Eighty-three percent. That’s the number of graduates from NCTR’s Network of teacher residency and registered apprenticeship programs who are still leading their own classroom three years in—well above the 69% national average. That’s not luck. That’s intentional design and content implementation through hands-on training.
Our data tells a powerful story, and I’m excited to share the release of our 2025-2026 Annual Report, The Power of We: Building the Future of Teacher Preparation. This year’s report reflects what is possible when educators, preparation programs, districts, higher education institutions, funders, policymakers, and community partners come together around a shared vision for the future of teaching.
The story continues:
- 86% of teacher residents and apprentices from NCTR’s Network report being prepared or very well prepared to lead their own classroom.
- 95% of mentor teachers report that being a mentor makes them a more effective teacher.
- 94% of principals say Network graduates are more effective than a typical new teacher.
- 95% of principals report that participating in a teacher residency or apprenticeship program positively impacts the culture of their school.
- 93% of principals report that participating in a teacher residency or apprenticeship. program improves student learning and achievement at their school.
And our collective reach continues to grow. Since 2007, NCTR has helped launch or support 175+ programs across 35 states and Washington, D.C., preparing nearly 17,000 teachers whose graduates have taught an estimated 2.2 million students. Since 2019, $29.4 million has been awarded to grantees through our Boundless Educators Initiative, directly supporting 2,533 teacher residents and apprentices. But behind every number is a person—a teacher resident, mentor, program leader, or student whose life is shaped by high-quality preparation. That is the true power of this work.
While our annual report shows what we have accomplished together, the launch of our new online Resource Center helps us share what we are learning and build what comes next.
The NCTR Resource Center is a growing hub where educators and leaders can access research, tools, reports, and insights from across our work. By making knowledge easier to find and share, we can help more partners turn evidence into action and strengthen teacher preparation nationwide.
I invite you to explore both our report and Resource Center this month. I think you’ll see, as I do, what’s possible when a field commits to providing accessible pathways into the teaching profession through high-quality teacher preparation programs
To all of you, thank you for being part of The Power of We. Together, we are building a future where every teacher is prepared, supported, and empowered—and every student benefits as a result.
With gratitude and hope,
Kathlene Campbell, Ph.D.
CEO, National Center for Teacher Residencies
