February 11, 2025 – At a time when change is constant, the National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR) recognizes the uncertainty that may come from the changing landscape of teacher preparation. However, we also recognize that in times like these, teacher preparation has never been more critical to supporting and transforming communities across the nation. To that effect, we want to acknowledge the tenacity and strength of our teacher residency programs that are moving forward in their mission to prepare, support, and retain effective educators who represent and value the communities they serve. Investing in teacher preparation is an investment in the future of our communities, all students, and our country.
As we prepare for programming for the 2025-2026 academic year to support teacher residencies and those looking to become teacher registered apprenticeship programs, NCTR is keeping your needs in mind in order to provide a curated experience for all existing and aspiring programs.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
NCTR Network
- Differentiated Consulting: At NCTR, we believe that each organization is unique and has its own set of objectives, culture, and aspirations. That’s why we offer a personalized approach to consulting, tailoring our strategies and solutions to meet the specific needs and challenges of each teacher residency program. We work closely with our programs to develop customized impact goals that drive meaningful results.
- Community Learning Experiences: We believe in the power of shared learning and collective wisdom. Our programming fosters connections, inspires creativity, and promotes resource-sharing and supports seasoned program leaders looking to expand their skillset or the curious learners eager to explore new horizons. From interactive working groups to webinars and immersive Director Pods, our goal is to create dynamic learning environments that spark curiosity and fuel innovation.
- Network Site Visits: Our Network Site Visits allow professionals to connect with other experts in various programs. By visiting leading organizations, participants can gain access to the latest innovations, educational trends, and best practices. Our aim is to facilitate meaningful exchanges that catalyze growth and innovation. Our programming offers an excellent platform to engage with industry leaders and thought pioneers through interactive school tours, coursework observations, resident panels, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of program operations.
- Data Collection: Our Data Collection Suite is specifically designed to assist our teacher residency members in collecting, analyzing, and utilizing data-driven insights. Our suite comprises a powerful set of tools and methodologies that streamline the data collection process, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and actionable results. With our suite, organizations can unlock the full potential of their data with customizable surveys, intuitive data visualization dashboards, and advanced analytics capabilities. Our data support can adapt to a program’s unique needs and requirements that can include market research, monitoring recruitment or retention metrics, or measuring resident satisfaction.
Residency Design Academy
- Cohort-based Learning: NCTR consultants meet monthly with program leadership to provide framing for upcoming sessions and gather understanding of program context. Participants will surface challenges, collaboratively address dilemmas with input from expert and experienced consultants, and leverage the teacher residency model and wealth of NCTR data to apply learning in service of impact goals.
- Virtual Institutes: Programs will participate in NCTR’s curated curriculum, which includes collaborative exercises, targeted resources, promising practices from NCTR Network members, informational videos, and facilitated learning experiences. The curriculum is delivered via consulting and during monthly learning institutes facilitated by NCTR consultants. Institutes can be delivered virtually or in person and include all partners who are contributing to the teacher residency program design.
- In-Person Learning Opportunities: In-person learning opportunities for RDA participants can include formalizing a governance structure and decision-making structures to draft a partnership agreement to support the design and launch of a teacher residency program as well as an opportunity to visit and learn from a model teacher residency program.
If you are currently neither a Network nor RDA member and have any inquiries about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact Jill Pitner, our Chief Growth Officer, at jpitner@nctresidencies.org.
We appreciate your continued dedication, passion, and commitment to our shared mission. Let us keep moving forward, knowing that our efforts today will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Erica Hines
Chief Program Officer
National Center for Teacher Residencies