Preparing for Your Residency
Learn about teaching firsthand
Your yearlong residency experience begins in July with our Summer Licensure Orientation, which is taught over three days on Western’s campus. You’re then matched with a mentor teacher in a K-12 school for one full year. In-state and out-of-state school placements are available.
While completing your residency, you’ll have a network of support and you’ll receive continuous feedback from your mentor teacher, regional coordinator and Western instructors.
Your commitment
You’ll work 24 hours per week in the mentor teacher’s classroom and in the spring, you’ll increase to full-time teaching for a minimum of five weeks. You’ll follow the calendar of your placement school (i.e., beginning the year on the day that new teachers report to work, take school holidays, etc.).
Assessment
To be recommended for teacher licensure, you must perform at a “3, Proficiency” level in all relevant standards and standard elements in the classroom and earn a score of “3, Proficiency” on each summative assignment in all courses required for licensure. You must demonstrate the ability to apply the standards and standard elements in the classroom setting, assess student learning and evaluate your own teaching performance.
Mentor teachers
Master mentor teachers are selected carefully to ensure that Western students have strong models. The potential mentor teacher will self-assess their knowledge of the standards and standard elements. Students accepting residency placements are expected to successfully complete the year-long residency. Students who do not successfully complete the residency will be withdrawn from the program and must appeal to the Selection and Retention Committee for re-admittance.
Mentor requirements
- Must hold a valid teaching license in whichever area the candidate seeks licensure.
- Must have taught for three or more years.
- Must have taught for two or more years, in the present district.
- Must teach in an accredited school.
- Must be recommended by their principal.
Take the Next Step
Apply to Western
We understand that applying to a university can be daunting, which is why we make our admission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Learn more about applying to your program of choice at Western.
Visit Western
The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.
Alumni Community
We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.
Request Information
Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.