Propel Teacher Residency Program

Propel Teacher Residency Program (2024 - 2025 School Year)

Propel Schools is seeking individuals ready to commit to a career in teaching.  At Propel Schools, we believe educators must be passionate about equity and excellence to fulfill our mission of catalyzing the transformation of public education so that all children have access to high-performing public schools.  The Propel Teacher Residency Program (PTRP) is a fully-funded alternative route to teacher certification that trains, supports, and certifies individuals so they can provide high-quality education for children and young people.  If you’ve always wanted to teach but didn’t know where to start, this may be the right place.

Program Overview:

The Apprenticeship Residency model is a four-year commitment and was developed for individuals seeking the most training and support in becoming full-time certified teachers. In the program, the Resident will earn a $2,000/month stipend and be reimbursed for individual healthcare.  

Each Resident receives a full scholarship to Point Park University.  Point Park University is the only Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-recognized Pennsylvania institution offering an American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) program. ABCTE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to putting qualified professionals in the classroom through a state-approved alternative teacher certification program.

Residents work alongside a Propel educator during the week, receive individualized coaching support and professional development from the Residency Team, and have one day a week dedicated to ABCTE and Point Park coursework. Throughout the program, residents will be training full-time with our Residency Team.

After the first year, you will be placed as a permanent Full-Time Educator (starting salary according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, plus full benefits after the initial year of residency) in one of our thirteen Propel Schools. In year two, you will receive ongoing support and coaching through Residency, and in year three, you will continue to participate in the induction program through Propel Schools. 

Who We Are Seeking

Propel Schools developed a rigorous full-time educator training initiative to tackle a critical challenge — recruiting, developing, and retaining quality educators. The Propel Teacher Residency Program prepares educators for culturally responsive teaching and meeting the instructional needs of all scholars. We seek candidates who prioritize social justice and educational equity for all scholars. 

Successful Residents finish the program as Pennsylvania-certified teachers with three years of teaching experience. Residents also gain the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of scholars and communities impacted by poverty and race. Propel Schools also recognizes that Black and Brown educators boost our scholars' academic performance and help close the achievement gap. Therefore, we are particularly interested in further diversifying our educator population and thus encourage candidates from historically marginalized communities to apply. 

Pennsylvania Certifications offered for Propel Schools through the ABCTE (American Board for Teacher Certification and Excellence) program include:

• Special Education PK-12
• Elementary Education PK-4
• Chemistry 7-12
• Biology 7-12
• Mathematics 7-12
• English 7-12
• Social Studies 7-12

Eligibility:

• Pennsylvania Department of Education clearances Act 34 (Criminal), Act 151 (Child Abuse), Act 114 (FBI Criminal History), and negative TB test
• Not currently enrolled in, nor has completed a teacher preparation or certification program
• 2 years of experience working with children / young people in an urban setting is strongly preferred

Benefits:

• Fully funded American Board for Certification Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) track
• Fully funded Point Park tuition and mentorship
• Stipend to help cover living expenses ($2000 per month) plus health insurance 
• A first full year of mentorship through a residency with an experienced Propel educator and the Propel Teacher Residency Program Team
• Three years of full-time employment with Propel Schools upon successful completion of the Residency year

The selection process for the Propel Teacher Residency Program is highly selective, and the Program has limited capacity.  Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

First Application deadline: December 1st, 2024

Second Application deadline: April 1st, 2025

Salary : $2,000