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Teaching Residency

Resident Teacher Reflections

Maleisha Jones- Woodridge ES

The most impactful part of my Residency experience thus far has been the opportunity to learn from and be supported by so many veteran teachers who have walked the exact same path that I am currently walking on. I appreciate the wealth of wisdom, knowledge, experience, and encouragement (as well as tips and tricks) that has been shared. I have learned much about the profession of teaching from what each of the Induction Coaches have modeled in their own way. This experience has really caused me to reflect often about myself, my growing teaching abilities, and what it takes for students from different cultural backgrounds and learning levels to learn the skills necessary according to their grade level. I recognize that I learn best by example and by application of what I have learned and working with my Supervising Teacher greatly helps me to apply everything that I have learned within my classroom. As I continue to learn the ins and outs of this career, I also have the opportunity to ask many questions and receive constructive feedback in real time that I can immediately apply to improve my teaching practices that align to the Framework for Teaching model.There are so many aspects of teaching that I did not realize were so complex, dynamic, and require a high level of attention, care, and proficiency when working with children in school environments. I am grateful that this Program provides the support and resources to mold and shape me into a qualified teacher who will make a great impact in many childrens' lives.

Merry Messina, Benjamin Tasker Middle School

When it was time for me to start back to work I really wanted to become a special education teacher. I looked into programs at different universities in the area. None of the programs fit the schedule nor had the programs I wanted. Then I heard about the Residency Program here in Prince George’s County Public School. The more I looked into the program the more I knew it was the perfect fit for me to achieve my goals. With the Residency Program being part of Prince George’s County Public School I have access to so many resources and people to support my growth as a teacher. When I have encountered an issue, and it has not happened often, I know if I contact someone in the Residency Department I will have an answer and more help than I need. The other reason I chose the Residency Program is because one of the programs is to obtain a special education certification. I am so glad I found the Residency Program and know it will help me become a better teacher!

Rigel Kaye Siaotong, Melwood ES

Our hands-on, enlightening, and engaging daily sessions have impacted me greatly as a teacher. Learning the nitty-gritty of ELD strategies and overall teaching pedagogies has helped widen my knowledge and understanding. I know that I will take all these lessons with me, not just during my first year of teaching but for the rest of my career. Learning from expert coaches and mentors in their respective fields has helped me grow tremendously. I know that without the program, I would not have been able to access such knowledge as easily. Due to our training across multiple fields and disciplines, I am now a more well-rounded educator.

Leta Davis, District Heights Elementary School

When I realized I was called to enter the teaching profession, I knew that I would need substantial support in order to grow into the kind of educator my students deserved to have. The Resident Teacher Program has provided me with everything I could ever hope for in that regard. The summer training was fantastic. I have an incredible mentor with me in the classroom for hours every day. The courses are comprehensive, and I have never felt so loved and supported in a professional setting in my life. If teaching is your dream, there is no better path than the PGCPS Resident Teacher Program.

Dana Green- Samuel Ogle MS

The most impactful part of my Teacher Residency experience has been the incredible support and guidance from the Resident Teacher Program leaders. The wealth of information provided during the summer Pre-Employment Training (PET) was particularly transformative. It has prepared me to step into the classroom on day one with a clear vision and readiness to make a meaningful impact on my students.

The Resident Teacher Program has been instrumental in my growth as an educator. Through its comprehensive training and ongoing support, I've gained a deeper understanding of effective teaching strategies that will truly resonate with students. The program has also helped me develop greater confidence in my classroom management skills, enabling me to create a positive and engaging learning environment. The collaborative learning with fellow residents and guidance from experienced mentors have broadened my perspective and inspired me to continuously strive for excellence. Overall, this experience has empowered me to become a more reflective, adaptable, and student-centered teacher.

Apply Here:

Resident Teacher Program Overview

PGCPS Resident Teacher Programs are Maryland Alternative Certification Programs designed for professionals interested in changing careers or recent college graduates with degrees in fields other than education. PGCPS Resident Teacher Programs are an alternate pathway to becoming a licensed classroom teacher. They are intensive, accelerated teacher training programs that place credentialed, qualified educators in critical teacher shortage areas throughout the school system.

