Program Overview

Teachers@Heart Residency Program Overview

Modeled after medical residencies, the Teachers@Heart residency program combines rigorous coursework in education with intense clinical preparation and hands-on practice. The program was developed in consultation with the National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), which emphasizes culturally responsive and equitable selection of residents, rigorous selection of and support of mentor teachers, intensive pre-service preparation focused on the specific needs of teachers in high-need schools and strategic hiring of graduates.

Over one summer and one academic year, residents complete a Master of Arts in Teaching and immersive residency in one of our partner schools. Residencies uniquely serve the purpose of preparing teachers in district schools for district schools, so they are effective on their first day.

The residency affords the resident significant time to practice teaching alongside a carefully selected mentor over the course of one school year. Residents may serve as co-teachers, co-planners and co-assessors with their mentors and become an integral part of the school community.

Supportive and dedicated faculty, mentor teachers and peers await you at Sacred Heart University. Joining the SHU Teachers@Heart Residency family is about more than becoming a teacher in your own classroom—it's about being part of a community of educators.

The Resident Experience

Duration

Full academic year (approximately 40 weeks/180 days). Residents co-teach in the same classroom all year, gaining approximately 1,400 hours of teaching experience (compared to the typical 450 hours for student teachers)

Seminars

Weekly seminars co-facilitated by SHU faculty and district liaisons connect theory with classroom practice

Cohort Model

Residents join a small, supportive cohort of peers, fostering collaboration and shared learning experiences

Graduate Coursework

Residents complete coursework for the Master of Arts during afternoons or evenings, closely integrated with their classroom practice

Mentorship

Each resident is intentionally matched with a master mentor teacher

Financial Support & Benefits

  • 30 graduate credits paid by the district—nearly a free master’s degree
  • Living stipend up to $30,000 annually (approx. $3,000/month)
  • Additional scholarship support when available
  • Certification testing fees paid
  • Promise of employment: Guaranteed teaching position upon successful completion of the program

Program Locations

Residencies are currently available in:

  • Bridgeport
  • Stamford

Certification Areas

Upon completion of the residency year and all required coursework, graduates receive their Master of Arts in Teaching with initial Connecticut state teaching certificate with an endorsement in:

  • Special Education
  • Secondary Education Science
  • Secondary Education Math
  • Secondary Education History/Social Studies (Bridgeport only)
  • Elementary Education (Bridgeport only)

Eligibility & Ideal Candidates

Eligibility Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.8 GPA)
  • Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Demonstrated passion for teaching and working with youth
  • The program seeks individuals who are:
    • Academically strong and equity-minded
    • Optimistic, open to feedback and growth-oriented
    • Solutions-focused and collaborative
    • Passionate about students and community engagement

Application Process

  • Review the admission requirements
  • Complete SHU’s graduate online application and select the residency option
  • For interest in the Teachers@Heart residency, email Rene Roselle at roseller@sacredheart.edu
  • Interview with SHU faculty
  • Complete questionnaire for mentor matching
  • Participate in a classroom visit with a potential mentor

More Information

To learn more about the Prepare & Promise Residency program, contact Rene Roselle, Ph.D. at roseller@sacredheart.edu or 203-365-7655.