NCTR is dedicated to improving educator preparation pathways by supporting programs in developing, launching, sustaining, and growing their programs.
Shannon Gray is a teacher resident at the Memphis Teacher Residency. This photo was taken at Cornerstone Prep.
Why Our Mission Matters
Our mission matters because it sits at the center of one of the most urgent challenges facing education: ensuring every student has access to a well-prepared, effective teacher. By strengthening and reimagining educator preparation, we are not just supporting programs—we are shaping the quality and stability of the entire teacher workforce.
This work has ripple effects far beyond educator preparation programs themselves. Stronger pathways into teaching lead to better-supported educators, improved retention, and better student outcomes, particularly in historically underserved communities. When policies, funding, and practice are aligned, systems function more effectively—and students benefit.
Ultimately, our mission matters because it transforms how teachers are prepared and supported, which directly impacts what happens in classrooms every day. And when teaching improves, learning follows.
Who We Impact
Hover over the blocks to learn how our organization is impacting lives.
95%
of principals report that participating in a residency or apprenticeship positively impacts school culture
Schools and Districts
94%
of principals report that residency and apprenticeship graduates are more effective than a typical new teacher
Principals
95%
of mentor teachers report that being a mentor to residents and apprentices makes them a more effective teacher
Mentor Teachers
86%
of teacher residents and apprentices report feeling prepared or very well-prepared to be a teacher of record
Teacher Residents and Graduates
~2.2M
students have been taught by teachers prepared by NCTR Network programs
(cumulatively)
Students
*Data from 2025-2026 NCTR Annual Report
Working Toward Our Vision
Our strategic priorities reflect a clear commitment to transforming how educators are prepared, supported, and retained in the profession. Grounded in our mission and informed by years of partnership with programs and systems across the country, these priorities focus on strengthening the infrastructure, investment, and strategies needed to advance high-quality teacher preparation models. Together, they represent a comprehensive approach to addressing today’s most pressing challenges in educator preparation while building toward a more promising, sustainable future for the teaching workforce.
- Building capacity to transform educator preparation
- Increasing public and private support for teacher residency programs
- Researching, enhancing, and sharing the impact of teacher residency programs
- Cultivating partnerships to increase reach and impact
- Operating with efficiency and effectiveness
Susan Banchero is a teacher resident at RTR Teacher Residency. This picture was taken at Ettrick Elementary School.
To bring these priorities to life, we work alongside educator preparation programs, school districts, policymakers, and partners to deliver targeted technical assistance, expand funding opportunities, and elevate the impact of teacher residencies and teacher registered apprenticeship programs. We invest in building educator preparation programs to grow sustainably, advocate for increased public and private support, and generate data-driven insights that inform practice and policy. At the same time, we intentionally cultivate partnerships that extend our reach and deepen our impact, while strengthening our internal operations to ensure we remain responsive, efficient, and positioned for long-term success.
NCTR Thanks Our Supporters
