Rural Teacher Residency Program Overview
Program Goals
For rural school districts, there is a need not only for preparing and credentialing new teachers, but also for reforming how those teachers are prepared to meet the challenges facing rural schools. Among those challenges are issues of poverty and geographic isolation faced by rural districts and the need to support students with special needs and a growing population of English learners.
Effective Practice
Subject Matter Knowledge
Candidates demonstrate solid knowledge of and currency in their subject matter/academic discipline and a commitment to continue to expand their depth and range of understandings.
Pedagogical/Professional Practice
Candidates demonstrate a sizeable repertoire of pedagogical/professional practice and select strategies, techniques, and technological resources appropriately in relation to the learners.
Diversity
Candidates are knowledgeable about and responsive to the needs of all learners, including linguistically and culturally diverse learners and special populations.
Assessment
Candidates have expertise in the assessment and evaluation of pupil needs and achievements and use data in decision-making.
Reflective Practice
Reflection
Candidates have learned to reflect appropriately on their professional practice and exhibit evidence of having established a habit of self-examination that results in continual improvement of that practice.
Engaged Practice
Collaboration
Candidates actively engage in collaborative partnerships with colleagues, parents, community agencies and professional organizations.
Civic Engagement
Candidates promote civic engagement and community partnerships and take an active leadership role in advocating for all learners.