We are looking for individuals with a college degree who demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and a commitment to learning and growing. Ideal candidates possess a relentless drive to improve student learning and set high expectations for themselves, their colleagues, and children. We are also making a particular effort to recruit a diverse pool of candidates who will use their professional experience, subject matter knowledge, and record of achievement to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students in Prince George’s County Public Schools.

We are currently recruiting for the prospective candidates for our 2025-2027 cohorts!! Join Our Team!

Recruitment: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements for the Alternative Certification Teaching Program?

Bachelor’s degree or higher
Transcript analysis with at least a 2.75 GPA
Passing scores on Praxis Core or have a 3.0 GPA / and Praxis II Content+
Successful interview
Submission of transcripts, references, and other required documents

What are the phases of the Alternative Certification Program?

Recruitment and Selection
Pre-Employment Training (occurs in the summer prior to school year)
Internship/Practicum (approximately the first 100 days of the school year, supported by a Supervising Teacher)
Residency (2 years with Induction Coach support 45 minutes a week and/or 90 minutes bi-weekly)
Maryland Professional License

What do I need to know to successfully complete the program and earn a Maryland Professional License?

To successfully complete the 2-year Dual Certification Program/ESOL/ Elementary Education and earn the Maryland Professional License in their content area from the Maryland State Department of Education, the candidate must:

Complete all NDMU/CPD coursework with a B average and a B or better in methods courses/ CPD coursework must receive a PASS as a final grade
Successfully complete all Professional Development trainings from PGCPS
Pass Praxis II Special Education (Spring of 2nd year)-NDMU ONLY
Pass Praxis Teach Reading in Elementary Education (TRE Assessment) (Spring of 2nd year) and Performance Assessment (edTPA or a portfolio)
Earn a satisfactory evaluation from the school principal during both years of residency

Pre-Employment Training: Frequently Asked Questions

When is the summer training and where does it occur?

Pre-Employment Training through PGCPS begins on July 1st (no class on July 4th) Virtually, Oxon Hill Staff Development Center or J. C. Finance Center and continues through the third week of August daily. Mon, Tues, Thursdays (Virtually), Wednesdays (In-Person) and Fridays are designated for asynchronous learning.

What does my summer training include?

All candidates will take 1-2 graduate level courses/ CPD and participate in
intensive pedagogical instruction on the skills necessary to start the school year effectively.

Can I maintain a full-time job during summer training?

You will be in training from 8:30am -4:30pm each day and given assignments that are due the next day. It might prove very difficult to work and successfully complete program requirements.

Am I paid during training?

No. We are unable to offer a stipend during training.However, if the PET and Internship phases are successfully completed, we will provide a $1,000.00 stipend.

Is childcare provided?

May I bring my child with me during the Pre-Employment Training?
No. Participants are advised that children are prohibited from attending classes with you.

How am I expected to dress?

“Business Casual” attire is appropriate during training; however, professional dress is required for ESY visitations and clinical experiences. Once you begin your teaching career during Internship, professional attire is expected. What 'Business Casual' Really Means.

What additional training is provided during the school year?

Teachers new to PGCPS participate in Pre-Service Professional Learning Days which include the Professional Educator Induction Program. This usually occurs around the 3rd week in August. Ongoing professional learning is provided throughout the year within each cohort through mandatory seminars and coursework. New educators are also provided training with Induction Coaches and monthly PEIP 2.0 sessions.

What if I am not successful in Pre-Employment Training (PET)?

Any candidate who does not successfully complete the requirements for the
Pre-Employment Training will not be able to continue in the program.

Internship: Frequently Asked Questions

How will I be placed in a school for the Internship?

Prince George's County Public Schools hiring specialists will work with the
program to place you in a high-needs school with a vacancy in your area of
certification. The placement process will occur during training. This placement will remain in effect until tenure is earned (3 years) unless the PGCEA negotiated agreement changes.

