Program Overview

Introduction to the Teaching Certification: Teacher Residency Program

The Teacher Residency program at Drexel University is an accelerated, hybrid, one-year teacher preparation experience. This program aims to prepare teachers for successful careers through an accelerated hybrid model of learning, allowing them to gain experience in the classroom while completing their required coursework.

Program Details

Teacher residents are carefully selected and paired with experienced mentor teachers to learn all aspects of teaching, including lesson planning, classroom management, and more. Drexel University has partnered with public and select charter schools to develop a year-long, classroom-based teacher certification hybrid program. The Teacher Residency Program interviews and accepts exceptional and highly qualified candidates to enroll in Drexel's graduate-level teacher education courses.

Accepted Students and Program Structure

Accepted students serve as Teacher Residents who work daily within a partnering school for a full year with a trained Mentor Teacher. Teacher residents work side-by-side with their Mentors to develop the skills needed to run a successful classroom. They learn how to develop and deliver lessons, grow student engagement, and manage time and classroom behavior, among many other skills that go into teaching.

Career Preparation

Drexel's teacher residency program prepares residents for careers in the following subjects:

• Grades PreK-4 Elementary Education
• Grades 4-8 Middle Level Education in the areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies
• Grades 7-12 Secondary Education in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, Earth & Space Science, General Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Social Studies
• Grades PreK-12 Special Education

Degrees Offered

• Certificate: Part-Time, Philadelphia

Application Requirements

On-Campus Program

Deadlines

The application deadline for the Summer term is May 1.

Requirements

• Graduate Admission Application: An application fee of $65 U.S. is required.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 80, or equivalent scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• Essay: A 500-word essay explaining reasons for pursuing teacher certification.
• Résumé: Upload as part of the admission application.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from former professors or professional contacts with supervisory capacity.
• Interview: Applicants must attend a Philadelphia Teacher Resident Selection Day event and be recommended by the Selection Day Committee.

Additional Information

The Teaching Certification: Teacher Residency program is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for future teachers, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and practices necessary to succeed in their careers.