Teacher working with female student

KIPP SoCal Teacher Residency at Alder GSE

Earn your California teaching credential through a powerful apprenticeship program focused on teacher and leadership development within a highly effective, hands-on, mentored, and formal learning environment.

KIPP SoCal and Alder GSE logos

2024-25 Cohort Priority Round Opens September 1, 2023
Apply by Friday, October 13, 2023 for priority consideration

Upcoming Information Sessions

Interested in learning more about KIPP SoCal's Teacher Residency program? Join us for a short virtual info session to hear from current residents and recent alumni as they discuss their experiences with Alder's model, their impact on students in the classroom, and how the residency continues to impact their current work.

  • Thursday, September 7, 2023 | 5:30PM (Pacific) | Register Here
  • Wednesday, September 27, 2023 | 5:30PM (Pacific) | Register Here
Graduate

Meet Our Resident, Itzumi

Open laptop in classroom

7:00-8:00AM: Starting The Day

I make sure I arrive to my school site early which gives me time to check-in with my mentor, go over our agenda for the day, get started on some work, drink coffee, and overall, get ready to see our students!

teacher residency program

8:00AM-12:00PM: Observe, Learn & Mentor

Welcoming our kids and observing my mentor. For the first part of the day, I take a step back and get the opportunity to watch my teach. I monitor our students' independent practice and get to learn from my mentors teaching style.

Lunch

12:00-1:00PM: Lunch Break (Yum!) & Check-in

I get the opportunity to have some lunch, check in with other residents and prepare to teach our last two period of the day!

Students working in the classroom

2:00-4:00PM: My Turn to Teach

After observing my mentor teach the first two period and going over best teaching practices, it is my turn to apply these skills with the last two periods of the day. During this time I get the opportunity to teach, get some feedback and end our day with enrichment before dismissal.

Pet Dog

4:00PM+: After The Bell Rings

I love all things Star Wars and spend my free time at the park and at Disneyland!

Day in the life

"What has made the Teacher Resident experience meaningful to me is that I have the unique opportunity to be part of the community that made up my own educational journey! I am surrounded by so much support and familiar faces, alleviating some of the stress that can come with being a first-time teacher. I am learning everyday and look forward to the day I have my own classroom."

High Level Mentors

Exceptional Mentors

Co-teaching alongside a master teacher, you'll learn valuable mindsets and skills to prepare you for a lifetime love of learning.

Teacher with student looking at a laptop

Graduate Theory and Hands-On Practice

Your growth will escalate through a balance of graduate level theory and hands-on practice: 4 days in-classroom with a seasoned KIPP lead teacher and one-day in a cohort seminar.

Credential & Masters in One Year

Through in-person and online learning sessions, our Teacher Residency program enables you to earn your teaching credential and Master's degree in only one year. 

Teacher with two students

An Investment in Your Future

In order to support you on this journey, we provide a stipend, additional financial support for testing and study materials, along with ample resources and guidance throughout the year.

Meet Our Graduate Partner

The Teacher Residency focuses on immersive theory and graduate coursework through our partnership with the Alder Graduate School of Education. Learn more.

Partner With Alder Graduate School of Education

  • Bachelor’s degree completed by the end of June 2024
  • A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units preferred. If below a 2.65, you will be asked to request and submit a GPA appeal.
  • Tuition: $21,930 for Cohort 2023-24
    • 2024-25 tuition will be finalized by December 2023
  • You will be awarded a $32,600 stipend to support with the cost of tuition and testing fees
  • Loans acquired during undergraduate education can be deferred because Residents are enrolled in a Master’s program

Summer: Graduate level coursework via 3 weeks of in-person course intensives. Regional/school-based professional development.

Fall: Co-teach. Weekly seminars with regional cohort. Continue graduate coursework in-person and online.

Winter: Co-teaching ramps up. Continue weekly seminars. Continue graduate coursework in-person and online.

Spring: Complete coursework. Earn credential & Master's degree.