Transforming Educator Preparation Webinars
Join us as we dive into the evolving landscape of teacher preparation!
Save the Date
2026-2027 Transforming Educator Preparation Webinar Series
Webinar #1:
Building the Conditions: Retention Insights from the Boundless Educators Initiative
Thursday, November 5, 2026
1 – 2:15 p.m. CT
High-quality educator preparation doesn’t end with getting aspiring teachers into the classroom—it requires building the financial, structural, and cultural conditions that keep them there. Grounded in learning and data from NCTR’s Boundless Educators Initiative (BEI), this session explores how programs are removing financial barriers, expanding holistic candidate supports, and fostering long-term career sustainability. Attendees will gain high-level insights into ecosystem-wide practices that support educator persistence, strengthen teacher retention, and ensure a thriving workforce for high-need schools.
Webinar #2:
Strengthening Mentor Professional Learning to Improve Residency Experiences
Thursday, February 11, 2027
1 – 2:15 p.m. CT
Effective mentor teachers are the cornerstone of impactful residency and apprenticeship models, yet developing skilled adult coaches requires intentional systems of support. Drawing on key principles from NCTR’s Mentor Teacher Professional Learning (MTPL) framework, this webinar addresses how investing in mentor development directly strengthens candidate preparation, classroom instruction, and retention. Participants will explore strategies for equipping mentors to co-plan, deliver actionable coaching, and foster supportive, high-leverage learning environments for novice educators.
Webinar #3:
AI and the Future of Teacher Preparation
Thursday, March 11, 2027
1 – 2:15 p.m. CT
As artificial intelligence transforms P-12 education, educator preparation programs face new opportunities and questions around preparing classroom-ready teachers for an AI-enabled environment. This forward-looking webinar examines how residency programs and teacher candidates can ethically and effectively integrate emerging AI tools into lesson design, instructional reflection, and administrative workflows. Join us to discuss how leader networks and preparation pathways can adapt to ensure new educators are prepared to navigate and leverage AI thoughtfully in their future schools.
For more information about our webinars, contact Chief Growth Officer Jill Pitner at jpitner@nctresidencies.org.
Past Webinars
Setting the Foundation: Exploring the Teacher Residency and Teacher Apprenticeship Pathways
1-2 p.m. CT | October 9, 2025 | Free
Learn from experts in the field to understand how teacher residencies and teacher registered apprenticeships align to support the same mission: recruiting and preparing educators for classrooms across the nation. Inspired by NCTR’s report, Teacher Residencies as the Foundation of Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Programs, this session will:
- Explore the similarities and differences between teacher residencies and teacher registered apprenticeships.
- Highlight evidence-based practices from teacher residency models—such as partnership alignment, centering the resident experience, and financial supports—that can strengthen apprenticeship programs.
- Share practices that state leaders, EPPs, or school districts can employ to strengthen on-the-job training.
Resources will be shared following the webinar. Please note this webinar will not be recorded, and AI bots will not be allowed.
Check out the following resources for further information:
Empower & Inspire Mentor Teachers through Professional Learning
1-2 p.m. CT | January 22, 2026 | Free
Join us for our Transforming Educator Preparation Webinars! Session attendees at our January 2026 webinar will learn how investing in mentor teachers results in a more skilled workforce and better learning environments for students. We will spend time examining some of the best practices from the field for developing and supporting mentor teachers.
Guest Panelists:
- Dr. Karen Wright, Director of Residencies and Clinical Experiences, Marian University
- Bailey Rager, Third Grade Master Teacher and Mentor, Enlace Academy, Neighborhood Charter Network, The Klipsch Educators College residency program at Marian University
- Ashley Vierra, Program Manager, IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency, DeKalb County Public Schools
- Ericka Francois, Third Grade Teacher and Mentor, Pleasantdale Elementary, DeKalb County Public Schools, IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency
- Ann Akens, Fourth Grade Dual Language Teacher and Mentor, Clarendon School, Osborn School District, Arizona Teacher Residency/Apprenticeship
Check out the following resources for further information:
Unpacking Best Practices for Preparing Teachers for Early Childhood and Multilingual Learners
1-2 p.m. CT | April 30, 2026 | Free
Join us for our next Transforming Educator Preparation webinar in April! This webinar will bring together leaders, practitioners, and partners from educator preparation programs to discuss innovative strategies and research-based practices that are shaping the future of teacher preparation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into enhancing early childhood educator readiness, effectively supporting multilingual learners through targeted instructional approaches, and aligning preparation programs with the evolving realities of classrooms and communities.
Guest Panelists:
- Dr. Adriana Cervantes-González, Program Manager, Residency Programs, Tulare County Office of Education
- Sarah Galloway, Program Manager, AppleTree Early Learning Teacher Residency
- Dr. Elizet Kneisler, Assistant Professor of Practice, The University of Texas at Austin
- Dr. Julie Lara, Managing Director, Multilingual Programs, Ensemble Learning
- Dr. Xóchitl Rocha, Director of Bilingual Education Programs and Policy and Technical Assistance, Texas Education Agency
