Frequently Asked Questions
About the Teacher Resident Program

What is a site-based, residency, teacher apprentice program?
This program is carried out on-site - in the K-12 school that is partnering with TNTC. All classes of the Teacher Resident Program are taught on site at K-12 TNTC Partner Schools. This program is similar to the medical residency model where trainees work side-by-side with experts all year long.  Our teacher residents begin the 12-month program with summer classes, then work with an expert mentor teacher throughout the school year. Learning by doing is the most powerful way to learn.

What is special about this program?

Our program is carried out in 12 months.
Most school-based or residency programs are carried out as part-time or over 18 months to two years. 
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Other school-based programs require the college students to leave the site and take courses back at the college campus.  Often, candidates are in classes with students from traditional programs.  In our model, each group of Teacher Residents forms a cohort.  All classes are taught on site, so no travel time is involved.  There is a dedicated faculty hired to teach that cohort, and they customize the courses to reflect the unique setting of that school. The school becomes a learning laboratory where K-12 teachers, College faculty and teacher residents work together to enhance the learning of the K-12 students.

Who is eligible to enroll?
Viable candidates must have an undergraduate degree, B.A. or B.S., from an accredited institution of higher education and an avid desire to enter the teaching profession.

When does the program begin?
The Teacher Resident Program typically begins in June of each calendar year.

Is the program full- or part-time?.
The Teacher Resident Program is a full-time, immersion program.  Students attend classes for 8 weeks in the summer, and then are placed full-time at a partner school for the academic year.  The program ends mid-May.

The Fellows Program is part-time.

If I can't participate in a full-time program, is there another option at your institution?
Our Master's degree with license program is full-time.

How long does it take and how much does it cost?
This is a 12 month program.  Tuition is $575 per credit hour. Books and materials are included in this tuition.

Will I need pre-requisite courses?

This is a Master's in Education program.  Candidates need to meet content area requirements for licensure prior to enrolling in the program. After the transcripts are evaluated, students will be informed if additional course work is needed.  Pre-requisite course work can be completed as graduate or undergraduate courses from any accredited institution.  Prior learning can also be evaluated to meet content course requirements.

Where are the school sites?
We work to establish partnerships with key schools around the country. Partner schools are identified under our partner school tab.

Will I be able to choose the school site for my apprenticeship?
Available placements will be identified at each school site.  Applicants are welcome to apply to any school where an appropriate placement exists.  A common application, filed through the College, will be made available to each site.  The Director of Admissions and Site Development will coordinate applications, site visits and interviews.

Is there an application deadline?
The deadline for the Teacher Resident Program is typically April 1.  Early admissions occur in December.

We encourage and accept applications year round.

What are my chances of getting a job?
Employers are very interested in hiring candidates who have spent a year training in a school, and being prepared through a stellar master's degree program. 

With the teachers shortage, jobs are virtually guaranteed.  Some districts are offering signing bonuses.

​Historically, our placement rate is 100%. Additionally, TNTC staff works diligently to assist each graduate with finding a job.

Are scholarships or financial aid available?
There are many types of financial aid and scholarship available.  The College and each Program Director will provide details of what is available each year.

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