From Classroom to Career: ǻ's Groundbreaking Teaching Residency Program
In an excitingmove to revolutionize high-quality teacher education, ǻ's School of Education (SOE) has launched a program that's turning heads in the education world. This August, the Residency for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (RETL) welcomed its inaugural cohort of nine teachers and aspiring educators, each embarking on a journey that promises to transform their lives and the future of education.
A Medical Model for Teacher Training
Imagine a teaching program that mirrors the intensity and hands-on experience of a medical residency. That's what ǻ has created. "We created the proframwith Friendship Public Charter School to provide an immersive, hands-on teaching residency in a supportive, diverse environment," Dr. Carolyn Parker, Director of Graduate Teacher Education and Academic Programs, and Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer, said. "We chose early childhood education and special education because the shortage of diverse, well-prepared teachers is especially acute in these fields." The RETL program offers a unique Master of Arts in Teaching that plunges students into the classroom from day one.
"This isn't your typical teacher training," says Jessica Cisneros, SOE's RETL Project Director. "Our residents are in the trenches, learning from mentor teachers and gaining real-world experience that's invaluable for their future careers. We have a very excited and dedicated group of teachers who come to us with a variety of lived experiences withthe same passion for teaching students here in DC, and for deepening their own learning. The group includes three members of the Black Male Teacher Residency cohort at Friendship PCS and also includes an alumna of Friendship schools who is now coming back to teach."
Breaking Down Barriers: Making Education Accessible
With a $1.8 million grant from the Department of Education's Teacher Quality Partnership Program, ǻ is breaking down financial barriers for aspiring teachers:
- A $5,000 stipend for members of the inaugural cohort
- Significant partnership tuition discounts
- An additional $2,500 lifelong learning stipend for employees of the Friendship Public Charter School upon program completion
The result? Graduates can expect a significant salary increase of up to 75% as they transition from paraprofessional to lead teacher roles.
"Though the program is demanding, we are working to make it sustainable and supportive for all participants with wrap-around coaching support and a unique hybrid format," said Cisneros. "Some courses are in person on the ǻ campus, some are virtual, and some are even held on Friendship campuses so we can meet participants where they are, in their context."
Meet the Pioneers: From Rookies to Veterans
The inaugural class of nine residents brings a diverse range of experiences to the program. Let's meet two of these trailblazers:
Charles Dixon: From Football Field to Classroom Champion
Charles Dixon's path to teaching is nothing short of inspirational. A former football player whose life was shaped by influential coaches, Dixon found his calling in special education after a life-threatening injury.
He became a first-time teacher in 2023,introduced to RETL through the Black Male Teacher Residency program, which aims to specifically address the professional effectiveness and personal growth of Black males and males of color.
Currently placed at the Armstrong campus of Friendship Public Charter School, Dixonis in the classroom alongside another teacher and a mentor teacher, while working toward his MAT in special education with a concentration in learning disabilities which he hopes to complete in May 2026.
His ultimate goal? To become a principal and make an even broader impact on students' lives. Read more about Dixon's amazing story.
Juilenne Townsend-Sanders: A Lifelong Passion for Early Education
With 32 years of teaching under her belt, Juilenne Townsend-Sanders brings a wealth of experience to the RETL program. Her journey began in 1992 as a before- and after-care teacher, igniting a passion that has only grown stronger over the decades.“I knew that was it,” Townsend-Sanders said about her new career teachingwhen she began at Prince George's County Public Schools.
After getting her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education in 2005, she hoped to earn a master’s degree and to be certified in the specialty of teaching these youngest learners. Now teaching preschool at Friendship PCS's Blow Pierce Campus, she's fulfilling a long-held dream of earning her master's degree in early childhood education. Unlike some of her peers, Townsend-Sanders has no interest in administration.“I’m still in the honeymoon phase of this job!” she said. “I want to retire from the classroom.” Read more aboutTownsend-Sanders' amazing story.
A Bright Future for Education
As the RETL program looks to expand to 24 students per cohort in coming years, it's clear that ǻ is at the forefront of a teaching revolution. By combining immersive classroom experience with rigorous academic training,SOE doesn'tjust prepare teachers—they're shaping the future of education itself. Cisneros said, "We can't wait to see their growth as educators this year and look forward to supporting them all along the way. We are also beginning to connect with interested educators who may consider applying to our 2025 cohort, launching next summer."
Learn more about this groundbreaking program by exploringthe links below:
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