DU and Denver Public Schools (DPS) officials today announced a new partnership designed to attract, cultivate and support exceptional teachers in high-needs subjects and schools within the district. When the Denver Teacher Residency program reaches its peak enrollment in a few years, almost one-quarter of new teachers DPS recruits each year — currently more than 400 — will receive training through the University.
The program is modeled after a medical residency. Participants will earn both a teaching license and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from DU’s Morgridge College of Education and will receive a $10,000 stipend during their residency year. During the second year of the program, residents will be hired as full-time teachers receiving customized mentoring and support. They will receive full tuition reimbursement after completing a five-year commitment in district schools.
“The Morgridge College of Education is working hard to break the traditional mold, remaking itself into a catalyst for education reform,” says DU Chancellor Robert Coombe. “The Denver Teacher Residency program is emblematic of a new kind of partnership that can achieve that kind of positive change, to the great benefit of Denver’s kids and their families.”
Last year, Janus Capital Group established the Janus Education Alliance, a public-private partnership with DPS to raise the caliber of education and educators in DPS. The Denver Teacher Residency program is a critical component of the Janus Education Alliance.
Applications for the residency program are due March 27 and can be accessed at www.denverteacherresidency.org.