UCDS is a hub of education serving ages as young as 6 weeks to adults seeking a graduate degree in education. Our elementary school, Preschool-5th grade, offers a unique experience for applicants seeking opportunities to work directly in classrooms with mentor teachers and students through our Resident Teacher program. 

The Resident Teacher Program is a dynamic opportunity to work and learn alongside our experienced  teachers in Preschool-5th grade classrooms, in a full-time, 10 month paid position. Mentorship, reflective practice and professional development workshops help resident teachers build skills in responsive teaching and curriculum design. Throughout the program, residents identify their strengths and grow their skills as a professional and a colleague. The Resident Teacher Program is ideal for college graduates who value education, love children, and thrive when learning by doing. In previous cohorts, Resident Teachers have come from all different career stages - from just out of college or graduate programs, to professionals seeking a new experience in education.

Resident Teachers join the faculty in mid-August and are employed throughout the school year, starting with a week-long professional development workshop and orientation. From the start, Resident Teachers are included in all planning, preparation, discussion, and curricular decisions with their grade-level teaching teams. This focus on collaboration is reflected throughout the school. The Resident Teacher Program provides a multi-layered support network, designed to foster professional growth.

During the program, Resident Teachers will experience: 

• Mentoring from experienced teachers
• Planning, preparing, discussing, and designing curriculum, in partnership with a mentor 
• Classroom teaching
• An innovative culture of learning and teaching, informed by teaching theory and advanced practice
• Regular professional development workshops

Resident Teachers develop an in-depth understanding of student learning and curriculum. Resident Teachers also have opportunities to work in depth with teachers at a specific grade level, serve on faculty committees, and participate in the planning of school-wide projects. The school’s focus on teamwork demands collegial, highly professional working relationships.

For more information about this position, and UCDS, please visit https://www.ucds.org/institute/professional-development/resident-teacher-program/

Did you know? You can earn a Master of Education degree while working as a resident teacher at UCDS! Master’s coursework takes place in the evenings, and you can apply your resident teaching practice to your practicum requirements. Check out the UCDS College for School Culture, Master of Education program and admission requirements today!