Projects

Study of Teaching Residency Programs

2010-2015
Prepared For

U.S. Department of Education

New teachers tend to be less effective than experienced educators and more likely to leave the profession, particularly in high-needs schools.

Teaching Residency Programs (TRPs), an alternative approach to teacher training, aim to attract talented new teachers to the profession and then provide training and support by combining limited coursework with a one-year supervised “residency” roughly similar to the student teaching practicum.

Mathematica evaluated federally funded TRPs for the U.S. Department of Education. In this study, we examined the characteristics of the programs, their applicants and participants by measuring elements such as program length, required coursework and activities, characteristics of mentor teachers, and selection criteria for participants. We also compared the retention rates of TRP and non-TRP novice teachers. Through our findings, we hope to help policymakers shape teacher preparation programs that recruit, train, retain, and support highly qualified teachers.

Related Staff

Philip Gleason

Philip Gleason

Senior Fellow

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Allison  McKie

Allison McKie

Senior Researcher

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