January 7, 2025 — Christel House Schools’ IndyTeach, a National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR) Network teacher residency program in Indianapolis, Indiana, recently achieved a milestone by securing accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality Educator Preparation (AAQEP). IndyTeach, along with fellow NCTR Network teacher residency program Marian University’s Klipsch Educators College Teacher Residency, collaborates closely with Indianapolis Public Schools and other regional districts, enhancing their impact on local education.
IndyTeach Program Director Marian Walsh reflected on the invaluable support provided by NCTR’s Network during their accreditation journey. She cited national data from NCTR that underscores the transformative potential of teacher residency programs while highlighting how IndyTeach’s own initiatives have been shaped by NCTR’s Black Educators Initiative (BEI) research. Walsh sought guidance and inspiration from several sources, including residency leaders during NCTR’s community learning experiences and 2024 National Symposium as well as support from a residency director who had recently achieved AAQEP accreditation. Additionally, she worked with NCTR consultants for editorial and strategic guidance. This collaborative effort not only guided the accreditation process but also spurred new ideas for mentor professional development and next steps for programmatic growth.
As IndyTeach continues to address critical challenges, such as reducing financial barriers to teacher preparation and expanding opportunities for underrepresented populations in teaching and K-12 education, Walsh sees AAQEP accreditation and the NCTR Network as essential allies. These partnerships are helping to build a stronger, more equitable teacher workforce and positively impact the broader education community.