Get classroom experience while working toward your teaching certification. Choose your starting point:
Teacher Residency Programs
Get Paid While You Earn Your Certification
For people who already have a bachelor’s degree and want structured training before becoming the lead teacher in their own classroom.
If you’re ready to start teaching with just bachelor’s degree, here’s how it works
Step 1: Apply to a residency program
If accepted, you’ll spend a full school year training alongside a mentor teacher while earning pay, a stipend, salary, or other financial support depending on the program partner.
Step 2: Complete your educator preparation pathway
During the residency, you’ll complete coursework and training that leads toward Pennsylvania teaching certification. In some programs, that coursework is through a university partner, while in others the structure is program-specific and may include a master’s degree, certification coursework, or both.
Step 3: Move into a teaching role
After the residency year, most programs continue with coaching or transition support as you step into your own classroom.
Want to Learn More About Residency Program Partners?
These educator preparation programs provide the coursework and certification support for residents at the schools above.
You apply to a teacher residency program first. If accepted, you are then placed in a school-based residency and connected to the appropriate educator preparation pathway, which varies by partner program.
Other Opportunities to Teach While You Complete Certification
For people with a bachelor’s degree who want to begin teaching full-time while completing certification requirements.
No Bachelor’s Degree Yet? Start Here
Build Experience While You Work Toward Your Degree
For people exploring teaching who want to work in schools while completing their bachelor’s degree.
You don’t need a degree to start working in Philadelphia schools. These entry-level roles allow you to support students, gain classroom experience, and explore teaching as a career while working toward your degree.
To explore more pathway options based on where you’re starting, visit our Pathways page.
Know of a program not on our list? Let us know!