Today@Sam Article

College of Education Offers New Paid Teacher Residencies For Students

July 30, 2021
SHSU Media Contact: Wes Hamilton

Sam Houston State University’s College of Education is partnering with Aldine and Klein Independent School Districts to offer paid teacher residency programs for Bearkat students. Opportunity Culture, is providing year-long, paid teacher residencies designed to bring a fresh approach to teacher training.

“Expanding our partnerships with Klein ISD and Aldine ISD through Opportunity Culture increases our ability to provide innovative, impactful ways for future teachers to have the dynamic preparation experiences needed to make this kind of difference,” said Stacey Edmonson, dean of the College of Education. “These partnerships open doors not only to expanding high-impact preparation for current teacher candidates, but also to increasing access to the teaching profession for future candidates.”

These paid residencies provide a way for candidates, who need to earn income while obtaining degrees and certification, to enter the teaching workforce.

“Our goal at Sam Houston State is to prepare the very best teachers possible, teachers who are equipped and prepared to make a positive difference in the lives of students,” Edmonson said.

Partner school districts are eager for the program to grow because college residents play critical roles on Opportunity Culture teams. District teachers will continue to teach part of the time, while leading small instructional teams with intensive coaching and support for student teachers.

“I am so excited for Klein ISD to be a part of this Opportunity Culture initiative and its innovative approach to extending the reach of talented teachers,” said Jenny McGown, Klein ISD superintendent. “This is one more way to help ensure that every student has access to excellent and equitable learning opportunities. I look forward to strengthening a best-in-class teacher leadership pipeline by recruiting strong teacher candidates and retaining strong teacher-leaders, as well as building even stronger relationships with our university partners.”

The national Opportunity Culture initiative, led by Public Impact, is now in more than 45 districts and charter school organizations in 10 states. As more Texas districts join this initiative, Public Impact expects that 450 slots will be created for teacher residents over the next two years.

“We are so pleased to see enthusiasm continue to grow for Opportunity Culture implementation among districts and educator preparation providers in Texas,” said Stephanie Dean, Public Impact’s vice president of strategic policy advising. “These staffing models are a powerful combination of instructional and human capital strategies, designed to ensure every student has access to excellent teaching.”

To learn more about the new program, visit Public Impact’s Opportunity Culture website. Sam Houston State’s College of Education has been preparing educators since 1879. Learn more about the programs offered and how you can become the next great Bearkat educator at shsu.edu.academics/education.

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