Philadelphia Teacher Residency “position” is not traditional employment  but an opportunity to participate in an intensive and unique apprentice-style master’s degree teacher preparation program. Financial support (living stipends and scholarships) are available but not a salary.

Philadelphia Teacher Residency (PTR) is a teacher preparation program for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals and recent graduates who want to teach math and science in Philadelphia’s high need schools (grades 6-12). PTR is a partnership between a nonprofit organization, Philadelphia Education Fund, and theUniversity of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE).

For a full school year, program participants (Residents) will learn at the elbow of experienced teachers in Philadelphia secondary school classrooms. At the same time, they will take coursework at Penn GSE to earn both a Master’s Degree as well as Pennsylvania teacher certification.

Residents commit to teach in Philadelphia public schools for at least three years after the residency year of preparation and PTR assists its graduates in obtaining a full time teaching position. For the graduated Resident’s first three years as a full-time teacher of record, PTR provides ongoing professional development activities and networking opportunities.

PTR is singularly focused on the thorough preparation and retention of math and science teachers for Philadelphia’s high need, secondary public schools. The first year of solo teaching in Philadelphia high need schools is challenging. But by the time Residents begin a school year in their own classroom, they already have a year of experience, a thorough understanding of the challenges that lie ahead, and an ongoing support network.

• Keen interest in teaching in Philadelphia public schools for at least 3-4 years
• A Bachelor's degree in mathematics, engineering, physics or chemistry (or the equivalent number of courses)
• A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 from an accredited college or university
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
• Passing scores on the required Praxis exams
• The belief that all students can learn
• The belief that it is a teacher's responsibility to address the learning needs of all students
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Leadership ability
• High level of personal responsibility and maturity
• Respect for students and their communities
• Commitment to being an agent of educational changes as demonstrated by the ability to:
• work collaboratively
• reflect critically on his or her own work
• respond constructively to feedback
• respond persistently to challenges
• succeed in a complex environment and in multiple roles
• work effectively in a diverse community