Do I need an education degree to be eligible?
No. A bachelor’s degree in any major is eligible.
Do I need to be a recent graduate to be eligible?
No. Professionals and career changers as well as recent graduates are eligible.
How long is the program?
The program is completed in two years. Residents maintain FT student status in year 1 and 2 and apprentice in a school FT in year 2.
What is a residency?
Teacher residency programs are, by definition, school-serving teacher education programs that pair a rigorous full-year classroom apprenticeship with masters-level education content. Building on the medical residency model, teacher preparation programs provide residents with both the underlying theory of effective teaching and a year-long, in-school “residency” in which they practice and hone their skills and knowledge alongside an effective teacher-mentor in a high-need classroom. Teacher residents are paid a $27,000-$31,000 teacher assistant salary that is paid by the partner school during the teacher residency year.
Do you have high school placements?
No. At this time, placements are made in grades 1-6. All residents have the option of earning certification extensions in both middle school and early childhood.
What certifications are available through the program?
Residents will pursue certification in Childhood (Grades 1-6)/Special Education (Grades PreK-12), Childhood (Grades 1-6)/TESOL (Grades K-12) or Adolescence/Special Education (Grades PreK-12). An early childhood extension and middle childhood extension are also available options.
How are residency placements made?
Faculty at the college and school administrators identify highly skilled teachers to serve as mentor teachers through a mentor teacher selection process. Mentors and residents go through a matching process to determine strong matches. The matches are made in the spring of year one. The residency begins in the fall of year two.
When does the program start?
August of each year.
What type of candidate are you looking for?
All individuals interested in working in urban elementary schools. Special consideration will be given to candidates who understand the lived experiences of the children they may teach and display a passion for teaching.
Is program entrance competitive?
Admission is selective. The process consists of an application, written component, and an interview.
What scholarships are available?
Candidates who meet entrance requirements and are accepted into the program receive a 30% discount off of graduate tuition. Candidates are also eligible for the TEACH grant as well as a BUTF Scholarship, which covers $10,000-$15,000 of graduate tuition in the second year of the program.
What kind of coursework is involved?
The coursework for the Canisius University Teacher Residency program mirrors that of the MSEd in Childhood (Grades 1-6)/Special Education (Grades PreK-12), Childhood (Grades 1-6)/TESOL (Grades K-12) or Adolescence/Special Education (Grades PreK-12).