Teacher Residency Program
NDNU’s Teacher Residency Partnership offers an immersive, supportive path to your
California teaching credential. Combine grant support and hands-on classroom experience
with NDNU’s transformative coursework to become the educator your community needs.
Modeled closely after medical residencies, a teacher residency is an intensive preparation model that integrates classroom experience with university coursework. Over 14-months, aspiring educators complete aligned credential coursework at NDNU while spending a full academic year co-teaching in a K–12 classroom alongside an experienced mentor teacher in a partner school district.
Core Pillars of a Residency Model
Full-Year Classroom Immersion
Residents are in the school building from day one. Residents participate in pre-service preparation days, learning school culture, meeting parents, and following the district's annual calendar.
Gradual Release of Responsibility
Teaching starts with observing and assisting, transitions into co-teaching and small-group instruction, and culminates in leading the classroom independently for extended periods.
Tight Theory-to-Practice Integration
University coursework directly supports what is happening in the classroom week-by-week, allowing candidates to apply pedagogical theories immediately.
Residency Grant Support
Candidates receive a residency grant in exchange for committing to teach in the partner school district for a set period (usually 4 years) after earning their credential.
What a Typical Week Looks Like
|
Component |
Daily/Weekly |
|
Classroom Practice |
Co-planning and co-teaching in the same classroom placement for the entire residency program; leading small group interventions, grading, and managing classroom routines. |
|
University Coursework |
Evening, online classes focusing on curriculum design, educational equity, assessment, and subject-specific pedagogy aligned with CalTPA rubrics. Complete all coursework necessary for Preliminary California Credential in 14 months. |
|
CalTPA* Preparation |
CalTPA support courses each semester walking you through gathering student data, capturing required classroom video footage, adapting learning plans, and writing reflective responses for Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 submissions during dedicated planning time. |
|
Mentorship & Debriefs |
Regular 1-on-1 feedback sessions with the mentor teacher (classroom teacher you are partnered with) and periodic observation cycles with a university supervisor from NDNU. |
*The CalTPA (California Teaching Performance Assessment) is a state-mandated assessment
that teacher candidates in California must pass to earn a Preliminary Multiple Subject,
Single Subject, or Education Specialist teaching credential.
Current Residency Partnerships
NDNU partners with school districts and residency programs across the Bay Area to provide aspiring educators with immersive, classroom-based preparation.
Benicia Unified School District
Education Specialist Resident Candidates
Mild/Moderate or Extensive Support Needs
Far East Contra Costa County
Brentwood Partnership
- Education Specialist Resident Candidates
- Multiple & Single Subject Resident Candidates
San Francisco Urban Teacher Residency
Multiple & Single Subject Resident Candidates
South San Francisco Unified School District
Education Specialist Resident Candidates
Mild/Moderate or Extensive Support Needs
Application Process:
To be considered for a Teacher Residency Program, applicants must complete two applications:
- Specific District Residency Program Application – must include all required uploads (resume, transcripts, & reference letters).
- NDNU Application – must be submitted separately.
Deadlines:
NDNU Residency Program Application Priority Deadline: January 31, 2027 (all applications received after this date will be considered if there is room in specific residency programs)
Successful Completion of a Residency Program Includes:
- Earn a Preliminary Credential
- Receive Residency grant to support tuition and living expenses
- Priority consideration for hiring in partner district