Examining the Impact of a Residency Program on Teacher Quantity and Quality in Urban Schools

• In Event: 45.049 - Understanding and Addressing the Teachers of Color Shortage for and From Diverse Communities

Abstract

Residency programs have emerged as a promising approach to address the acute shortage of teachers prepared to serve students in urban schools. In this session, we discuss a research study designed to examine the long-term impact of a special education residency program in recruiting, preparing and retaining teachers to serve students with disabilities in an urban school district’s high need schools. Preliminary findings from the study indicate that the residency program enhanced the recruitment and retention of special education teachers. The program was rated highly and similar to other programs, despite a highly demanding year of preparation. This study provides strong support for residency programs but also suggests major challenges in implementation and sustainability.

Authors

• Nancy D. Burstein, California State University - Northridge

• Sue Sears, California State University - Northridge

• Anne Wilcoxen, California State University - Northridge