UTA launches paid teacher residency program

The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Education is launching a paid teaching residency program to transform how future educators are prepared for the classroom.

Through the program, aspiring teachers will have the option to spend a full academic year in a classroom, gaining extensive hands-on experience and sustained support during their final year of undergraduate study.

Classroom experience is a critical step in preparing teacher candidates to meet the demands of leading their own classroom. However, the unpaid nature of traditional student teaching has long been one of the biggest barriers to entering the profession.

To support the launch of the teaching residency program, the College of Education has been accepted into the US PREP Coalition, a network of more than 40 universities nationwide working to strengthen educator preparation programs. The college will also receive funding from the Fort Worth Education Partnership to begin designing the new program.

“We are grateful for the support of the Fort Worth Education Partnership, US PREP and UTA administration for the teacher residency program,” Interim Dean Ann Cavallo said. “Teacher education also received strong support from the Texas Legislature, including significant funding to strengthen the profession and support its future across the state. The UTA College of Education is one of the leading providers of highly qualified, certified teachers for Tarrant County schools. With a highly ranked college and award-winning faculty and staff, we are well positioned to deliver a high-quality teacher residency program for our partner school districts and their students.”

As demand for teachers continues across the state, data show that teachers with less preparation are more likely to leave the profession within their first three to five years. To help address the need, state lawmakers last year approved a record $8.5 billion through House Bill 2 for teacher preparation and certification programs, among other education investments. In 2024, the Texas Education Agency approved a new pathway allowing universities to offer teacher residency programs.

Beginning this summer, UTA will start planning and designing its teaching residency model. The College of Education will evaluate its current teacher preparation programs and reimagine a model that addresses the needs of teaching candidates and school districts. The first residency cohort is expected to begin in the fall of 2027.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the College of Education to help address teacher shortages and strengthen teacher quality across North Texas while meeting the needs of both our teacher candidates and partner school districts,” said Ambra Green, interim associate dean for academic affairs and student success.

Over the next four years, the College of Education will work with its partners to expand and sustain the teaching residency program, preparing and placing highly qualified teachers in Texas classrooms.