FOCUS
A more equitable model for teacher residencies
By Debra Russell, Meghan Cosier and Rebecca Hatkoff
Categories: Career pathways, Mentoring & induction, System leadershipDecember 2024
School districts and educator preparation programs are important partners in the professional learning ecosystem. Their strong relationships have long been lauded as the gold standard of preparing and retaining high-quality teachers, yet they have been slow to develop robust reciprocal relationships that can address intensifying challenges of teacher recruitment and attrition (Guha et al., 2016). When districts and program partners work together to think more strategically about systems of preparation and support, they can make important progress toward equity for educators and students. One promising model is the development of sustainable paid teacher residencies, in which teacher candidates enrolled in coursework are paid to work in districts under the supervision of mentor teachers. When designed well, these residencies can benefit everyone involved — both new
Read the remaining content with membership access. Join or log in below to continue.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.
References
Carver-Thomas, D. & Darling-Hammond, L. (2017). Teacher turnover: Why it matters and what we can do about it. Learning Policy Institute. learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/teacher-turnover-report
Goldhaber, D., Krieg, J., Naito, N., & Theobald, R. (2020). Making the most of student teaching: The importance of mentors and scope for change. Education Finance and Policy, 15(3), 581-591. doi.org/10.1162/edfp_a_00305
Guha, R., Hyler, M.E., & Darling-Hammond, L. (2016). The teacher residency: An innovative model for preparing teachers. Learning Policy Institute. learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/teacher-residency
Hatkoff, R. & Russell, D. (2024). Strategic, sustainable residencies can help solve the teacher shortage. EdSource. edsource.org/2024/strategic-sustainable-residencies-can-help-solve-the-teacher-shortage/
Lambert, D. (2023). California sinks millions into teacher residency programs, but many can’t afford to enroll. EdSource. edsource.org/2023/california-sunk-millions-into-teacher-residency-program-but-many-cant-afford-to-enroll/685984
Lambert, D. (2024). Lack of reliable education data hamstrings California lawmakers and the public: State agency blames understaffing and promises changes. EdSource. edsource.org/2024/lack-of-reliable-education-data-hamstrings-california-lawmakers-and-the-public/714096
Laski, M. (2024). Early evidence of improved educator outcomes in Next Education Workforce models. Center for Reinventing Public Education. crpe.org/early-evidence-of-improved-educator-outcomes-in-next-education-workforcetm-models/
Learning Forward. (2022). Standards for Professional Learning.
Munger, Tolles & Olson. (2024). Munger, Tolles & Olson files lawsuit against West Contra Costa Unified School District for failing to address staffing and facility issues [Press release]. mto.com/news/headlines/2024/munger-tolles-olson-files-lawsuit-against-west-contra-costa-unified-school-district-for-failing-to-address-staffing-and-facility-issues/
Patrick, S.K., Darling-Hammond, L., & Kini, T. (2023). Early impact of teacher residencies in California. Learning Policy Institute. learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/educating-teachers-in-california-residencies-factsheet
Robles, Y. (2024). Teacher pay: Adams 12 may give raises for mentoring rather than graduate degrees. Chalkbeat. chalkbeat.org/colorado/2024/02/29/adams-12-thornton-school-teacher-pay-pilot/
Schultz, B. (2024). Some districts are still struggling to hire teachers for the new year. Education Week. edweek.org/leadership/some-districts-are-still-struggling-to-hire-teachers-for-the-new-year/2024/08
Debra Russell leads strategic school staffing initiatives for the California Educator Preparation Innovation Collaborative (CalEPIC), based at Chapman University, focused on ensuring our pathways into the profession are equitable and our educational systems support a well-prepared, diverse, and thriving teacher workforce.
Meghan Cosier is the executive director of the Thompson Policy Institute on Disability and a Professor in the Attallah College of Educational Studies at Chapman University. Cosier collaborates with schools and districts to promote and improve inclusive service delivery models that allow ALL students to learn and play together. Her research focuses on inclusive education, teacher preparation, and sustainable school transformation.
Rebecca Hatkoff is the director of teacher education and a clinical assistant professor at Claremont Graduate University where she has helped secure more than $6 million in grant funds. She has supported their teacher education program in designing and enacting a critical social justice framework and competencies. Her practice and research centers culturally sustaining and antiracist approaches. She is co-founder of the consulting company Joyful Disruption, a mother, and a Beyoncé enthusiast.
Categories: Career pathways, Mentoring & induction, System leadership
CURRENT ISSUE
Recent Issues
APPLYING THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING
April 2026
Cognitive science illuminates how people learn. This issue shows how...
LEARNING WITH AI
February 2026
Generative AI can be a powerful tool for professional learning design and...
WHAT STUDENTS NEED NOW
December 2025
For all students to thrive, we need to understand who they are and what...
LEARNING COMMUNITIES FOR LEADERS
October 2025
Leaders need opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with peers just as...
