SHU Teacher Residency Programs

Earn a Master of Arts in Teaching and teacher certification with 30 credits of tuition covered from Sacred Heart University and our partner districts.

The Farrington College of Education & Human Development (FCEHD) offers a full-time teacher residency that combines coursework with intensive clinical preparation. Residents gain the content knowledge and teaching skills needed to support every student.

Graduation cap with stars
MAT & Licensure Earn your certification in elementary or secondary education in as little as 15 months* -- often at no cost**
Connecticut
Living Stipend Receive 30 graduate credits plus a living stipend from your partner district
Teacher teaching class
Employment Secure a promise of employment upon successful completion of residency & licensure (contingent upon position availability in the district)

Traditional Residency

The Traditional Residency program is a school-based internship for pre-service teachers enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. Participants receive 30 tuition credits toward their Sacred Heart University degree.

Characterized as a yearlong interview, candidates complete 12 weeks of student teaching. For the remainder of the school year, students provide instructional assistance under the support of a school administrator for such tasks as:

  • Substitute teaching
  • Grade level assisting
  • Tutoring
  • Leading small instructional groups
  • Chaperoning field trips
  • Supporting school projects based on personal talents and expertise‌
  • Conducting remediation lessons as recommended in learning plans

Candidates Earning Initial Certification (MAT)

Students enrolled in the MAT with initial certification will work with the FCEHD to create a schedule that includes coursework in the MAT program, application to and enrollment in the school-based residency experience which includes the 12 weeks of student teaching and timeline for associated assessments.

Candidates who begin coursework in the summer will begin their residency in the fall semester and student teach in the following spring. Candidates who begin coursework in the fall will begin their residency in the following fall semester, beginning with student teaching, followed by interning in the spring semester.

Traditional Residency Agreement

Students who are accepted into the school-based experience are required to sign a promissory note in which they agree to complete the residency. This entitles them to 30 credits of tuition. They are responsible for tuition bills for any credits required after completion of the initial 30 credits, as well as any program fees.

Mission & Vision

Mission

The Sacred Heart University teacher residency programs, in collaboration with school partners, prepare educators to become committed and caring teachers. Rigorous coursework, coupled with an immersive school-based experience, results in inclusive teaching with an immediate impact on student learning. SHU provides equitable opportunities for all students through the recruitment, development and retention of a diverse community of highly effective educators and mentors.

Vision

The Sacred Heart University teacher residency programs prepare exceptional educators who have an equity-based mindset and prioritize academic excellence for students from all cultural backgrounds.

More Information

Katie Cunningham, Ed.D.
Program Director, Teacher Education 
203-365-4717
cunninghamk3@sacredheart.edu

Whitney Kolwicz
Graduate Admissions
203-365-4716
kolwiczw@sacredheart.edu