Grow Your Own Teacher Residency

The Austin Peay State University Eriksson College of Education is a national leader in equipping students to become successful teachers and working with school districts to address teacher shortages. The Austin Peay State University and Clarksville-Montgomery County School System Teacher Residency program became the first registered apprenticeship program for teaching in the country in January 2022. Tennessee is the first state nationwide to sponsor Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship programs. This model assists in addressing teacher shortages and building the talent pipeline.

Grow Your Own Graduates

What is the Grow Your Own Teacher Residency?

This accelerated teacher licensure program is available to new or upcoming high school graduates, as well as classified employees or community members (with or without a bachelor's degree). Once accepted into the program, the student works as a teacher resident in a local school district. Students are paid a salary by the school district and attend college at no initial cost.* Tuition and books are covered for participants. Throughout the three-year program, teacher residents are paired with an experienced mentor teacher in their school.

Next Steps for Students or School District Partners

If you are interested in becoming a teacher resident or partnering with Austin Peay as a school district, we want to help!

If you are a prospective student or prospective school district partner, please complete the inquiry form below so that we can provide you with information and next steps.

For more information, contact:
Amber Button
Coordinator of Teacher Residencies
931-221-7514
buttona@apsu.edu

Request Information

How Do I Become a Teacher Resident?

The application to become a teacher resident begins with the school district. Several school districts have agreements with APSU, including:

Cheatham County
Clarksville-Montgomery County
Dickson County
Gestalt Community Schools
Hawkins County
Hickman County
Nashville Classical Charter Schools
Overton County
Putnam County
Robertson County
Union County

Please note that each district may not have agreements for both Grow Your Own Teacher Residency pathways outlined below.

Grow Your Own Logo

Teacher Residency Options at Austin Peay

What is it?

This program is a three-year experience available to new or upcoming high school graduates, as well as classified employees or community members (without a bachelor's degree). Once accepted into the program, the student works as a teacher resident in a local school district.

Students are paid a salary by the school district and attend college at no cost. Tuition and books are covered for participants. Students must complete the FAFSA in order to qualify for the program.

Throughout the three-year program, teacher residents are paired with an experienced mentor teacher in their school.

Components

Accelerated coursework (3 years)
- First two years completed at partnering community college
- Third year completed at Austin Peay
- Condensed terms
No initial cost to students (tuition, textbooks, fees)
- Partnering school districts share portion of program costs
Obtain Elementary K-5 teaching licensure, with an add-on Special Education Interventionist K-8 endorsement
Teacher residents are hired by school district as paraprofessionals with full pay and benefits
Teacher residents are mentored by excellent teachers in district and university

Academic Requirements

Maintain 2.75 GPA
Complete Praxis Exams
Complete EdTPA

What is it?

This program is a one-year non-degree teaching certificate available to those who have already completed a bachelor's degree in any content area. Once accepted into the program, the student works as a teacher resident in a local school district.

Students are paid a salary by the school district and attend college at no cost. Tuition and books are covered for participants. Throughout the one-year program, teacher residents are paired with an experienced mentor teacher in their school.

This program is ideal for classified employees who want to earn their teaching license in an accelerated timeframe while receiving wraparound support from the school district.

Components

Accelerated coursework (10 months)
- Condensed terms
Fully online course delivery
Work in a paid, full-time position as a teacher apprentice
No initial cost to students (tuition, textbooks, fees)
- Partnering school districts share portion of program costs

Academic Requirements

GPA Requirements
- 2.75 GPA to be considered
- 3.0 GPA to graduate
Complete Praxis Exams
Complete EdTPA

Teacher Residency Inquiry Form

Please submit your contact information, and an APSU representative will be in touch with more information.

Please don't fill out this input box.

Inquiry Type*

Prospective Student

Prospective School District Partner

Please indicate whether you are interested in applying to become a teacher resident or if you are a district administrator interested in learning more about establishing a residency program

First Name*

Last Name*

Street Address

City

County *

State*

ZIP Code

Email*

Phone Number*

Are you currently employed by a school district in Tennessee?*

yes

Have you graduated with a bachelor's degree?