November 17, 2025 — In celebration of American Education Week, the National Center for Teacher Residencies believes in recognizing the contributions of those who may go unnoticed for the work and talent they bring to classrooms. One impactful role that comes to mind are teacher residents. We are shining a spotlight on teacher residents’ passion and contributions to the field of education by amplifying the real voices and stories of teacher residents across the United States.
Meet Felicity Wynn, Teacher Resident, Teacher Residency for Rural Education Project (TRRE)
How did you come to find out about the teacher residency program?
I found this teacher residency program while looking for local opportunities for those who wanted to become teachers. My goal is to become a teacher within the local school district so I wanted to join a program with close ties to the community. Doing some research on teacher credentialing programs led me to the Teacher Residency for Rural Education (TRRE) Project website, where I learned about the program. TRRE fit really well with my goals as a prospective teacher, and I was very fortunate to land a spot with the program.
Why did you decide to take part in the program?
I decided to participate in this program because I felt a residency would provide me with the best balance between in-person hands-on learning and guidance from professionals in the field. Working alongside my mentor teacher, Mrs. Garcia, is really what makes this residency so special.
Before beginning the program, what role(s) did you hold or continue to hold?
Before this program, I was a metrologist in Bakersfield, Calif. As a metrologist, I was able to get real-life laboratory experience after graduating from Pepperdine University.
How has being part of the program contributed to your life?
Being a part of this program has helped me academically and professionally succeed in my studies to become a credentialed teacher. This program has also provided me with close social connections that I would not have otherwise made, as being a resident creates such a close bond between us residents, our mentors, and our professors and advisors who are all working together to help us become the best we can be as teachers and as individuals.
What does teaching mean to you?
Teaching is an opportunity for me to give back to my community by educating the students to become well-prepared adults. It is because of my high school science teachers that I decided to go to the university for biology, and I want to be that encouraging person for others.
What are you looking forward to most upon completion?
I am really excited to apply all I have learned from this program to support my community. Most of all, I’m eager to build long-term relationships with students and create a classroom community I can help shape from day one.
We invite you to read more stories of teacher residents from our NCTR Network teacher residency programs.
Photo provided by the Teacher Residency for Rural Education Project (TRRE)