Teacher Residency Program with Cal Poly Pomona

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM

• Hands-on Experience: Special Education Teacher Residents spend a full school year teaching alongside an experienced mentor teacher. This immersive experience helps them develop practical teaching skills in a real classroom setting.
• Mentorship: Residents receive ongoing guidance and feedback from seasoned educators, helping them refine their teaching practices and build confidence in their abilities.
• Integration of Coursework and Practice: Residents complete coursework while teaching, allowing them to immediately apply what they learn in the classroom. This combination of theory and practice enhances their learning and prepares them for future teaching challenges.
• Full Year of Experience: Unlike traditional student teaching, which may be limited to a few months, residency programs offer a full year of hands-on teaching experience. This extended period helps residents develop deeper skills and knowledge.
• Local District Placement: Residents teach in the district where they may ultimately serve as a teacher of record. This fosters strong ties to the local community and helps residents understand the unique needs and culture of the students they will teach long-term.
• Preliminary Credential: Throughout the residency, participants work toward earning their Preliminary Teaching Credential, making it a structured path to becoming a certified teacher.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Teacher Residency Program offers aspiring Special Education Teachers the opportunity to work in the classroom with a mentor teacher for one year, 3-4 days per week, during the final year of their credential program. Residents will receive hands-on experience while earning their Preliminary Credential. Upon completion, they will have priority for an interview to work as a special education teacher with Pomona Unified School District. Additionally, resident teachers can apply to become substitute teachers, providing a chance to earn extra income while gaining more classroom experience. This program offers a unique combination of mentorship, practical teaching, and career advancement opportunities.