What is a high-needs school?

It is a school with a high percentage of families who qualify for free/reduced price lunch and/or a school that is not making adequate yearly progress on state tests. Additionally, if there is a shortage of teaching vacancies in a particular content area at specific schools.

When do I report to the school where I’ll be teaching and completing my Internship?

All Interns report to their schools on the first day of school for new teachers. This is the date on which your internship begins.

Will my Internship be in a single school?

Yes, in most cases.

What is the rate of pay during the Internship?

You will be paid at the base salary of a Conditional Teacher of $56,731, which is the salary at the time of the distribution of this document.

When will my Internship end?

The Internship ends when you have successfully completed all requirements as determined by the Resident Teacher Program, and based on the feedback of your Supervising Teacher, Mentor Teacher/Induction Coach, and administrators at your school. The goal is for you to complete your internship within the 100+ days time frame and become a Resident Teacher during the Residency phase. Regular teacher salary, along with the Grade appropriate for your degrees, begins at this time.

Why might I have an extended Internship?

An extended internship might occur if the program team determines that
additional time to demonstrate successful teaching skills is necessary.

What if I am not successful in my Internship?

Any candidate who does not successfully complete the requirements for the
Internship will not be able to continue in the program.

Why might I be transferred or assigned as a co-teacher after my Internship?

If the school population dictates that a staff reduction is necessary, you would then be transferred to another school with a vacancy in your subject area or be assigned to team-teach until a position becomes available.

Upon successful completion of the Pre-employment training (PET) and Internship, am I guaranteed a teaching position in my area of certification?

Yes, and in most cases this teaching position is the same position as during your Internship.

Residency Frequently Asked Questions

What salary can I expect?

Teacher salaries are determined through negotiations between the Board of Education and the Prince George’s County Educators’ Association. During your residency, you will receive the same salary as any other first year certified teacher, along with the Grade appropriate for your degrees.

Will my salary be adjusted if I have previous teaching experience?

Yes. Previous full-time teaching experience is considered when determining
salary. The “Verification of Previous Employment” form must be completed
by the previous employer and submitted to the Resident Teacher Program
office.

Do I need to be fingerprinted?

Yes, fingerprinting is a requirement and occurs at the Sasscer Administration Building, 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, 20772 (301-952-7831). The cost is $62.25. All candidates must submit a copy of the receipt received at the time of fingerprinting to the Resident Teacher Program Office no later than the first week in July . If you were previously fingerprinted for PGCPS, please provide us with a copy of your receipt.

Will I have a mentor?

Yes, a induction coach will visit your classroom on a regular basis to observe,
make suggestions, listen to your concerns, and offer advice. Additionally,
your principal may assign a job-alike mentor within the schoolhouse.

Are there additional requirements I must fulfill during Residency?

The additional requirements are as follows:

Complete NDMU graduate coursework with a B average (Dual Certification).
Complete all required coursework with a score of PASSING.
Pass Praxis II Special Education (NDMU only) and edTPA or a portfolio
Participate in scheduled professional development with fellow teachers in the Prince George’s County Resident Teacher Program.
Receive a satisfactory evaluation from the principal both years.

What happens if I do not receive a satisfactory evaluation from my principal?

In order to continue in a teaching position in Prince George’s County Public
Schools, a satisfactory evaluation is required each year. The employment of
those whose performance is less than satisfactory is terminated

How long am I expected to teach in Prince George’s County Public Schools?

Per your signed Letter of Agreement, your commitment is for a minimum of
3 years for the Dual Certification Program. If you leave before fulfilling your
commitment, you must repay the school system for the cost of your training
to include course work.

Teacher Support

Partners

Phases

Benefits

Requirements

Attend an Info Session

Contact Information

Dr. LaChon Winston

Alternative Teaching Pathways Liaison (Resident Teacher Program)

lachon.winston@pgcps.org