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WS/FCS Teacher Residency Program

July 2023 Update

WS/FCS TeacherResidency ProgramJuly 2023 Update

First Cohort Summer Training Has Begun!

Great news!


The WS/FCS Teacher Residency Cohort 1 has begun! This first cohort consists of 23 Teacher Residency Candidates who are seeking licensure in 13 different licensure areas. The candidates are taking in-person classes at the Education Building for five weeks and having field experiences at various summer school sites on Wednesday mornings.


They include instructional assistants seeking to be classroom teachers, teachers who previously held permits to teach or emergency licenses, a Spring, 2023 college graduate, long term substitutes, a retired engineer, and one testing coordinator.


Most of these candidates have jobs secured for 2023-2024, but several are still looking. Principals--if you see candidates who are a part of the WS/FCS Teacher Residency program, know that they will have excellent support and instruction during this school year!

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First Day

On the first day (June 26th) the 23 teacher residency candidates gathered as individuals. By the end of the first week, they were beginning to gel as a cohort and make relationships with one another.
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Role Playing

Role playing and creativity are important parts of the teacher residency program. Finding authentic joy in the journey is one of intentions of the program.
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Applications are closed for Cohort 1 and will open for Cohort 2 in the Fall

Pay attention to weekly communications in Keeping You Informed and social media (@WSFCSTR on instagram) to be the first to know when applications for Cohort 2 will be live.
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Presentations

Participants practice effective teacher skills while presenting their learning during the first week.
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Clinical Educators

WS/FCS Implementation Coach, Kelly Nichols, facilitates learning about what qualities the candidates want to have to be transformational educators.
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Mind Maps

One table of participants presents their mind map. Teacher Residency Candidates practice high leverage instructional strategies every day, and reflect on how to use them in their classrooms.
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Instructional Services--Strategic Networking and Support

Director of Social Studies, Courtney Tuck, leads the SS licensure candidates through an inquiry unit on Day 1. One part of our program design is support and networking with leaders who can assist the teachers toward excellence in an accelerated way.
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Field Experience

Every Wednesday of the summer, candidates go to summer school sites to observe and practice what they are learning. Here, the Teacher Residency candidates debrief their walkthroughs at MSES and MSMS with Executive Director of Teacher Effectiveness, Dr. Tina Lupton.
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Beginning Teacher Induction Support

The Beginning Teacher Induction Team is an integral component of the success of Teacher Residency. Here, BT Coach, Jaci Fendley, presents some Getting Better Faster strategies.
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Experiential Learning

The program includes hands-on learning and time to integrate this learning into plans for the 2023-2024 school year. As participants experience high leverage instructional strategies as learners, they reflect on how they may use them in their classrooms. Here, participants complete Challenging Assumptions Puzzles as they learn about locus of control, assumptions, and how to embed accountability into their plans for effective classrooms.
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SEL Team

Embedding SEL signature practices and a comprehensive SEL program into schools is a key feature of our program. Here, Instructional Assistants Coach, Beth Sharpe, and Teacher Residency Candidate, Reggie Glenn, participate in an SEL activator designed to build connections and help prepare body and mind for learning. Thanks to the SEL team for being a part of our residency program!
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Rooted in Equity

The teacher residency program is rooted in equity and access. Here, WS/FCS Equity Coach, Dr. Mark Maxwell, engages participants in a session that explores the history of public schools and how inequities can negatively impact students.


Thanks to all of WS/FCS for supporting these beginning teachers and for collaborating to support them with knowledge, skills, competencies, and experiences!

PREPARE+--FREE Second Year Master's Program for Selected Licensure Areas

Participants in the WS/FCS Teacher Residency Program who are seeking licensure in Elementary Education, EC-General, Secondary Math, or Secondary Science are eligible to be a part of a grant-funded master's degree program through HPU or NC A&T. These teachers will have a second year of classes and support that results in a master's degree at no cost to them. Additionally, they will benefit from a clinical educator from the university and a mentor who has undergone additional training on mentoring beginning teachers through the New Teacher Center.


Participants in Cohort 1 or Cohort 2 of the WS/FCS Teacher Residency Program are eligible to apply.


Contact PREPARE+ Director, Tracey Simpson Gardner at tsimpso1@highpoint.edu for more information.

Summer Institute on Arts Integration and Culturally Responsive Teaching is FULL

August 9th and 10th, the PREPARE+ Summer Institute for Arts Integration and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy is no longer accepting registrations. One hundred teachers have registered to attend one or more days at HPU or NC A&T to learn from state and national experts.

MTSS Praxis Support will continue!

During the 2023-2024 school year, the Teacher Pipeline Programs department will continue to offer Praxis/Pearson support at no cost to WS/FCS employees. Complete information can be found here: https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/123261

Create an Account to Receive Reimbursement for Licensure Costs

Great news! Teachers who are seeking initial licensure can earn up to $500 reimbursement toward licensure costs.

Create an account at northcarolina.teach.org to be eligible. Here is the direct link to the reimbursement form: https://northcarolina.teach.org/test-prep-voucher Use your district email account to verify that you are working in a NC public school.

edTPA Support

Did you know that our program design includes edTPA support?


One benefit of being in the WS/FCS Teacher Residency Program is support toward edTPA. All Cohort 1 members will submit their edTPA by April, 2024.


Candidates will work in cohorts led by trained facilitators toward successful edTPA submission.

What Should Interested Teachers Do Now?

1. Complete the google form so we know of their interest.

2. Join the Canvas Page for Praxis Support and work toward taking/passing the appropriate Praxis.

3. Look for information in Keeping You Informed on how to apply for Cohort 2 and PREPARE+.

4. Save the tuition deposit of $500--this payment will be due before summer training begins.

5. Email any questions to Karen Morris at ksmorris@wsfcs.k12.nc.us.

Complete information can be found here!

Teacher Residency Website