Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/556394
I was able to practice teaching instead of just reading about it. I discovered a lot of truths. I built a lot of connections. I learned how to create a sense of community in the classroom. At first I sat back and watched Anna, but it gradually became our classroom, and at some point, for a few days, it was my classroom." The program paid half of the tuition for Duncan, who is earn- ing her M.A. and teaching credential at USF. She isn't sure she could have done it by herself financially. "Programs like this are important, because by investing in teachers, we are investing in students," says Duncan. "They make it possible for adults to better themselves and the community at the same time." RESIDENTS BLOSSOM — AND PUT DOWN ROOTS SFTR director Jonathan Osler says the program is based on a Boston resi- dency program founded by Jesse Solomon, who taught him in eighth grade and was his favorite teacher of all time. Osler and Solomon are still in com- munication on how to best run residency programs. In the SFTR model, which is part of the Urban Teacher Residency United Network, 24 residents are placed in the classroom of a "cooperating teacher" for an entire year in a school that serves diverse students, while taking tightly connected coursework from their university partners. Residents are enrolled Programs like this are important, because by investing in teachers, we are investing in students. ASHLI DUNCAN either in a teacher preparation program at Stanford for math and science, or in a USF program for math, science, and Spanish bilingual or elementary education. Upon completion, residents receive their preliminary teaching credential. For Stanford students, a master's degree is embedded in the program; USF students take coursework toward a master's degree, finishing the final two courses post-residency. Residents begin the year as observers, and gradually assume greater responsibility for the planning, instruc- tion and assessment in the classroom. They attend weekly Dayna Soares, with Edwin Rodriguez, became a teacher at Mission High School after her residency there. 26 cta.org Feature