A new report examines how teacher residency programs in California are shaping the education workforce by analyzing enrollment trends, training quality, and the performance of educators who complete these structured, hands-on preparation programs. These residencies pair aspiring teachers with mentors in real classrooms, offering an alternative to traditional certification routes, but the study explores whether this model effectively addresses teacher shortages while ensuring new educators are adequately prepared. Researchers highlight key differences in how residency programs structure their curricula and support systems, raising questions about consistency in outcomes across the state. The findings could influence policy discussions on teacher training as districts seek sustainable ways to improve classroom instruction.
Teacher Residencies in California: Enrollment, Preparation, and Outcomes of Residency-Prepared Teachers Learning Policy Institute