TEA approves TWU Teacher Residency program

Dec. 5, 2023 — DENTON — The Texas Education Agency (TEA) approved the Texas Woman’s University Teacher Residency Program for the 2023-24 academic year. The Pioneer Teacher Residency (PTR) program out of the College of Professional Education’s Educator Preparation Program (EPP) earned a spot on the TEA Vetted Teacher Residency Program list. 

Inclusion on the prestigious list of Texas educator preparation programs puts the TWU EPP, headed by Associate Dean Gina Anderson, EdD, in exclusive company with just approximately 30% of programs in the state receiving the designation. 

It opens the program up to state and federal grant opportunities where educational institutions are required to collaborate with top-tier teacher residency programs. It also creates additional opportunities for TWU students to work with districts and with more paid opportunities to support their education.

"We are thrilled. This designation sets our program apart,” Anderson said. “It is an opportunity to strengthen our partnerships with school districts, engage our candidates in more relevant, immersive practices, and compensate our candidates while they are completing their last year of coursework and clinical teaching. It adds another layer of quality to our program."

In a teacher residency, a teacher candidate pairs with an experienced, highly effective mentor teacher for a full year of clinical training/co-teaching in a K-12 classroom for a minimum of 21 hours per week for the year. Residencies take place at the undergraduate and post-baccalaureate levels and, in some cases, residents receive a stipend during the year-long residency.

The Pioneer Teacher Residency program is an option for all TWU candidates pursuing any certification pathway once all eligibility requirements are met and with school district participation. One semester of clinical teaching, a two-semester internship for graduate students, and opportunities to complete clinical teaching while an educational aide continue to be additional options.

Page last updated 4:14 PM, December 5, 2023