May 17, 2023 — The National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR) released its annual data report for 2022-2023. The report indicates that the growth and impact of teacher residency programs are contributing to diversifying the teaching profession. Teacher residencies are district-serving teacher preparation programs that pair a rigorous full-year classroom experience with undergraduate or graduate education content and uniquely prepare effective, diverse and culturally responsive teachers by reducing historical barriers to entry into the profession for teachers of color.
With data collected from the teacher residency programs in NCTR’s Network, teacher residency programs have seen an increase in the total number of teacher residents enrolled for the 2022-2023 academic year with the highest ever recorded percentage of teacher residents of color enrolled at 69%. This surpasses the national percentage of teachers who identify as a person of color at 21%.
NCTR also reports an increase in the number of aspiring teacher residency programs participating in NCTR’s nationally known Residency Design Academy (RDA). RDA provides consulting and support to school districts and education preparation providers to design and launch new teacher residency programs.
NCTR’s commitment to diversify the teaching workforce continues to grow with data indicating that the retention rate for Black teacher residents is the highest among all other racial and ethnic groups. This is notable given that national data indicate that 10% of all Black teachers leave the profession each year, which is the highest percentage among all racial and ethnic groups.
Teacher residents are also making an impact in high-need areas with teacher residency programs effectively preparing teacher residents to fill science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching positions. Teacher residents are also filling roles as teachers for English language learners (ELL) and students receiving special education (SPED) services. Also, 83% of graduates from a teacher residency program in 2021-2022 were hired to teach in a Title I school serving students from historically marginalized communities.
Collectively, the data indicate that NCTR’s Network of teacher residency programs and teacher residents who spend a full year in the classroom learning from a mentor teacher are invaluable to the growth of school districts and communities throughout the United States.
“Having a teacher resident in our school adds value to our classroom… Our students benefit from having another teacher in the classroom, while at the same time, our mentor teacher is developing her leadership, instructional, and mentor skills.” – NCTR Network Residency Principal
“This experience helped me gain a more realistic view of the demands and rigors of being an educator. I have a better perspective of teaching and understand the benefits of integrating culturally responsive teaching in learning.” – NCTR Network Teacher Resident
“I think having a yearlong student teacher experience with a gradual release model helped me be ready for teaching more than my peers who did not experience the full-year program. I’m grateful for a mentor who guided me to be my best self and encouraged me to take care of myself.” -NCTR Network Residency Graduate
For more information about NCTR’s 2022-2023 Annual Report, visit www.nctresidencies.org/annual-report, where you can also download a copy of the report.