Teacher Residencies in Texas

The Texas Teacher Residency Route blends a rigorous full-year classroom experience for pre-service teachers while completing an SBEC approved educator preparation program.

Teacher residents learn how to teach while co-teaching alongside a highly trained and qualified host teacher in their community school district. The culmination of their preparation yields an Enhanced Standard Teacher Certificate to teach in the state of Texas. 

Prospective EPP Applicants

Information for Educator Prep Programs

For LEAs and Partners
 

Information for LEAs and Partners

For Teacher Candidates

Information for Teacher Candidates

Prospective EPP Applicants

Guidance for the Preparation Route Application

Policy Requirements: The Teacher Residency Preparation Route and The Enhanced Standard Certificate

On April 12, 2024, the SBOE approved the SBEC adopted 19 TAC Chapter 228: Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs which include the requirements for programs to offer a teacher residency preparation route. The SBOE also approved the SBEC adopted proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 230: Educator Preparation and Certification which includes the amendment to 19 TAC § 230.31 for the enhanced standard certificate to be issued to teacher candidates who have met all requirements of the teacher residency preparation route and other requirements specified in 19 TAC § 230.39.

All EPPs that seek to offer a teacher residency preparation route must apply and be approved by the SBEC. Once approved, a post-approval site visit will be conducted after the end of the first academic year in which the program reports residency completers (19 TAC § 228.15 (b)). The implementation date of the revised Ch. 228 policy is September 1, 2024.

For additional information regarding the updated SBEC policy and the application, please refer to the TAC Chapter 228 FAQ also available on the Program Provider’s page. 

Teacher Residency Preparation Route (TTRPR) Application Process Overview

Applications for the teacher residency preparation route will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. After an application has been reviewed, it will either be recommended to the SBEC for final review and approval, or the applicant will receive notification that the application does not meet the criteria to be recommended.

Below, the TEA has provided estimated scoring windows for application submission, program notification of application status, and aligned SBEC approval dates. Please note, that these are estimations, and factors such as the reviewer’s request for a program to resubmit artifacts may impact this timeline.

Once an EPP has been approved by the SBEC to offer the teacher residency preparation route, they may offer the route to teacher candidates.

TTRPR Application Next Steps

To apply to offer the teacher residency preparation route, please complete the following steps:

1. An EPP must submit intent to apply. 
2. Following submission of intent to apply, TEA staff will contact the program to provide: 1) the application, 2) application instructions and 3) a secure ShareFile for submission.
3. Programs may follow up with questions to TEAteacherresidency@tea.texas.gov regarding the application and related resources.

For LEAs and Partners

Current Texas Teacher Residency Preparation Route Providers 

The list of SBEC approved Texas Teacher Residency Providers as of February 14, 2025.

Texas Strategic Staffing

Sustainably paid teacher residencies allow greater access to high-quality preparation to prospective Texas teachers. Districts and EPPs can partner to develop paid teacher residencies through the use of strategic staffing models that allow residents to fulfill additional instructional responsibilities while completing their residency. Texas Strategic Staffing is a 2-year process in which a district and EPP commit to designing and implementing a paid teacher residency program that is sustainably funded by reallocating and reinvesting district resources. To learn more, visit the Texas Strategic Staffing website. 

Texas Teacher Residency Landscape Tool

The Texas Teacher Residency Programs landscape tool provides an interactive snapshot of existing vetted teacher residency (VTR) programs' key features, identified partnerships, and other information to prospective district and school partners, local community organizations, and community college partners as they build talent pathway strategies. Prospective candidates may also use this tool to better understand local options for their teacher preparation pathway.

Teacher Candidates 

Welcome to the Texas Teacher Residency Preparation Route Program! 

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? Our innovative Texas Teacher Residency Route (TTRPR) offers aspiring educators a unique opportunity to gain hands-on teaching experience while earning their teaching certification. 

Why Choose Teacher Residency? 

• Comprehensive Training: Engage in a year-long teacher residency, co-teaching alongside an experienced host teacher who will provide mentorship.
• Real Classroom Experience: Work directly in Texas classrooms, applying theory to practice. 
• Potential Paid Positions: Many districts are paying residents for their time in the classroom. 
• Supportive Community: Join a network of dedicated educators committed to student success in your community. 
• Professional Development: Receive ongoing support and professional development to enhance your teaching skills. 
• Enhanced Standard Teacher Certification: Earn the new Enhanced Standard Teacher Certification upon completion of a Texas Teacher Residency Provider.  

Join Us Today! 

Embark on a rewarding journey to become a certified teacher. Be one of the residents across Texas. Together, we can shape the future of education. See Educator Preparation Programs in your area.