a Coach, more than one content-area Resident and an Education Specialist Resident.  Collaboration and differentiated instruction are priorities for Residency.  Upon completion of their clinical practice year, Residents commit to teach in SUHSD (or elsewhere in California if no positions are available in SUHSD) for 4 of the following 8 years. 

Q: How long is Teacher Residency?

A: Residents spend at least half of each day in classrooms (or the equivalent amount of time if teaching on a block schedule) for the duration of a whole school year.

Q: When does Residency begin?

A: Residents attend an orientation early June prior to starting their student teaching in July.  Throughout June and July, they are supported to obtain Student Teacher Clearance (which allows them to begin student teaching) as well as Sweetwater Substitute Clearance (which allows them to be paid for their documented clinical practice).  Prior to the first week of school for Sweetwater students (July 15th), Residents attend a networking event to meet and plan with their new Coach. Once Sweetwater students begin on July 24th, Residents will begin spending half of each day in the classroom (or an equivalent time if placed at a school on a block schedule), observing lessons and collaborating with their Coach.  Once Residents are assigned a clinical practice supervisor through their university, they will continue to spend half of each day in the classroom, but their teaching responsibilities will gradually increase. 

Q: How are Residents placed in the Sweetwater Union High School District?

A: Teacher preparation program students who are beginning coursework in the Fall will indicate interest in Residency by contacting Emily Jimenez (SUHSD Program Manager for Residency) via email (Emily.Jimenez@sweetwaterschools.org) and notifying their program supervisor(s).  Program leaders recommend students for consideration for Residency and the SUHSD will offer up to 10 student Residency contracts.  Upon signing their contract, Residents are matched to identified Coaches teaching in their content area at a select number of schools.  Input will be solicited from each Resident regarding their preferences for placement as well as program supervisors before finalizing teams. 

Q: What is a Resident's obligation to the state of California?

A: Teacher Candidates who agree to participate as Residents commit to teaching in California for at least four (4) full years of the first eight years of their career.  If the SUHSD offers the Resident a contracted position upon completion of the teacher preparation program, which culminates in earning a preliminary credential, our hope is that the Resident will accept it.  Residents must also contact the Residency Program Manager on an annual basis for up to eight years to verify employment in California (or until the 4 years of teaching in CA have been completed). 

Q: Where do I find information about the previous Sweetwater Teacher Residency Program (year 2022-23 and prior)?

A: Prior to the 2023-24 school year, the Sweetwater Teacher Residency Program was funded by a Residency Implementation Grant. Some of the guidelines and requirements were different from the current Residency Expansion Grant. More information can be found at the previous version of this website and FAQs 22-23.