A group of fifth-graders listen to their teacher, Eva Treviño, during a book review discussion at an Oak Cliff elementary school. (Photo by Rasy Ran)
UNT Dallas is launching its first-ever Teacher Residency Program in a landmark partnership with Dallas ISD.
Five university seniors – all education majors – will be paid to teach for the entire Dallas ISD 2024-25 academic year. The student teachers will receive up to $30,000 in compensation, along with full benefits.
“It is so exciting to be able to go into a classroom. Ultimately, I know that through this program, I will gain invaluable experience that will help me in my career,” said Valerie Castaneda, one of the program participants.
The novel arrangement between the UNT Dallas School of Education and Dallas ISD builds on an existing relationship to prepare university students for real-world situations so they are career-ready upon graduation. It also serves as a recruitment tool for Dallas ISD, helping to build a pipeline of future teachers.
“Research indicates that candidates who complete a residency-type clinical experience drive increased teacher retention and student learning,” said Dr. Christine Remley, Dean of the UNT Dallas School of Education. “The district, the student teachers, and most importantly, the students will benefit from this arrangement.”
The five UNT Dallas School of Education seniors will begin work on Aug. 1 and classes will begin Aug. 12. All will teach kindergarten through second grade. Three of them will be assigned to Nancy J. Cochran Elementary School in western Oak Cliff and two at Maple Lawn Elementary School in northwest Dallas. They will teach multiple subjects in bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
“I hope to leave the Dallas ISD Teacher Residency Program
Dallas ISD will also hold a job fair for aspiring and current teachers from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, at Dr. L.G. Pinkston High School.
