What is the commitment?

• Years 2-4: Serve as a certified Teacher of Record (must complete the residency year)
  • All teacher residents commit to teaching in the District for three full academic years after completing their residency year, with the exception of the Paraprofessional Career Development program participants.
  • Eligible paraprofessionals who transition into the teacher residency program through the Paraprofessional Career Development program commit to teaching in the District for at least two full academic years after completing their residency year.

Will I earn a Master’s Degree?

• Residents may earn a Master’s Degree during their residency year depending on the residency partner they choose for their coursework. Some programs offer the opportunity to take additional courses after the residency year to earn a Master’s Degree. Residents should consult with their partner to learn more about Master’s programs and other possible add-on certification areas. Any costs associated with a Master’s Degree and/or additional certification areas are the responsibility of the resident.

Does the TRP prepare residents to teach all grade levels and content areas?

• The Teacher Residency Program is designed to meet the District’s most pressing teacher shortage areas in terms of both grade level and content area. The residency program prepares candidates for certification and to teach Math, Science, English Language Arts, Spanish and Special Education in grades 4-12. This means that we cannot accept candidates that are interested in teaching elementary grades, Social Studies, Art, Music, or Physical Education.
• Through the District’s Paraprofessional Career Development program, there is also an opportunity for eligible paraprofessionals to become certified in Elementary PK-4 and grades 5-6.

What is the admissions process?

Our admissions process is rolling and will be open until the 2024-25 cohort is filled, or until June 2024.

1. Select and apply to a residency partner
2. Prepare for and take Praxis content exam (with the exception of high school Math and Science content areas)
3. Participate in partner application and selection process (varies)
4. Complete SDP application and joint interview process with the partner and SDP

How is the tuition stipend applied?

• The tuition stipend is contingent on the successful participation and completion of the Teacher Residency Program. Residents will not receive a check from the School District of Philadelphia, but will instead see their stipend applied on their tuition invoice from their residency partner.

Which Praxis exam do I need to take?

• All teacher resident candidates must pass the Praxis content exam that corresponds with the grade level and subject area they hope to train in, with the exception of high school math and science. Check out our Praxis Guide to see the specific exam you will need to successfully take. This requirement ensures that residents are on the pathway towards their Pennsylvania teaching certification.

Does the Teacher Residency Program cover the cost of the Praxis or other exams?

• Residents must pay for the exams.

Which Praxis exam do I need to take?

• All teacher resident candidates must pass the Praxis content exam that corresponds with the grade level and subject area they hope to train in. Check out our Praxis Guide to see the specific exam you will need to successfully take. This requirement ensures that residents are on the pathway towards their Pennsylvania teaching certification.

Do I have to take my Praxis exam before I apply to the program?

• No, but we highly suggest that prospective candidates take their Praxis content exam as soon as they determine their interest. The longer a candidate waits to take their exam, the more likely their chances decrease of securing a spot in the cohort. SDP cannot give any resident candidate an offer letter of employment without a passing Praxis content exam score.

I took the Praxis over 10 years ago. Are my old scores still valid?

• In most cases no, but please check ETS Praxis website FAQs or contact them directly. Generally, SDP accepts scores that are within nine (9) years old and in the same content area.

Does the Teacher Residency Program cover the cost of the Praxis or other exams?

• No. Outside of the $7,500 tuition stipend, residents are responsible for Praxis costs or any other required exams for certification.

Where can I find test preparation resources?

• Test preparation guides and additional information about accessibility, registration and Praxis resources can be found at www.ets.org.

When and where is the Praxis exam offered?

• Please visit www.ets.org to find Praxis test locations, online testing options, exam dates and times.